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#1 ·
LJ meeting in Luxemburg parc, Paris - Copenhagen.

LJ meeting in Luxemburg parc, Paris - Copenhagen.
The great Sodabowski meets MaFe the vintage architect

Yes it sounds like a funny movie, but at the end of the day, it was a warm meeting amongst two fellow Lumber Jocks.

I travel to Paris app. once a month to spend time with my fiancée Caroline, and it showed out Sodabowski lives just around the corner from Caroline there…
So after Sodabowski and I have had some conversations on Lj, we agree that it would be fine to meet and say hello the next time I would be here, and this was the time.

The day came.
We agreed to meet in front of the Luxemburg parc, and I explained that I would come on my black bicycle wearing my six piece hat, and a shoulder bag - Sodabowski would be in dark jacket and jeans, and with his camera, almost like a rendezvous now. Smiles.
And so we did; we said hallo and I think I felt a warm person here in the cold but mild Paris. We went for the main gate, and I saw my favorite woman was there, an old French woman that sells warm chestnuts there in the winter and ice in the summer. As I said to Sodabowski I always wish to give her a big kiss, but I feel sure she would plant a strong hand in my face if I did, so I just bought some chest nuts, and we walked in the park, eating warm chestnuts.


(Bee houses in the park).
As we walked we talked about LJ, what we see, and our common passion for photography, we even had the same cameras, but also politics and more sensitive subjects was with us on this walk, always with interest and understanding.
Yes Sodabowski is a warm and knowing guy no doubt.


(Pavilion for the rain and a place for the parks people).
We spoke of architecture, about what a shame it is, that no one will spend this little extra any more, to make something 'grand', something with a heart and soul, like the little pavilions in the park.


(Detail of water outlet).
That sometimes it's needed with big leaders to do some big things, but that we did not feel impressed by the present French leader that makes 'grand' plans but do nothing, except to use it for politics.
Sodabowski told me of a wonderful place in Paris where they cut veneer and that they have such wonderful things, so we agree to do that next time I will be in Paris.

(Sculpture or dance; we were not the only once to have a talk here).
We both share this passion for photography, so when we saw these guys we both needed to take a picture, this was more than two gardeners having a deserved brake.


(Caught in the hack't).
And they were surprised for our interest and smiled after been held for ever in the cameras pixels.


(Sodabowski meets MaFe / Canon meets Canon).
Yes here he is the big Sodabowski, taking a picture of he knows what.


(This one is on you Sodabowski).
No comments…


(Thoughts in the woods).
And like this we float around the park, and after to a brasserie for a beer, we decided to try some from Corsica, and this might have been a bad idea, since we both got a terrible headache from this one beer (I had two, but the other was not from there).
So for now we said goodbye with a big strong hug and a smile on the lips, and agreed that if my neck is ok to meet Monday for an espresso in the center of Paris, where I have some errands to do for a friend.


(Look what I got!).
On the walk I got not only one, but two presents, I did not expect that at all.
I got a little piece of wood from a tree in the family city of Sodabowski (I don't remember what city or wood help me!).
And a little hand cut pipe from boxwood, that he had cut himself when he was very young, and he had thought that I was the one person who should have it! Do I need to say I was deeply touched? Thank you so much.


(A grateful smile).
And here me at the end of the day home again, thinking of the day with a big smile as you can see.

THANK YOU Sodabowski!!!


(The box).
While we are in Paris, I want to show you one of my latest tools.
The reason to show it here is that it's French.
The box in itself is for me a beauty, with handmade hinges, and years of patina.


(The tools).
That it, when I saw this set I fell in love, I can just imagine the man in high hat and elegant dress walking the street in Paris on his way with this box under his arm, probably towards a production place or God knows where.
Imagine how important and proud he must have looked, when he opened this box, and tested the quality, looked with approving gestures to the makers, and then closed the box, and left the room with his pipe smoke after him.


(The maker; E. Buleux).
Yes I can't help it, I'm a dreamer, but just the feeling in the tools, the precision used, the hours spend, to make this set, and the jobs it have probably done, it give a feeling of being able to touch history.
Will I use it a lot for wood working - perhaps not - time will show, but it sure makes me smile, and this is after all what it is all about by the end of the day.

Just like Sodabowski and I did when we said goodbye.
Best thoughts from my heart, and a big thank you to you Thomas Sodabowski for this fine time,
Mads
 
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13
#71 ·
Sodabowski's revenge, a gift from a French LJ friend.

Sodabowski's revenge.
A gift from a French LJ friend.


A strange pack arrives with the postman…
I didn't order any keyboard…
Was expecting a book…
From UK…


Ok it was not a book…
What the 'hack' is this?
Ahhh yes, it is Sodabowski's revenge!!!
Some time ago I gave our LJ buddy a challenge - I bought to him a old, really tired and rusty hand plane, because I knew he did not have one, the challenge was that he needed to fix it, and in this way become familiar with the plane, and how to tune a Stanley type hand plane (You can see it here: http://lumberjocks.com/Sodabowski/blog/23584 ).
And so this hacksaw is his favor returned, the boomerang just got me.
But I like a challenge Thomas so I'm in.

Sodabowski have a soft spot for Bakelite and this must be the reason for him to have chosen this saw since the handle is Bakelite - or perhaps it was simply the most rusty thing he could find on the web…
Please notice how elegant the handle is attached, and the wonderful finish on this handle…

I guess I have to let the blade go.

So the show must go on.
Rust remover.

Just wonderful…

After 20 minutes the result is quite impressive.
But still some rust to remove.

After second round the result is impressive.

And some trims.
(It was partly broken, so I cut of the not needed and make it a fixed size frame after).

Then I use a nylon wheel to touch it up.

Left part after the nylon wheel.
Right part after a extra tour with a polish past on a cotton wheel.

Nice heavy metal…
But what about that handle…

First the surfaces need to be flat, they were cut with a handsaw before and looked awful…
So I give them a spin on the disc sander, and as usually sand of some of my skin.

Now flat.

I mark the shape of the frame on to the two side shells.

What is now this?

MaFe goes milling…
Yes for this job I need to learn to use my EMCO UNIMAT 3 for some milling so the saw frame can fit into the handle.
It is great fun, and since I never tried to mill before, I learn a new thing here - yabadabadooo.

This is the result, a fine milled out space for the metal frame.

This setup is better - learning by doing.

Epoxy, two brass alignment pins and clamps - plenty of clamps.
Now the handle comes together.

