Thread: Plane Blades and Chisels ( A progress report )

Just another one on the side looking in.
Now which I had put my hand up they look absolutely fantastic Ray.
And good on you for sticking with it well done.
Now about those saws your going to make ??????
Cheers Matt

Originally Posted by RayG

Don't let the critics get you down, hang in there and stick with what you like doing, I've seen some very innovative things from you over the last year or so, the reason I'm not doing another batch is more personal, it's just too much hassle. I could write a book about this particular project, but I won't, it's not a commercial project, it's a labour of love, and, I'd prefer to let the results speak for themselves. These chisels will hopefully last for generations into the future, the hassles and delays along the way will be long forgotten.

As far as tool making goes, I have plans for some saws, I'd like to make a few thin plate tenon saws.

I'm going to keep building tools, I'm just not going to build to order anymore. My other work now takes first priority and, if we achieve our aims, I can build tools full time if I like.

Generally the people who buy hand-made tools are great but there is a small segment that seems to expect near-instant gratification and mass-market pricing despite being clearly told that making from scratch is often a long process.

The quality of your chisels is tangible even through the photographs, someday I'd like to try making a set too.

Build to order is like having a million little strings attached to you, all trying to pull a little bit at a time.

Originally Posted by D.W.

Build to order is like having a million little strings attached to you, all trying to pull a little bit at a time.

D.W.
I've made custom, fully HAND made jewellery for 40 years, and what you say has validity.
There are a few very important things to watch out for in custom tool design and making that I think have some similarities to what I do, and some other things that will be much more unique to tool making.
I explain it to folk like this. Everything I make isn't a prototype that has some faults and flaws I'll sort out later. Although it is new and unique, it follows well worn paths that go back to the ancients. It is a finally realized product, and to do that I need a full and expert grasp of the problem and the knowledge and tools to execute it just right the first time.

There is a strong tendency, especially in start up, to think as a custom maker you should be all things to all people.
A common thread in initial discussions, particularly originating from a person commissioning a piece is to couch it in terms along the lines of .... "I've got this great idea, and it'll be a challenge, and since you are a custom maker ... you must love a challenge"
I believe this is not a really good start because, if it sets the standard for your business model, it will put too much control in hands of the lesser expert in the enterprise. It will also encourage the buyer to bring the "invisible experts" along to force you to do what you know will compromise your work.
If by chance you strike a well informed buyer, who has detailed and expert HANDS-ON experience, it will turn into a collaborative effort, and can be some of the most rewarding work you can ever do, but that will be very, very rare.
Most internet and google experts are just that ... recently enlightened, very loud and masters of the medium. Much more trouble to deal with if they can get hold of the reins in the job.

At the outset, a clear and concise statement that sees those things potentially coming on the horizon towards you will be a fantastic thing to help stop the grief that will come if you loose control of the work.
This doesn't have to be a negative sounding statement. All it needs to be is a strongly positive expression of where you think you are in the process, and what you are going to make and how.

If a person is recently enlightened in tool use, and for them making custom work to order is learning experience .... and at the same time they are expecting a buyer to pay them for the thrill of the chase ... that to me is a model for spectacular failure, and it deserves to be just that.

This chisel making deal is a real strange one. I'm certain there a people who have no idea what those chisels would be worth if they were costed out as a commercial enterprise.
Ray and Josh have booked a spot in heaven.
People who do the amount of work they have for no return, and AND put up with the abuse over the journey with such good humor are rare indeed.

Cheers,
Peter
In Main Ridge, VIC

Well said Peter, that is good advice for any venture not just creative.
Learning to say No is the hardest but most important lesson in running your own business.

I look forward to some new saws from Ray.

A name for your new venture Ray (I don't think you can escape this now you have let the cat out of the bag) and being mindful of the comments from Rob, David and Peter:

"Saw Point."

I can see logo in a rectangular box with the bottom horizontal a series of wicked looking rip teeth.


Regards
Paul

Originally Posted by RayG

After 30 hours of planes and airports I arrived in Austria a few hours ago., but I can arrange to get it posted. I have something extra to send, but that can wait.

Ray

When you get back will be ok - I've just landed another must do thingy which will take precedence in the short-term.
thanks anyway

Well, I got mine today. The beauty of these chisels is somewhat difficult to capture with a phone. The sizes are in most cases bang on, or within .05 mm of bang on. Let's be clear here, does that really matter? No I say. It had been discussed earlier in the process that due to the cutting issues that in some cases the actual size may vary somewhat. As an example, the 3mm chisel comes in at 2.95 mm. This was the chisel that seemed to pose the greatest problem. Personally, I reckon a marvellous and outstanding job has been done by all involved. The packaging was excellent and mine arrived quickly and safely. These are head and shoulders WAY above expectations. I shall enjoy using these immensely. Brilliant engineering, Thanks to Ray, Josh and anyone else involved in producing this spectacular result.
Cheers
Bevan

IMG_2983.jpgIMG_2982.jpgIMG_2981.jpg

Stunning work. A lot of care and attention, right down to the final packaging. Old school quality.

Stewie,

They look great. I am looking forward to getting these. I know that a number of people have put in LOTS of time/effort/stress/money to get these done. So to All involved I say thanks. Designing and producing things via a collective is a frustrating exercise.
To Ray and Josh...
Thanks for taking on a job that others wouldn't or could not do for the token offered to you.
You have made a contribution that is far greater than an out sourced provider would have to produce a fine finished product. I know you guys have received more than a little flack over time but I thank you for getting it done to your own high standards.
Will be watching as the sets roll out.

I've got chisel envy!

A big thank you to Ray and Josh and everyone else involved in this venture.
I ordered my chisels without handles so I am have a journey ahead of me to finish off the chisels. I was thinking of making a jig so I can mount the ferrules in my metalwork lathe so I can smooth them to a high gloss finish.
I will still have to wait for my chisels to be completed but this time it will be my own fault, I may have to send myself an occasional harassment email to keep the project moving.

Thanks again to all involved in the project.

Polie

The ferrules should just need a polish. What I have done before is mount them on a small set of step jaws on my wood lathe and hit them with a little metal polish. Came up a treat!!

Originally Posted by Enfield Guy

The ferrules should just need a polish. What I have done before is mount them on a small set of step jaws on my wood lathe and hit them with a little metal polish. Came up a treat!!

I agree you could polish them as is but their are the spiral tool marks you get from a lathe, my plan was to sand them flat then buff then to a gloss.
I figured it would lighten the look of them, they currently look like a chunk of turned brass and therefore heavy, I am hoping it will look more like a thin piece of highly polished brass plate but still have the strength of the turned brass.

Polie