Category Archives: Tools

A Simple Looking Glass Molding

Posted on July 30, 2014 by

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

Posted on November 13, 2013 by

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 →

Image | Posted on November 13, 2013 by | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Beyond the Standard Rule

Posted on October 8, 2012 by

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

Posted on February 26, 2012 by

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 →

Posted in Sundry Historical Matters, Tools | Tagged , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Small Planes: More Tools of Our Time

Posted on July 14, 2011 by

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

Posted on March 22, 2011 by

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 →

Posted in Chairs, Sundry Historical Matters, Tools, Treatise by Sprengel | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Toothing Plane Update

Posted on March 6, 2011 by

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 , , , , | 5 Comments