And when dry I thread a hole in the end of the handle so a threaded brass rod can be fitted in.

The alignment pins are cut of app 2mm from the side, and then I tap then in with a hammer, to make them hold the sides together. (I made the holes taper to secure a firm hold).

Epoxy the threaded rod in, and filling the extra size of the hole with epoxy.
That's why it's such a mess.

Epoxy is dry, so time to get that handle back in shape.
First the sides are sanded down on my disc sander.

Then shaping; first with a file and then with different sanding wheels.

And polishing with compounds.

DAM!!!
I just discover that the saw is a short version, that will not fit my blades…
Ok I admit this I should have checked first!
But lucky me - It is just possible.

So drilling a maximum hole and hammer in a pin.

Yes now my workshop is back to being not a wood shop again…
Silver solder, and a burner, in this way it should become strong enough.
(I guess I would be lost in the work shop of Schwarz, I need way more tools than he describe in that book, and he don't even have a hacksaw - lol).

Pin a silver.

And another pin.

Front end.

Back end.

I did it Sodabowski !!!
Laugh.
I hope you are pleased, I spend about eight hours on this guy, choose to keep the handle out of respect for you, and the shape of the handle out of respect for the guy that made it, the shine and the polish is for me.
I have no doubt what will be my favorite hacksaw now.
Thank you for the gift.
Now I will sit back in the chair and wait to see your post on your hand plane, I think I have earned it.

Hope this blog can bring some inspiration to others, that it can show that what might seem as trash to some can be a jewel to others.

Best thoughts,

Mads
 
#114 ·
A pack arrived from Canada - Thank you shipwright.

A pack arrived from Canada
Thank you shipwright.

Sometimes life smiles at us in ways we would never imagine.
Today was one of those days.

Some time ago our friend Paul 'shipwright' was showing some old prototype models from his shipwright work, one of these was a wonderful shaft holder made of mahogany and I fell in love with it and told Paul.

Paul is a man of action, so he offered me this model.
After much writing, Paul scratching his head for shipping, making it less heavy, gluing and so on - it left Canada by ship, destination Copenhagen, Denmark, MaFe.


And yesterday it happened!
It arrived here safe and sound.


Wuuuuuuuuuuuu.


Gaffa department, one of Paul's attempts to get it down in weight.


Unwrap, starting to see that wonderful mahogany.


Here we are, is that wonderful or what?
I think I will paint the epoxy with my favorite red, the red of the sea.


And here it is in its new home.
Among other things I love.

Thank you Paul, this will be in my heart and I will love to tell the story about how it got here in the future.

If there is morale to this story, it must be 'be careful what you wish for, you might just get it'.

As Paul said he wish it was him sailing that ocean, and yes I would have offered you to stay.

The best of my thoughts to you and yours Paul,
Mads
 
#131 ·
Soviet USSR equal Stanley #5 1/2 gift from Ukranian LJ George

Soviet USSR equal Stanley #5 1/2 gift from Ukrainian LJ George
Thank you George.


Soviet equal Stanley #5 1/2 as it arrived in the box.

I said it before - if we knew how amazing life can be we would not believe it!.
This story is just one more prove that kindness really exists and that life can take magic turns.



Old times:
My grandfather Ole (photo) was a naval military man, high range, working in Washington for five years as a military attaché for the Danish government, but even more interesting he was the chief of the secret Danish cold war force fortress in the old days where we were shadow fighting the Soviet as I think all can remember.
Why do I tell that?
To say that all is possible, since that time the cold war ended (1989), the walls were broken down and a new open world emerged from this, and this is what made this story possible to ever happen. Ohhh yes and the internet.

New times:
Some time ago I made a blog about how to set up Japanese hand planes Kanna.
Fellow LJ George Ukrainian military officer had read this and he asked me kindly in a mail if he would be allowed to translate this blog into Russian and post it on a Russian wood site where he is also a member and he and some friends were interested in this.
Since I believe in sharing I said yes and that it would just make me happy and proud that others could learn from my journey down the woodworking road.

The blog in Russian:
Go to gogakot Больше 50 сообщений

Press here.

Internet forum site or public site for Russian-speaking people who love to play with wood.
Notice my new name: Мадса (MaFe).

This lead to George and I talking planes and he kindly offered me a Soviet equal Stanley #5 1/2, and those of you who know me also know I have a huge curiosity for tools and a soft spot for planes from all over the planet, so I thanked him yes.
OMG a Soviet equal Stanley #5 that is so cool!!!
He had an old unused one that was greased up, a little rusty but all new.

Next was to get the plane to Denmark where I live, the shipping was so expensive that George decided to look for alternative transportation and all of a sudden after some months I received a mail that a plane was traveling to Denmark from Ukraine in a car… And few days later I received a mail from my uncle in Jutland that two men had come to his house with a pack for me!
Press here to see the journey of 2500 Kilometer it had made:

Here you can read about where George comes from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiev
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dnipropetrovsk


I was on vacation in Jutland (part of Denmark) and we passed my uncles place to pick up my pack from George.
So here is my uncle, he is trained a forester (I think it's called), he is standing in front of sheds he build himself and my father had made the drawings for him so wood runs in the family.
Thank you Henrik for helping me on this one.


Here in front is the Soviet equal Stanley#5 plane from George.
The plane in numbers:
Sole: 37,8×8 cm / 14,9×3,15 inches
Blade 6,5 cm / 2,5 inch.
Weight, 3 kilo / 6.6 pounds.
Original Stanley #5 1/2 Jack plane, 15"L, 2 1/4"W, 6 3/4lbs.
(In the back a Marples rebate plane I just got from England, but this I will tell about another day).


Here the sole, not as bad as it looks since it is more machine grease than rust you see.


The handle is made of brown Bakelite (it seems).


The knob of black.


Notice how big the adjustment wheel is.


So first step is to take it apart.
I am to my surprise finding out the frog and the lever cap is made from aluminum.
This explains why the weight of the plane is the same as the original even though it is heavier in the body casting.


Then some cleaning to remove the worst grease and rust.


Plane after first cleaning.
The body is pitted with rust and the paint quite thin so I decide to repaint it.


Masking tape.


Sanding and degrease.


Primer.


While the paint dries I flatten the bed of the frog.
Sandpaper on glass plate.


Painting some details…


Final paint on the body, I choose a dark gray to stay close to the original.


Flatten the lever cap end to secure a good grip.
Notice the paint detail…


The handle and knob are polished and given some car shine.


Blade is bend as George had told me.
No problem, fixed fast with a hammer.


