Mar
27
2010
Have you been combing eBay in hopes of finding vintage sets or individual planes of the Hollows and Rounds variety? I’m happy to help get the word out that there is a new plane maker on the scene that may be able to help.
Matt Bickford Photo.
In recent times the desire for these planes has increased dramatically, and the availability of them is scarce. The plane makers who currently offer them have backlogs I’ve read that are over two years long.
Matt Bickford Photo.
Enter Matt Bickford. Matt was recently asked what his focus was on and he said:
“I’m focusing on molding planes: hollows/rounds, snipes bills, I make rabbets like that pictured too. Basically, I make those non-bench planes listed in Builders Dictionary published in the early 1700’s less the plow. I can certainly make specific profiles if you want something out of Chippendale’s Director.
Is there something specific for which you are looking? Please let me know.”
Matt Bickford
The photos tell the tale. Welcome Matt to toolmaking! If there is something specific in this line of tooling for which you are looking, please do let Matt know!
Contact Matt, Place your order.
Thanks for looking, Happy Woodworking!
Oct
06
2009
Sorry it has been so long since I checked in! I have been kept really busy in the shop making shooting boards, and have not really had a great deal of free time to write. My Bad.
I have had a few folks step up and ask me to take the time to write more often, and they are right, I should. I have some great future articles in mind, so I will try to work on being here more frequently.
The reason why I am writing this post is a bit different, but I think it is timely.
~ Blue Spruce Toolworks Skew Chisels ~
Generally speaking, woodworkers are amongst some of the very nicest people I have had the opportunity to know and befriend in my life. They are creative and artistic, ingenuitive and engineer-like, eager to help, designers, full of dreams and imagination.
They are witty, unafraid to debate and keep each other informed of where they stand, usually with a ready smile on their face. Their willingness to help, and be generous is super heartwarming. I mean, how cool is that? While I am somewhat reclusive by nature, and tend to keep to myself personally, I have had contact with many of you by email, phone, and in woodworking forums. This isn’t lost on me.
The people behind making a great deal of the hand tools which are available to woodworkers these days are almost always woodworkers themselves, who are following dreams, and doing what they love. It is rewarding work I am learning — the friendships and acquaintances we make are wonderful. It is an awesome feeling, knowing that in some small way, a tool you make helps someone improve their craftsmanship, and assists them in accomplishing their dreams of woodworking. Continue Reading »
