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Category Archives: Tools
A Simple Looking Glass Molding
The following write-up describes the making of a conventional looking glass molding that can be scaled up or down to suit the size of the frame. For better examination click on any of the images for an enlarged view. Generally … Continue reading
Posted in Miscellaneous Forms, Tools
3 Comments
The Finished Finials – finally
We’ve had a project in the shop I’d like to tell you all about. Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Trades Department is working with The Museum of the American Revolution to construct a copy of George Washington’s wartime Headquarters- “The First Oval … Continue reading
Beyond the Standard Rule
Hello everyone: No this is not directly about the spinet keyboard work, although it all relates, as you will see… Just a little followup to one topic I touched on back in January at the Mount Vernon WW conference. Why … Continue reading
Posted in Drawing & Design, Sundry Historical Matters, Tools
4 Comments
Yes, Virginia, There Really Is Sandpaper in 1775
Okay, we would like to settle the perennial question (or statement) we get in the shop: “Since you didn’t have sandpaper…” or “Did they have sandpaper?” or “Was sandpaper available back then?” Answer: Yes, we had it. Proof? Here goes: … Continue reading
Small Planes: More Tools of Our Time
Hello everyone: Anyone recognize these little tools? If you are into violin making or bow making, you should. They are known by names such as violin planes, finger planes, palm planes. They may look like toys from their size, but … Continue reading
Posted in Harpsichords and Spinets, Tools
10 Comments
An 18th Century German Treatise on the Chairmaker’s Trade
In 1700 almost all of the white inhabitants of British colonial America were English or descended from English immigrants. The total white and black population was only about 250,000. By 1776 this figure had grown to 2.5 million! Contributing to … Continue reading
Toothing Plane Update
Hello again, all: On the recent post about toothing planes, we had a question in the comments section as to whether they were used to flush dovetail pins on drawer sides. As Bill replied, we remember seeing this but have … Continue reading
Posted in Casework, Joinery, Tools
Tagged Colonial Williamsburg Cabinet Shop, hand plane, Handtool Woodworking, joinery, toothing plane
5 Comments
The Toothing Plane: A Tool of Our Time
Okay, everyone, prepare to be re-acquainted with what could be construed as one of an 18th century woodworker’s secret weapons. (Drum rolls, please.) The toothing plane, a tool that has gotten me out of more difficult situations than I care … Continue reading