Time to sharpen and see the quality of the blade.


Almost Japanese…
Hollow.
Back fast flattened, really cool.


I want a 30 degree angler so I need some sharpening.
A lot…
The steel is really hard, this is a good sign.


I take a pause and flatten the chip breaker on glass and sandpaper.


Fine like this.
Full contact.


The plane put back together again.
Now I can lap the sole and sides on a glass plate.


And some more sharpening.
A few hundred strokes…


Side after lapping.


Sole after lapping.


And here it is!
Fully restored.


U11P model…
I guess.


And from the back.
I think it became quite elegant.


Paint detail…
Some would have chosen a red star.
I choose a red heart.
For love and believe in peace and friendships.
The cold war is over, kindness has replaced it.
My grandfather is dead, may he rest in peace, I am sure he would have been happy and proud of this story.
Thank you George for making this possible.


Shiny sole ready for planing.


Might need to open the mouth a little since it is really tight, but this is a lot better than the upper side.


I will name the plane George.


Here I am Мадса with my favorite pipe, a whiskey and in a good chair, smiling and sending you and the whole world a smile and a peaceful thought.

UPDATE 28 AUGUST2012


The mouth was too tight so the shaves got stuck.
This is easy solved with a metal file or a multi tool.


Then some adjustment and finish.


And the mouth is better…


Yeps, fine shaves in relatively hard wood.


Looks good, perhaps it could use a little more opening, but this will do for now.


So here you are George, shaves that brings smiles.
Thank you.

News from George:
These symbols are Russian, Ц11Р in translation this is "Price is 11 Soviet Roubles". In those times when that palne was made (probably 1970-1980) my father, an engineer with specialist diplom has had month salary near 140 roubles. And he has received this salary only after 5 years of work on his plant.

Thank you George for all the nice words we have exchanged I will here bring a few:
Here in Ukraine where I live or in Russian all tools are imported and are very priced.
Currently we have not our producer of woodworking handtools. On the fleamarket people can buy old Soviet era made planes (I have bought these) near 6-8 USD per plane, or old Soviet chisels near 2-3 USD.
Here exists a little people who work by handtools. Big shops use machines for gain profit and little use hand tools.
Only a few people buy contemporary handplanes, saw etc.
Sadly it is the same song in Denmark.

The best of my thoughts to you and yours George,
Mads
 
#161 ·
DK David visit my new work shop.

I have to share this with you all!

The other day I had a visitor in my new workshop, a special guy that contacted me here on LJ and it show out that he is living just around the corner here in Copenhagen.
His name is David and his profile here is PaulsenbyHand I have asked him to post some of his wonderful projects soon and will try push him to do so (do you hear me David).

So my life has been quite chaotic lately, but we managed to find room for a beer here and to look at and touch some tools, smiles.

David brought me a gift!
He had told me that he had a special thing for me, and so I was really excited to see what it could be, and trust me I was more than happy!

Brown Wood Eyewear Rectangle Automotive exterior

It's a Millers Falls.
My first!
This makes it special.

Wood Eyewear Audio equipment Fashion accessory Leather

It's in mint condition, think it has never been used.
This makes it more special.

Wood Tableware Kitchen utensil Blade Knife

Look at that cool engraving.
Even more special.

Rectangle Font Wood Natural material Metal

In the original box.
More than special.

Wood Alcoholic beverage Drink Bottle Font

But this is what really makes the roof go up!
The text says:
Delivered by:
United states of America
For the rebuilding of Europe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Plan (Thank you Brian).

My ohhh, this is so amazing!
I love it!
I think that this a priceless piece of history that David has offered me, and I feel so honored and happy.

David is a wonderful guy, so I truly enjoyed his visit and feel confident that this will not be the last, and for now I just look forward to come and visit him in his workshop soon.

Thank you David,
The best of my thoughts,
Mads
 

Attachments

#162 ·
DK David visit my new work shop.

I have to share this with you all!

The other day I had a visitor in my new workshop, a special guy that contacted me here on LJ and it show out that he is living just around the corner here in Copenhagen.
His name is David and his profile here is PaulsenbyHand I have asked him to post some of his wonderful projects soon and will try push him to do so (do you hear me David).

So my life has been quite chaotic lately, but we managed to find room for a beer here and to look at and touch some tools, smiles.

David brought me a gift!
He had told me that he had a special thing for me, and so I was really excited to see what it could be, and trust me I was more than happy!

Brown Wood Eyewear Rectangle Automotive exterior

It's a Millers Falls.
My first!
This makes it special.

Wood Eyewear Audio equipment Fashion accessory Leather

It's in mint condition, think it has never been used.
This makes it more special.

Wood Tableware Kitchen utensil Blade Knife

Look at that cool engraving.
Even more special.

Rectangle Font Wood Natural material Metal

In the original box.
More than special.

Wood Alcoholic beverage Drink Bottle Font

But this is what really makes the roof go up!
The text says:
Delivered by:
United states of America
For the rebuilding of Europe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Plan (Thank you Brian).

My ohhh, this is so amazing!
I love it!
I think that this a priceless piece of history that David has offered me, and I feel so honored and happy.

David is a wonderful guy, so I truly enjoyed his visit and feel confident that this will not be the last, and for now I just look forward to come and visit him in his workshop soon.

Thank you David,
The best of my thoughts,
Mads
You have some truely thoughtful friends.
Should put a ;) on your face for at least a week.
 

Attachments

#192 ·
The postwoman came to my workshop... with a pack from a dear friend.

The postwoman came to my workshop…
with a pack from a dear friend.

Automotive parking light Car Wheel Tire Vehicle


I was in the workshop, looking out on the wonderful weather.

Wheel Tire Bicycle Motor vehicle Vehicle


When the postwoman knocked on the door… (Here a Danish postman).

Normally I never get any post there, so I was a little surprised, especially when she stood there with a big brown pack in her arms.
She asked me if I was me, and last time I looked in the mirror I was, so I answered yes.
Then she handled me that pack and wished me a good day as she left.
How can I not have a good day now, I was thinking.
Actually the day started bad, pain in my back, a tour to the chiropractor and now really tired and felt like a 100 years old.
Now also my girlfriend arrived, so I was even happier and got some wonderful kisses and a little nursing.
I looked at the pack, the sender was a dear friend, a man who once send me a card with a Saint called Jude, the Saint for the of hopeless cases, and told me I was in his prayers, this I will never forget, thank you.
And now a pack from him on this day that seemed dark from pain from my neck and back…
Jim, you sure know how to touch my heart I have a feeling those prayers are heard somewhere.
So enough talking Mads, time to open the pack.

