Monthly Archives: May 2011

Mowing for the first time

Posted on May 15, 2011 by stevetomlin

Mothersday in Austria – a weekend where I don’t need to do anything because the kids are doing the cooking, washing up and all. So what is better than to have all the time you want for what you enjoy … Continue reading →

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Shaving Mule

Posted on May 15, 2011 by stevetomlin

I was expecting plenty of response to the post “In praise of the homegrown shavehorse” which is a good thing as I want to encourage folk to debate and think about what they’re doing. I thought the first reply warranted … Continue reading →

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New old tools

Posted on May 15, 2011 by stevetomlin

It’s 7am on a sunday and I’m walking around a farmer’s field in the rain – there must be a car boot sale. Following the recent workshop fire I’m planning to try and repair as many of the tools as … Continue reading →

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Going Straight!

Posted on May 15, 2011 by stevetomlin

With reference to Steve’s note (April 9th) on the Pembrokeshire snath in the Museum of English Rural Life, those interested in snath variations can study this page from an old catalogue. I came across this on the internet. It’s a … Continue reading →

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In praise of the homegrown shavehorse

Posted on May 14, 2011 by stevetomlin

For most greenwood workers a shavehorse is at the centre of their workshop. An ingeniously simple yet effective device for holding work it is used along with a drawknife to shave chair parts, blanks for the lathe, rake heads and … Continue reading →

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Back from the Bodgers Ball 2011

Posted on May 11, 2011 by stevetomlin

The Bodger’s Ball was a great weekend; plenty of interesting demos, folk to talk to and time for to relax with a beer. A wonderful setting too at Lower Brockhampton in Herefordshire. Too many things to write now so here’s … Continue reading →

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First Grass of the Year

Posted on May 9, 2011 by stevetomlin

Following the long winter break, mowing the first grass of the year is always special. This year it was for a demonstration at the Greenwood Worker’s ‘Bodger’s Ball’. I always feel a little bit nervous after being away from mowing … Continue reading →

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Bodger's Ball 2011

Posted on May 6, 2011 by stevetomlin

This weekend I’ll be at the Bodger’s Ball, the annual get-together and AGM for the Association of Pole-lathe Turners & Greenwood Workers. This year it’s being held at Brockhampton Estate – Lower Brockhampton in Herefordshire. The weekend is normally full … Continue reading →

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Straightening rake stails

Posted on May 5, 2011 by stevetomlin

A straight stail is essential for a good rake so it can slide through your hands while you work and and for balance. You can test a rake’s balance by holding it horizontally in your hands. As you relax your … Continue reading →

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Scythe documents declassified!

Posted on May 5, 2011 by stevetomlin

Thanks to unnamed contacts sympathetic to the Scytherspace cause I have come into possession of an FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of the US) document entitled Report to the Goverment of Iraq on Small Agricultural Implements which has been specially declassified for … Continue reading →

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