After spending a significant time building furniture and other commissions sometimes I get weary of following plans or working to fulfill certain criteria that are desired by my patrons and others.
So I make it a rule that every so often at least once every 6 weeks I just play.
Whether that is trying a new design or just pushing my hand tool skills as far as I can through experimentation or after reading an old woodwork book and try to emulate the craftsman of old.
I find the sojourns into the past very revealing and satisfying getting in touch as it were with the essence of the craft.
Where speed and machine exactness are not the priority. But more of a hindrance to the object of the exercise. This is the result of the most resent playtime.
All done by hand tools it involved the use of Draw-knives, Chisels, Mallet, Saws, Scrub, Jointer, Jack, Smoothing and Block Plane, Spoke Shaves and Carving Chisels.
3 days for the construction which involved dressing timber from scratch and planing to thickness.1 Day for the carving.
So that is the pleasure and the results of playing. Not only is there a wonderful handmade piece at the end. (I use it for a Lunchtime chair!) The real benefit is that I become more competent with Hand-tools which brings me in closer contact with the material, process and real skill of what it is to be a true woodworker.
On a sobering note based on my hourly rate and the time taken plus materials. To make it a financially viable I would have to charge $3067.50. So if you do know of anyone that really has to have one that's what it will cost or they can have this one for a round $2500.00 because I've sat on it.
cheers
Steve
Viewer Comments:
Bravo Steve! I like your aproach to keeping the passion alive in the craft. Nothing worse than waking up one day and realizing that the craft you once loved has become a chore! What a unique and beautiful stool. I think 2500 would be a steal! keep up the good work.
love the choice of claro walnut but have to disagree about the elevated status of hand tools vs the lowly one of machine tools. you limit yourself with this bias...your work shows it...
Sorry forgot to mention the timber used is Qld Walnut, "Endiandra palmerstonii."
Finish is Raw Linseed Oil.
Cheers
Steve
Steve, nice work. I would hate to see what you can make with power tools!
I don't think Steve ever called power tools lowly. He just recognizes the benefit of hand tool proficiency. I know we can do amazing things with power tools, but a craftsman with the ability to manipulate wood with hand tools simply has options for the way he chooses to complete a task.
Thanks Chris, It was never my intention nor desire to run down any machine or power tool or user. In fact the reason I do do hand work as an exercise every so often is as you say 'to keep the skills alive and active.'
Even though I like to flatten some of my own boards by hand. On paid jobs I use thicknesser, Jointer, table saws, Drop saws, Bandsaws and so on.
Cheers
Steve.
Nice little design. Very well made. But, you would charge over 3 grand for it? That doesn't make sense.
That was the tongue in cheek part. And the reason why I use machinery on commercial job. Because the cost of full hand tool work is to prohibitive to the average customer.
But I would take it if it were offered!!
Cheers
Steve