Wood Handwriting Rectangle Font Natural material


Inside there were a wonderful letter, with a headline of 'Happy Unbirthday'.
Hope this doesn't mean I am not born yet… my body tells me different today. Smiles.
After reading I jumped right in the box and unpacked.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Varnish Tool


And look what I found!
A wonderful mallet.
Not just a mallet.
But a mallet my friend Jim has made for me with his own two hands.
And from some wonderful plywood that he has made several projects from and that I have admired for their beauty from the play in the layers this gives.
Also I told Jim I once saw a plywood mallet in Paris and this was really cool.
But Jim, this one is so much cooler, and it is like shaking your hand.
I have not been so much around LJ lately, due to health, love and life being busy, but just now as I write this discovered this post from you Jim.
Now I wonder if you kept the twin for you?

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Varnish Art

Please notice how beautiful the layers from the plywood play in the shapes Jim gave it, and yes it is highlighted by the finish that Jim masters so good.
Right away I took it into use, I an restoring an old stepstool for a good friend, and used the mallet to gently tap the dovetails apart, perhaps I should add leather to one of the ends…

Wood Handwriting Art Font Metal

And before leaving the shop, I put my new favorite mallet next to my favorite chisels.

Thank you my dear friend Jim, you are one of a kind, full of kindness.
The best of my thoughts to you and yours, and yes best of wishes for everyone.
Your friend,
Mads
 

Attachments

#193 ·
The postwoman came to my workshop... with a pack from a dear friend.

The postwoman came to my workshop…
with a pack from a dear friend.

Automotive parking light Car Wheel Tire Vehicle


I was in the workshop, looking out on the wonderful weather.

Wheel Tire Bicycle Motor vehicle Vehicle


When the postwoman knocked on the door… (Here a Danish postman).

Normally I never get any post there, so I was a little surprised, especially when she stood there with a big brown pack in her arms.
She asked me if I was me, and last time I looked in the mirror I was, so I answered yes.
Then she handled me that pack and wished me a good day as she left.
How can I not have a good day now, I was thinking.
Actually the day started bad, pain in my back, a tour to the chiropractor and now really tired and felt like a 100 years old.
Now also my girlfriend arrived, so I was even happier and got some wonderful kisses and a little nursing.
I looked at the pack, the sender was a dear friend, a man who once send me a card with a Saint called Jude, the Saint for the of hopeless cases, and told me I was in his prayers, this I will never forget, thank you.
And now a pack from him on this day that seemed dark from pain from my neck and back…
Jim, you sure know how to touch my heart I have a feeling those prayers are heard somewhere.
So enough talking Mads, time to open the pack.

Wood Handwriting Rectangle Font Natural material


Inside there were a wonderful letter, with a headline of 'Happy Unbirthday'.
Hope this doesn't mean I am not born yet… my body tells me different today. Smiles.
After reading I jumped right in the box and unpacked.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Varnish Tool


And look what I found!
A wonderful mallet.
Not just a mallet.
But a mallet my friend Jim has made for me with his own two hands.
And from some wonderful plywood that he has made several projects from and that I have admired for their beauty from the play in the layers this gives.
Also I told Jim I once saw a plywood mallet in Paris and this was really cool.
But Jim, this one is so much cooler, and it is like shaking your hand.
I have not been so much around LJ lately, due to health, love and life being busy, but just now as I write this discovered this post from you Jim.
Now I wonder if you kept the twin for you?

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Varnish Art

Please notice how beautiful the layers from the plywood play in the shapes Jim gave it, and yes it is highlighted by the finish that Jim masters so good.
Right away I took it into use, I an restoring an old stepstool for a good friend, and used the mallet to gently tap the dovetails apart, perhaps I should add leather to one of the ends…

Wood Handwriting Art Font Metal

And before leaving the shop, I put my new favorite mallet next to my favorite chisels.

Thank you my dear friend Jim, you are one of a kind, full of kindness.
The best of my thoughts to you and yours, and yes best of wishes for everyone.
Your friend,
Mads
What a sweet mallet :) Kisses for pain relief, and a mallet for slapping the fingers and get more kisses, what more to ask for :D
 

Attachments

#222 ·
The budstikke arrived today, a LJ gift again today! Life is so much better than fairytales.

The budstikke arrived with a LJ gift again today!
Life is so much better than fairytales.

I have been walking around with a smile on my lips since the post arrived at the workshop with a gift from my friend Jim in the US - thinking 'life is a little miracle'.

Guess what!

Today I picked up a pack from the post office…
I was expecting some cables from China for my tablet, so just the usual routine.
But - the pack was from Norway and not only from Norway, but from a special LJ friend Mike Stefang up there.

So I jumped into the car and home to my apartment full of curiosity.

Wood Rectangle Electronic device Gas Hardwood

To drag the excitement a little I made a good cup of espresso and lid my pipe with some good tobacco, yes even lid some candles even it was daylight, just to make the moment even more special.

Espressino Wiener melange Flat white Table Cuban espresso

Cut up the pack with a good knife and a piece of wood came to sight.
It looked like a crown!
What is this?

Wood Coffee Flat white Metal Hardwood

At first glance I was wondering if it was a scepter, but a scepter is for a king, and I am the king of nothing but me…
But I could see an M was carved into it… Mike - Mads…
Is it a woodworking awl for a king?
An ice pick?

Hand Candle Gesture Finger Nail

It sure feels good in the hand, and fits mine just perfect!
And the letters LJ is carved in the other side…

Wood Font Nail Fashion accessory Carmine

Look at those details, amazing.
The crown is carved so beautiful.
And two coins are in the little red string - Danish and a Norwegian.
Yes, some time ago I send Mike a gift, and since it had a blade to it, I send him a coin as the old tradition says, now he returned the coin and added a Norwegian one for me.
(Am I supposed to send this back now?).

TIME TO READ THE LETTER HE SEND ME.
Where Mike explains me it is a BUDSTIKKE.
And honestly I have never heard of this before, so I had to look it up.

Building Door Fixture Handle Wood

And the story goes:
The budstikke is a messenger stick that is used to bring messages from town to town.
So I realized the metal point was to fasten the message to the door or wall.
(Mike promises in his mail to tell more, so I will stop here, but do my own research out of interest).

Brown Wood Fixture Wood stain Handwriting

Here on my front door.
With Mikes wonderful letter.
Thank you Mike!

