Monday 18 April 2011

High Woods

Just done a 3 day workshop at High Woods Country Park in Colchester.  We last did it two years ago when Jed was our new puppy.  They have a switched on attitude to their volunteers and reward them with training in wooden rake making, basketry, hedge laying, green woodwork, trips to Westonbirt Arboretum etc.

Brian, the Mayor of Wivenhoe struggling to burn lines into his dibber.
Trudi looks like she's enjoying carving her spoon.
Greg with his hobo's reel
Russ made a very nice Chestnut spurtle.
A happy group at the end of the last day.

They've made one of Mike Abbotts Champion the Lumber Horses - it's the first time I've tried one and it felt really good.  I'm going to make one with a few tweaks here and there - download the plans here.
However that drawknife in the picture was a Ray Iles one which Mike has apparently designed - it was awful to use.  The bevel is far too steep and the handles are at the wrong angle to the cutting edge (too high).

1 comment:

Gorges Smythe said...

"...the handles are at the wrong angle to the cutting edge (too high)."

Try turning it over; it might surprise you (or it MIGHT be worse).