James Bacon Addis (1829-1889) was the younger brother, by 18 years, of Samuel Joseph Addis. He was a third generation carving tool maker – his father, Joseph James Addis (1792-1858), was master to his older brother and his grandfather, Samuel Bayton Addis (1768-1832), had worked in the trade since the 1780s. He might have been … Continue reading James Bacon Addis, Prize Medal Carving Tools
Tools
The Addis Family, the Herring Brothers, and Ward & Payne
If you’re a carver, woodworker, or interested in the history of edge-tools you will recognize some or all of the names in the title of this post. “ADDIS” in one form or another was imprinted on edge-tools produced in England, primarily woodcarving tools, for well over a century. Many of the carving tools made by … Continue reading The Addis Family, the Herring Brothers, and Ward & Payne
John Grass Wood Turning Company Lament
“The history of the John Grass Wood Turning Company points out the great changes that have taken place in the manufacturing process over the past century and a half. The fact that the structure and machinery are in essentially the same place and condition as when the firm was founded is remarkable. Both the skill … Continue reading John Grass Wood Turning Company Lament
Chips and Shoulders
Responding recently to a question about the quality of carving gouges marked C. Maiers, I noticed that in the post I wrote two years ago about some of the C. Maiers tools I own and use I said I had never seen a C. Maiers tool with a shoulder. Since then I’ve acquired two Maiers … Continue reading Chips and Shoulders
Catching Up
There were several questions I didn’t have the answer to during my week teaching at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking. I’m using this post to correct that with the hope that those who attended the class stop in here from time to time. Several years ago I decided to make an another attempt at … Continue reading Catching Up
In Proportion to the Trouble 