AHHHHHHHHHHH
Just did some research on the web and realized those sticks used to be hollow.
So I grabbed it and pulled.
Guess what!
It is hollow.
Mike you are amazing!

Writing implement Cigar Wood Office supplies Font

And inside is a little letter.

Hand Handwriting Office supplies Gesture Recipe

Big smile here!
Mikes message makes me laugh out loud.
A wonderful piece of woodworking, turning, hand carving, history lesson and with a hidden message of humor inside.

Yes, just when we think life can't get any better miracles happen.
Life sure is better than fairytales.

Thank you Mike, for bringing magic to my life.

(Now I understand your cryptic message on my latest blog: 'Congratulations on you unbirthday Mads. A very nice gift for a special person from a special person. What could be better?').

Best of my thoughts to you and the family from your friend,
Mads
 

Attachments

#223 ·
The budstikke arrived today, a LJ gift again today! Life is so much better than fairytales.

The budstikke arrived with a LJ gift again today!
Life is so much better than fairytales.

I have been walking around with a smile on my lips since the post arrived at the workshop with a gift from my friend Jim in the US - thinking 'life is a little miracle'.

Guess what!

Today I picked up a pack from the post office…
I was expecting some cables from China for my tablet, so just the usual routine.
But - the pack was from Norway and not only from Norway, but from a special LJ friend Mike Stefang up there.

So I jumped into the car and home to my apartment full of curiosity.

Wood Rectangle Electronic device Gas Hardwood

To drag the excitement a little I made a good cup of espresso and lid my pipe with some good tobacco, yes even lid some candles even it was daylight, just to make the moment even more special.

Espressino Wiener melange Flat white Table Cuban espresso

Cut up the pack with a good knife and a piece of wood came to sight.
It looked like a crown!
What is this?

Wood Coffee Flat white Metal Hardwood

At first glance I was wondering if it was a scepter, but a scepter is for a king, and I am the king of nothing but me…
But I could see an M was carved into it… Mike - Mads…
Is it a woodworking awl for a king?
An ice pick?

Hand Candle Gesture Finger Nail

It sure feels good in the hand, and fits mine just perfect!
And the letters LJ is carved in the other side…

Wood Font Nail Fashion accessory Carmine

Look at those details, amazing.
The crown is carved so beautiful.
And two coins are in the little red string - Danish and a Norwegian.
Yes, some time ago I send Mike a gift, and since it had a blade to it, I send him a coin as the old tradition says, now he returned the coin and added a Norwegian one for me.
(Am I supposed to send this back now?).

TIME TO READ THE LETTER HE SEND ME.
Where Mike explains me it is a BUDSTIKKE.
And honestly I have never heard of this before, so I had to look it up.

Building Door Fixture Handle Wood

And the story goes:
The budstikke is a messenger stick that is used to bring messages from town to town.
So I realized the metal point was to fasten the message to the door or wall.
(Mike promises in his mail to tell more, so I will stop here, but do my own research out of interest).

Brown Wood Fixture Wood stain Handwriting

Here on my front door.
With Mikes wonderful letter.
Thank you Mike!

AHHHHHHHHHHH
Just did some research on the web and realized those sticks used to be hollow.
So I grabbed it and pulled.
Guess what!
It is hollow.
Mike you are amazing!

Writing implement Cigar Wood Office supplies Font

And inside is a little letter.

Hand Handwriting Office supplies Gesture Recipe

Big smile here!
Mikes message makes me laugh out loud.
A wonderful piece of woodworking, turning, hand carving, history lesson and with a hidden message of humor inside.

Yes, just when we think life can't get any better miracles happen.
Life sure is better than fairytales.

Thank you Mike, for bringing magic to my life.

(Now I understand your cryptic message on my latest blog: 'Congratulations on you unbirthday Mads. A very nice gift for a special person from a special person. What could be better?').

Best of my thoughts to you and the family from your friend,
Mads
Mads, you are blessed with wonderful friends!
Beautiful story.
 

Attachments

#240 ·
Mads meets Madts - LJ visit from Texas.

Mads meets Madts - visit from Texas.
And a really nice ash…

Sometimes life for me is such a wonder.
Like it never stops surprising me.
Amaze me.
I think I must have tried it all, seen it all - been there, did that.
But.
Then it tricks me.
In the most wonderful way.
Again!

Yes today was one of those days.

Our LJ friend Madts, had written me that he was coming to Denmark, in fact he has Danish roots and was here to visit Family.
Yes and then me - Madts meets Mads. ;-)

I was sitting outside my workshop when he came walking down the street, and we both knew right away who we were looking at - perhaps there are something in the eyes of Lumberjocks, except from sawdust…

We went in to the shop and fell into talk, I learned a lot about Madts, geologist, sailor, sail maker, woodworker, designer and much more.
A man full of life and with an interesting story (wish we had more time).

Standing Road surface Eyewear Asphalt Neighbourhood

Here they are, Madts and Mads on the street in front of my workshop.

Wood Natural material Metal Composite material Hardwood

After a talk and some espresso in the cups Madts opened up his bag and gave me this wonderful plane hammer he had made for me.
Do I need to say I love it!
So yes I was really happy and surprised.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Camera lens Table

But just as I thought Things could not get any better, he had another trick up the sleeve, and this one left me speechless - it do not happen so often. ;-)
A Nice ash plane.
I have enjoyed this beautiful plane some time back on Madts' blog.
Never dreamed I should one day be the Lucky owner of one of these.
The design suits me perfect, since I like to pull the plane more and more after I started using Japanese planes.
This plane Works both ways perfectly.

Table Wood Plant Rectangle Flooring

It also comes with an alternative to the wedge, but I love the wedge.
Madts was so clever that he brought me a key, since he was aware mine would be metric (I love the fact he thought about this).

Wood Gesture Finger Wood stain Nail

Look at the iron!
That's sexy.
1/4 inch of 01 Tool steel.
This bastard will eat the wood.
Again it reminds me of the Japanese planes, only they have irons like that, it makes even the high end Stanley type planes look like toys even fitted with upgrade irons.

Wood Engineering Event Art Metal

Madts had to leave much too fast, I really enjoyed his Company, but his wife was waiting with a book at a local cafe and he had plenty of plans for his stay.
So as soon as he left, I ran into the shop Again, set up the plane with the wonderful hammer and placed a piece of wood on the bench.
Swiiirpppp.
Wood touching Wood.
Meditation like.
The iron slicing of the Wood, effortless, like a knife in butter.
Shaves, shaves, shaves, shaves - stop MaFe!
But why?
I love it!

