These carving gouges came to me at different times with other tools that were more easily put in working order. They have been rolled up for years waiting for restoration. To some, their condition would seem too far gone, too much, and too deep, pitting for them to be able to hold a keen edge. … Continue reading ADDIS CARVING GOUGES RESTORED
Tools
“Credit John MacPherson for Cash Recevied – £20.5”
By early spring 1763 Thomas Nevell's journeymen and apprentices were spending the working week on site at Mount Pleasant. Nevell was receiving cash installments for the work from John Macpherson roughly every two weeks in amounts that ranged between £5 and £40. Nevell credited his carpenters their time working with weekly entries in his daybook. … Continue reading “Credit John MacPherson for Cash Recevied – £20.5”
“Debit John McPherson to building a Lime House” Thomas Nevell daybook, May 7, 1763
By the spring of 1763 work was well underway on Captain John and Margaret Macpherson's country retreat Mount Pleasant. The Macpherson's initially purchased 38 acres of land from Benjamin Mifflin and his wife Hannah in September 1761 and would add to this acreage with additional purchases of land after the buildings on the site were completed four … Continue reading “Debit John McPherson to building a Lime House” Thomas Nevell daybook, May 7, 1763
The Carver’s Bench Screw
I use carver's screws with most carving projects. I need to hold a carving securely while retaining the option to work on it from various angles. For centuries, the carver's screw has been essential for work that requires modeling and that cannot otherwise be conveniently held by clamps or nails. In the photo above, the … Continue reading The Carver’s Bench Screw
Carving seminar in York, Pa
On June 28 and 29 2013 I will be back at the Olde Mill Cabinet Shoppe to teach a carving seminar. From the class description: "The class will provide instruction in learning from the tool, with the goal of gaining an understanding of how simple cuts can provide endless variety. We will gain facility in … Continue reading Carving seminar in York, Pa
In Proportion to the Trouble 