Author Archives: stevetomlin

Mastering the skew chisel

Like lots of turners, whether on a pole-lathe or powered lathe, it’s the skew chisel that’s always caused me headaches. With a life of it’s own and seemingly no other intention than to mess up details at the last moment … Continue reading

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Winter break

Life is seasonal and happily so is my work schedule. While the rest of the year are full with shows, courses and scythes, the winter period especially after Christmas is a time when I can make my plans for the … Continue reading

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Buying the right size scythe

A scythe is a very personal tool and should be sized and adjusted to fit your body and mowing style for the most comfort and efficiency. This was especially true with the older English and American pattern scythes when the … Continue reading

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Yew Tree Barn Christmas Market 2012

Another chance to pick up some Cumbrian handmade crafts for the perfect present at the Yew Tree Barn Christmas Market on 8 & 9 Dec from 10-5pm at Low Newton near Grange-over-Sands in the Lake District. Directions available on their … Continue reading

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Pounding ash splints

Sometimes, you just want to take the piece of wood and beat the hell out of it. Thankfully, the other week when Phil, Frank and I did just that it was for good reason and not just to release some … Continue reading

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Shrink Pots

As wood dries, it shrinks and often changes shape as a result. This is a major concern for most woodworkers and they go to great lengths to dry timber and keep it dry before starting work. With greenwood work I … Continue reading

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Scything at Christmas

Normally the scythe scene is all quiet by now but in the last couple of weeks I’ve had a steady stream of enquiries from people wanting to buy Learn to Scythe courses as Christmas presents. It’s a great idea, give … Continue reading

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Rocking Chair Rush Seat

I’ve spent a couple of days weaving the rush seat on the new rocking chair and I’m pretty happy with the results. The colours in the rushes are beautiful, a mix of greens and yellows which complement the ash well. … Continue reading

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Scythe haymaking video

I made this video during the Scythe Improvers and peening courses I ran in August with clips of the group learning to mow in the orchard, hammering and cutting weeds on a slope. It also includes the haymaking Edward, Christiane … Continue reading

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Ladderback rocking chair

A couple of photos from a rocking chair commission I’ve been working on. This is a ladderback style chair made of ash from the Edenhall Estate near Penrith with specially narrow slats to lighten the effect of the frame. For … Continue reading

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