Wood Hardwood Lumber Event Musical instrument accessory

Look at the surface this plane leaves behind.
No card scraper needed.
Sandpaper would be kind of a joke here.

Wood Amber Finger Safety glove Helmet

Nice even shaves.
Witness of a flat sole and a straight Sharp iron.

Smile Glasses Vision care Window Beard

Look at the smile on my face as I look at Madts.
I think it tells me all of the joy I had today.

Thank you Madts.
For your wonderful visit.
Sharing your story with me.
The surprises in your bag.

It will be a day to remember, and I will think of this day each time the plane makes shaves and I have a feeling it will become a favorite in the shop from today.

Best of my thoughts to you and your family,
Mads
 

Attachments

#241 ·
Mads meets Madts - LJ visit from Texas.

Mads meets Madts - visit from Texas.
And a really nice ash…

Sometimes life for me is such a wonder.
Like it never stops surprising me.
Amaze me.
I think I must have tried it all, seen it all - been there, did that.
But.
Then it tricks me.
In the most wonderful way.
Again!

Yes today was one of those days.

Our LJ friend Madts, had written me that he was coming to Denmark, in fact he has Danish roots and was here to visit Family.
Yes and then me - Madts meets Mads. ;-)

I was sitting outside my workshop when he came walking down the street, and we both knew right away who we were looking at - perhaps there are something in the eyes of Lumberjocks, except from sawdust…

We went in to the shop and fell into talk, I learned a lot about Madts, geologist, sailor, sail maker, woodworker, designer and much more.
A man full of life and with an interesting story (wish we had more time).

Standing Road surface Eyewear Asphalt Neighbourhood

Here they are, Madts and Mads on the street in front of my workshop.

Wood Natural material Metal Composite material Hardwood

After a talk and some espresso in the cups Madts opened up his bag and gave me this wonderful plane hammer he had made for me.
Do I need to say I love it!
So yes I was really happy and surprised.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Camera lens Table

But just as I thought Things could not get any better, he had another trick up the sleeve, and this one left me speechless - it do not happen so often. ;-)
A Nice ash plane.
I have enjoyed this beautiful plane some time back on Madts' blog.
Never dreamed I should one day be the Lucky owner of one of these.
The design suits me perfect, since I like to pull the plane more and more after I started using Japanese planes.
This plane Works both ways perfectly.

Table Wood Plant Rectangle Flooring

It also comes with an alternative to the wedge, but I love the wedge.
Madts was so clever that he brought me a key, since he was aware mine would be metric (I love the fact he thought about this).

Wood Gesture Finger Wood stain Nail

Look at the iron!
That's sexy.
1/4 inch of 01 Tool steel.
This bastard will eat the wood.
Again it reminds me of the Japanese planes, only they have irons like that, it makes even the high end Stanley type planes look like toys even fitted with upgrade irons.

Wood Engineering Event Art Metal

Madts had to leave much too fast, I really enjoyed his Company, but his wife was waiting with a book at a local cafe and he had plenty of plans for his stay.
So as soon as he left, I ran into the shop Again, set up the plane with the wonderful hammer and placed a piece of wood on the bench.
Swiiirpppp.
Wood touching Wood.
Meditation like.
The iron slicing of the Wood, effortless, like a knife in butter.
Shaves, shaves, shaves, shaves - stop MaFe!
But why?
I love it!

Wood Hardwood Lumber Event Musical instrument accessory

Look at the surface this plane leaves behind.
No card scraper needed.
Sandpaper would be kind of a joke here.

Wood Amber Finger Safety glove Helmet

Nice even shaves.
Witness of a flat sole and a straight Sharp iron.

Smile Glasses Vision care Window Beard

Look at the smile on my face as I look at Madts.
I think it tells me all of the joy I had today.

Thank you Madts.
For your wonderful visit.
Sharing your story with me.
The surprises in your bag.

It will be a day to remember, and I will think of this day each time the plane makes shaves and I have a feeling it will become a favorite in the shop from today.

Best of my thoughts to you and your family,
Mads
Very nice that you two got to meet each other. Nice gifts too.
 

Attachments

#274 ·
A trip to Scotland, MaFe meets Jamie - visiting my friend Jamie Speirs.

A trip to Scotland, MaFe meets Jamie
Visiting my friend Jamie Speirs.

This is a short picture story of a wonderful travel I just ended last week.
First a visit to Ireland and then Scotland.
The blog will be followed up by blogs about projects I did as I was in Scotland.

My sister is married to an American General Consul and they are stationed in Belfast, so when I decided to go and visit her, I contacted our LJ buddy Jamie and asked him what he thought about me coming for a visit on my way back to Denmark. Jamie opened his doors right away and invited me to come and stay. My travel was a wee bit on its way, but at the end I finally managed to make all the ends meet and took off for Ireland.

First Ireland, Belfast:


This is what I always dreamed about seeing, the coastline of Ireland.
A Google map here: http://goo.gl/maps/FqiXQ


And here I was all of a sudden, with Sam (my sister's dog) and a good dark Irish beer.
Sometimes I feel life is so amazing, that I find it hard to keep up, lucky I am.


I will not make a travel blog, but Belfast is also an interesting city, quite real, an authentic pulse, a little rough, only 300.000 of population, like life goes its own way and most of the city quite rough and not all like this picture.


When you move around you can watch the flags, to see if it is a Catholic or Protestant area and this is still a sad reality of Ireland.


Many meetings have been held in these pubs, and again choose one with the right flag if you are religious.
http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/rex-bar-belfast


Did someone say Flatiron building…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatiron_Building


Like mother - so daughter…


In these docks Titanic was build, and the ship here is a sister ship from the same builder.
In the background the new pride of Belfast, the Titanic museum.
http://www.titanicbelfast.com/


Ohhh yes and my beautiful sister with her wonderful dog Sam.
Thank you for a wonderful visit.


Woodworking… Naaa, not too much, but I did see this wonderful guy in the local forest.
And with him I say goodbye to Ireland and take the boat over the sea to Scotland from Belfast to Cairnryan - Ayr to Waterside Patna where Jamie lives.

Scotland, :
Google map: http://goo.gl/maps/x4dx4


Here Jamie's wonderful house in Waterside Patna.
http://goo.gl/maps/MC5xQ


Here we are, I tried to steal a seat in Jamie's wheelchair, what a cute couple of Lumber Jerks we are, lol.
Jamie and I have been on the mail for a few years now, talking about life, woman, kids, tools, wood and all that touched our hearts, so I was more than happy to finally get to meet this really special man.
I knew even before my arrival, that this would not just be a visit, but the beginning of something more.


