Talking of Birthday presents, mine finally arrived from Japan.

Sigma Power Select II 13,000 Ceramic Waterstone +

Special order Tsunesaburo Spokeshave Blade,

42mm Blue Steel + Wrought Iron. 

 

 

I used my Japanese Global knife to open them...

I like the double signature - but I have seen cleaner Ashi before.

The poor photo has caught a reflection off the lacquer layer -

which I have since cleaned off.

 

Thinner than a kanna blade would be, but nicely tapered.

 

And sharp from the packet (again there is a lacquer mark which is now off)

Now this is hot, be careful...

They are my Japanese Chip Breakers getting up to critical temperature.

Ready to be hardened, I am making some 5mm thick.

 

 

And this is an Anvil...

 

Then to a more up to date Forge for heat treating!

 

Here on the left is an antique Japanese Chip Breaker I am using as a template.

It also helps to show British Blacksmiths what it is you are trying to achieve!

On the right you can see how I have cut down a slotted blade.

I now have 2 thin blades, but they needed heat treating.

 

This is because we they lost their temper when being cut with the Angle Grinder.

So we then hardened and tempered them.

Interestingly Garrick used a heated bar as the heat source -

so you touch the blade to the bar.

This allows far more control in the process.

They are now MUCH better than the original!

 

 

I had this thrust in my hand as I left - don't know who made it?

Sure I will find something to hang on it.

Never did find out what my Birthday present was?!...

Interesting Chair made by one of the Tutors.

Just before I get to the metalwork bit...

Check out the cool fountain designs they make on site.

They are used to aerate the trout ponds.

Some are based on the chambers of the heart.

 

 

Yes its true, my youngest son is currently obsessed with snails!

Its been a good year to be into Snails.

This is the view from the workbench at the wood turning area.

Can you believe it?!

A little later on I did a demo with some Japanese Planes I took along.

I was worried about the movement as they are not use to be outdoors!

It was remarked that they were very good at making toilet tissue...

 

 

View from Outside - approx 6 pole lathes + 3 shave horses etc.

 

Time for a cuppa from the stove?

 

Yours truly making a mallet handle.

David in the background, many thanks for your help - it was my first time!

So I turned up to work with my Bro and do some smithy work...

and David says 'hey want to make something on the lathe?'

Next thing he points at a pile of wet branches on the floor,

and says pass me the Holm Oak...

(which is funny as I just mad a Mallet handle in Holm Oak)

How do I know what moss covered Holm Oak looks like?

So we split it up, side axe to size, shave horse round, then off we go...

 

 

I have to admit David did the finishing touches and even sanded it for me!

I was in a hurry to get up to the Forge...

Umm next post will be on the metal work I got done I think!

 

 They have a nice restored water wheel on the site.

A pipe by the side runs a generator as well.

 

Went to work with my Brother for the day yesterday.

He works and teaches here in the woods.

Can you see the workshop? (one of them?)

Its just over that little bridge...

 

 

Nearly there...

 

 

There it is!

What a lovely walk to work eh?

Time to get the forge going.

I think I might make some Japanese Chipbreakers while I am here...