Skarsten' Style Scraper Available This style of scraper was once made by Skarsten in the UK - haven't seen them for years and we are often asked if they are available. Can be honed on a suitable stone or spare packs of spare blades available. SEE HERE. We also offer the 4 sided German scraper which is good enough to be fettled up as a cabinet scraper. To sharpen, loosen the screws, align the edges of the scraper on a honing surface, tighten screws and hone the flat on both blade at once. SEE HERE.

Nifty New Stubai Multi-Gauge Stubai have just released a new multifunction gauge with replaceable steel pins.  It can be used as an offset scribe to fit a profiled stick of wood, a compass and marking gauge.  It has a 220mm range with metric calibrations and is precisely made with high quality aluminium.

M-Power Tools & Equipment We now stock several of the M-Power tools range. Router Base - HERE Fence Kit - HERE Edge Guide - HERE Trammell Heads - HERE Profile Scribe - HERE RH Tape Measure - HERE Pantograph - HERE  Vacuum Hold Down - HERE      

An Email Conversation May 2015 - Is Renaissance Wax Safe for use on chopping boards? > Question> Is the Renaissance microcrystalline wax/polish food safe?> Can I use it on cutting boards?> Can I melt it into Mineral Oil instead of using beeswax?> Cheers> Gary  Gary,See here for the fuller storyhttp://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3146.htm Read more: Is Renaissance Wax Safe for Chopping Boards

The Forbidden City Beijing - Some Construction Insights The forbidden city in Beijing is a massive walled compound of some 960 x 750 metres containing over 900 buildings.  It is the centre of the ancient capital and was built between the early 1400's and completed two hundred years later. It's main attractions now for tourists are the series of palace buildings which are wooden structures in the main with the wood covered in what we might call a gesso, presumably a clay based plaster which conceals the wood and allows for decoration. The wood used for the massive beams and…

A Nifty New Oil Applicator Precision oil dispensing 'pen' suited to maintenance of scissors, weapons, folding knives and all shear blades.  The synthetic oil resists temperatures up to 260 deg. C, is approved for contact with food by USDA and FDA and physiologically safe according to DAB and LFGB (see below). Anti-drip 7mm long stainless steel nozzle allows precise dosing. Contents 12ml.  Details HERE

An Email Conversation May 2015 - Is Renaissance Wax Safe for use on chopping boards? > Question> Is the Renaissance microcrystalline wax/polish food safe?> Can I use it on cutting boards?> Can I melt it into Mineral Oil instead of using beeswax?> Cheers> Gary  Gary,See here for the fuller storyhttp://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3146.htm an excerpt below - emphasis is mineADI = average daily intake =============Following a request from The European Commission, the Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on microcrystalline wax (E 905) when used as a food additive. Microcrystalline wax…

Hybrid Hand Saws - in two size options These saws meet the market for western users who are accustomed to using a hand saw in a typical western method but who also appreciate the sophistication of the Japanese style crosscut teeth. If you have the eyes re-sharpenable, cut on both pull and push with 0.8mm blades and 1.05mm kerf.  They cut with amazing speed. Details HERE.

An Email Conversation - Does Tung Oil breathe better than a Poly Finish?  > Question> I have a timber house with 150mm baltic floor boards and a badly ventilated (poor extension work) sub floor area with variable moisture content. Would tung oil let the timber breathe and thereby reduce the risk of cupping which happened when I covered one room with precoated solid timber boards?> Also should all coats be diluted at 50% and what is the coverage rate?> Thank you for your advice.> Regards ResponseGeneral comments on thinning, coverage and technique are herehttp://www.thewoodworks.com.au/technical-data-sheets/tung-oil-aka-china-wood-oilIn theory a tung treated stick is…

Chris Lacey - Tasmanian Based Scroll Sawyer Chris is dealing with the onset of Parkinsons and is a remarkable example of how the highly precise hand eye skills needed in scroll sawing can be maintained in the face of a such a diagnosis. Chris is an advocate for increasing awareness of Parkinsons and has had quite some media exposure in his endeavours. He can accept commissions. Contact Chris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. His latest opus in Tiger Myrtle and Huon Pine.  Note the Bird's Eye Huon in the front panel.