The grass really is greener in Scotland and sun is something you run for, when it is there.


Wondering if this was why Jamie moved here…


Small houses on a row in the nearby city.


I enjoyed my breakfast and a moment of meditation outside the front door in the morning.
Became quite fond of eggrolls and loved the time on one of Jamie's meditation stools.


Jamie's house is a run of wonderful people, this says a lot about Jamie, people with the heart on the right spot and care for each other. Her Gordon, he is kind of Jamie's right wing, a good turner and like a detective, he can find everything in Jamie's workshop.


Ohhh yes and these sweet ladies, they were always happy to see me.
Jamie's house is also dogs.


And this guy.


This is Scottish pie and yes another resident of the house, I called her my little princess.
While I was here I also had the chance to try the famous haggis, and actually loved it.


Of course fish also.


Jamie and his bride is Buddhist and so they have a prayer room for them and all the guests arriving to this house full of love and open arms. I turned a little stick for the big meditation bell as a thank you back for the moments I spend in the room.


When I arrived in Ayr (where the Spiers hand planes were made), I noticed this: the wee nook, Jamie always use this wee word and it has now become one of my favorite words too.
http://goo.gl/maps/hJhMV


The view from my fine room.
The lawn is a bowling club, yes they play outdoors on grass here, that is a wee bit cool.


Ok, I'll not explode.


Just visited the local steam locomotive museum a couple of times, quite interesting and I even had a tour in a steam train.


Here a little woodworking inspiration.


And this is the floorboard sawhorse.
It was tradition that the carpenters when working on a house, build one or two of these as worktable on site.
They are brilliantly simple.
Can be made stronger with a board under the top plank also.
All you need is a floorboard and a handful of nails.


It gives a fine place for storage of tools and nails.
I found this one in an abandoned factory building.


Jamie have a huge book and magazine collection, so when I was not busy, I was reading and once in a while took a picture of a favorite page.
This one inspired me to go and turn some wedges, this I will post later.


A part of life in the house is tea time, this was around the big table, and always a wonderful moment with room for talk's quietness. Here with Tharchin and Jamie.


Another visit to the old factory.


I have a thing with old buildings, there is a wonderful reality in this reality, that nature slowly claims back what we have borrowed.


I also had time to take a small hike.
A day out by Loch Doon, with my new gear, walking boots, back pack, sleeping bag and a hammock.
(Gear is much cheaper in UK than in Denmark).
Google map: http://goo.gl/maps/zp5yD


Look at the shadow, it is me walking a tall aqua duct.


Please enjoy the light, it was such a beautiful day.


After three hours of walk, I found the perfect spot and it was time to put up the hammock and make camp for the night. Dam I love that hammock.


Here on my test sleep in my sister's garden, it was raining cats and dogs and I was dry and warm inside.
Think this is going to a close travel companion.


Loch Doon from where I set camp.


The day after I was picked up by the loch by this beautiful woman (inside out), Ros.
Ros gave me the name: The man with the hat, who sleeps in the trees.
Please notice what she has in her hand bag. ;-)


No it was not in this car, just a wonderful couple I saw by the local gas station.


Jamie's workshop, where I spend a lot of hours during my ten days stay.
Notice the tool cabinet in the back, Jamie's, this will also be subject to a blog.


I loved to be in the shop, and also Jamie gave me a name: the happy monkey, since I was so happy when I was there playing with wood (here wearing Jamie's South African carpenter's hat).
And the dogs were often there for a kiss and a hug.
Actually I think they would have loved to call me the Lollypop.


Jamie's wonderful wife Shirley was more willing to be kissed by the dogs (and Jamie), in fact she loves those dogs.
Shirley took me in, as an if I belonged there and so I felt completely at home, thank you.


Another of Jamie's friends Arthur, he is also a part of the house and are a fine woodworker too.
He helps out Jamie and makes spoons too.


Here Ryan, that some of you have seen before in Jamie's posts.
Ryan and I shared a fine day making spoons, my first fully hand carved spoon, it was great fun to carve it and I enjoyed the time with Ryan. Ryan made a really fine spoon.
I will post my spoon later.


I also had the chance to visit Ronnie.
He has a pole lathe and love green woodworking.
So I got the chance to spin it and this was great fun, I have to make me one of these.
Recorded some video, that will become a blog with a few pictures also (lots of work to do).


Finally I will let the blog end with this picture.
Jamie and I shared a fine moment in the shop, where he showed me all his hand planes, and I admired his beautiful Spiers of Ayr smoother, that once was his fathers, next plane I picked up was another Spiers of Ayr smoother, this one Jamie told me had belonged to his uncle and I was completely in love with it. As we were about to move on to talk about the next plane, Jamie told me that this Smoother was now mine, I was almost not able to understand it, so I was like in a coma for a moment, and then I think I looked like a small child on Christmas evening. The next days they all laughed a wee bit of me, since I never left it, it was with me where ever I went, even on the night table when I was sleeping. I spend some wonderful time giving it life again, cleaning, oiling, flattening, polishing and sharpening this beauty and finally making shaves.
It is with no doubt the most beautiful plane I own, a piece of art and craft.
Thank you so much for this beautiful plane Jamie, I sit and look at it at this moment and feel so lucky.
(Yes you guessed right, material for another blog).

The last day I spend alone in the shop, since Jamie needed to go to the hospital (he is now home again and fine), and this day I spend building a Japanese plane, but this will be posted soon. ;-)

So, it is time to say goodbye now.
To say thank you to Ryan, Tharchin, Arthur, Gordon Ronnie and beautiful Ros - for taking me in, and making me feel as welcome as I have always been there, you are all special and real humans.

Jamie and Shirley I think you could feel how much I enjoyed to be in your house, to be in this wonderful atmosphere of love that are around you. I am so proud to have felt you love and refused to say goodbye, since this was just the first time we meet. Love you.

Best of my thoughts from my heart,
Mads
 
#304 ·
Spiers of Ayr infill smoother - restore

Spiers of Ayr infill smoother - restore
A gift from my friend Jamie Speirs.

So back again!
I know I have not been so much around for a while, first I was sick for some months and then a long summer of travelling, in Denmark Jutland Thy, then Croatia, back to Denmark Sjælland Odden, kayaking and then finally Ireland and then Scotland to visit my friend Jamie. Then home to pack down the shop, that will be closed for house renovation until the new year (******************** happens), so I will be without shop until the new year, this might give me time to post some of all the projects I have on my computer.

