AW #131.pdf - Karatunov.net

THe Toor- Hururrn
My passion for fine old tools goes back to my youth, when I helped
out in my grandfathers basement shop. I fondly remember the idle
moments when I would kick the sawdust around his Unisaw brush
the shavings off his lathe, spin the wheel of his disc sander and fiddle
with the pivoting light on his drill press. My grandfather believed
in getting the best, and in the 1930's and '40s, that meant Delta
power tools
Today, his tools are in my shop. He taught me to treat them
with respect, and they're still in excellent condition. I use them
for all my woodworking projects. That drill press, for example
(see photo at right), works as good as the day it was made in
Milwaukee. lt's all made from steel or cast iron - even the cowling
covering the belt and front pulley.
My grandfather also had a few good hand tools which I put to
use when I started restoring old furniture many years ago. I got
hooked on those tools, and wanted more. Most of the vintage tools I
found needed restoration, just like my furniture. As my collection and
skills grew, I began to restore tools for other folks. l've turned this
hobby into a part-time business, and now sell classic hand tools in {
a local antique mall.
Artisan-made wooden planes hold a special place for me. When
I pick one up, I feel like l'm shaking hands with a highly skilled
woodworker of days gone by. The jack plane with the carveo
front handle (top $il
left) was
well-loved bv the fellow who
made it. lts sole has clearlv
been worn down and releveled manv
times. The small rounding plane (bottom)
was shaped to perfectly fit somebodys
hand. lts blade is bedded at a verv
steep angle for planing figured
wood. The fore plane (middle)
came from a shop in Stavanger,
Norway. lts made from a verv rare
wood, Cuban mahogany, and shows an
attention to detail that must have insoired
rts maker to do equally good work each
time he used it. I know that its maoic
works for me!
Allen Snyder
18 AmericanWoodworker OCToBER2ooT
Toor-s Oun RTnDERS
Love
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yog a Tool Nut, too? you'll get the new Leatherman
Charge AL aerospace.aluminum multi-tool-if we publish your story.
Send your tale to toolnut@americanwoodworker.-com, or'mail it to
American Woodworker, 1285 Corporate Center Drive. Suite lg0.
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