But now it is the visit in Scotland, the visit to my friend Jamie.
If you want to read more about this: http://lumberjocks.com/mafe/blog/37720


This part of the story starts here, in piles of wood and tools, on top and under Jamies work bench.
I could see hand planes sticking out all over and so Jamie and I started to look at all his wonderful planes, Jamie telling stories about them. Jamie is from a family of carpenters, so many was family pieces.


This one was his fathers.
In my eyes one of the most beautiful planes ever made.
The Spiers smoother, from Ayr where Jamie lives, even the metal was local.


Notice Jamies fathers name stamped into the plane.


As I admired his beautiful Spiers of Ayr smoother, that once was his fathers, the next plane I picked up was another Spiers of Ayr smoother, this one Jamie told me had belonged to his uncle and I was completely in love with it. As we were about to move on to talk about the next plane, Jamie told me that this Smoother was now mine, I was almost not able to understand it, so I was like in a coma for a moment, and then I think I looked like a small child on Christmas evening. The next days they all laughed a wee bit of me, since I never left it, it was with me where ever I went, even on the night table when I was sleeping.
On this picture I had removed the dust with a cloth.


In my eyes as I said, the Spiers No. 7 Dovetailed coffin smoother plane is perhaps the most elegant hand plane ever designed.
This makes sense when I read that Stewart Spiers was a cabinetmaker, father and a violin player, since in this plane I feel it all meets. Shape with beautiful balanced curves like a instrument, function that could satisfy him as a cabinetmaker and at the same time a human sensitive touch that makes it in balance, all in all art.

You can read more about the Spiers family here.
http://www.spiers.net/stewart.htm


Even all the shapes so clearly meet here from the front, it is still in a fine balance.


A sexy behind.


Here the blade is retracted, it has a fairly tight mouth when the iron is set for cutting.


The iron out, still some good years back.


A Marpels & sons iron, probably the original.


Thos Ibbotson & Co cap iron.


Spiers Ayr in the Lever and a old name stamp J. Laird (is this family Jamie or a previous owner).


Look at those curves, it could have been the work of a instrument maker.


So I set out to give it a gentle restore, just to bring it back to working order.
As always I do what I can to keep as much life and patina intact, when doing this, since for me this is half the hand plane.
The goal is not to make it look like new, but to make it look as if it has been in use all the time.
The sole must be completely flat, so I mark up with a marker, so I can see where to flatten.
The text is for you Jamie, big smile.


I fasten some sandpaper on the table saw table after checking it was all flat.


After some long strokes I am happy with the result, since I know I will take of more, when I go up grid.
I started with 120 and worked my way up, don't jump too big steps, this will leave scratches.


Now 240 grid.
And I have also given the cap and screw a touch up with ultra fine steel wool, to remove dirt and rust.


The finest we had here was 400 grid, so I had to settle with that, usually I go up to 600 - 1200 grid.


So I finish up with a buffing wheel, first a rough compound and then the fine green, in this way I get the desired result, also the sides get a good tour.


As seen I don't mind a little pitting, as long as the sole gets dead flat and smooth.
The mirroring in the sole proves that it is smooth.
There need to be quite a lot of pitting before it will have any effect on the use, just think of a corrugated sole.


Same story with the iron.
The iron cant have too much pitting, since it will be impossible to make a consistent edge.


I put oil under the sand paper to keep it all flat at the high grids.


This is just perfect.


To give it a fresh cutting edge I use Jamies water grinder.


I choose to give it a stronger edge at a new angle.


Again I polish it up.
With this method it is important not to round the edge, so hold it as flat as possible.
I also touch up the iron and cap iron in general, just for the look and again really gentle, to keep the patina.


All the steel and wood is degreased a little, just to remove dried grease and dirt.


Then the wood gets Jamies oil, its a mix he makes him self, smells wonderful.
I also grease the moving parts a wee bit.


That's it!
The plane is now just the way I like it.
A perfect user with a beautiful original patina, this is what I call mint.


As you can see, history is still written in the hand plane.


First shaves.


I love that plane.
It is easy to adjust, have a perfect contact with the wood and are a joy to hold in the hand.
I'm leaving on a Ayr plane, don't know when I'll be back again… tralalalala…


Press here for a little video:


Yes I am a wee bit eccentric when it comes to hand planes and this one sure is my little favourite.


Thoughts on design.
Here some of my favourites.


Why the curve on the middle of the Stanley planes (here a No 2).
I guess it came from design, that the side should be used for shooting but still your hand should be able to grab the tote and knob. The bedrock types are less elegant after my taste, but have a bigger contact area I suppose.
Where the Spiers is a Coffin shaped smoother, so useless on the side.
But it has more weight and are compared to the Stanleys almost sucking it self down to the wood.
The grip is wonderful and your hands naturally finds it positions in the tote and on the front handle.
The square shape of the front handle could be uncomfortable, but actually don't feels so, perhaps not perfect.
But better than the standard Stanleys, that after my taste are to small, I like best the big knob types.
Of course it is not possible to compare the adjustment, since the Spiers are adjusted with a small hammer and the Stanley with screw and lateral adjuster, that makes it possible to use the plane with out a hammer in the toolbox, at the end the one adjustment is as easy and fast as the other, but for a beginner the hammer is a learning process, where the screw is possible for any one.
By the way, this little No 2 Stanley is useless after my opinion, and too expensive to give to the kids…
I much prefer a good block plane when the blade is this small.


The Stanley 62 is for me the most beautiful Stanley, and here I think design was as important as use.
It has the big knob and the handle have the elegant long tongue that I love on the Spiers.
Since the Stanley is often used on the side for shooting end grain, it would have been more functional with bigger sides, but I guess it was not designed for that…


Here the Norris A5 next to the Spiers.
Dam, they are both wonderful planes.
The Norris here with the more heavy handle, this is stronger and suits better the Norris types with the adjuster. (Since they look strange when the adjuster is hanging loose in the air).
I think the Spiers is a elegant swan and the Norris a beautiful Terrier, the Spiers looks like dancing aver the wood, the Norris like unable to even leave the wood - both sexy in each their way.
Yes I am a nerd and a rhykenologist merged into a human being full of love for form and function.


This picture is for you Jamie.
If you have any doubt, then I am happy to tell you I really love the plane and feel like a lucky bastard.
Also this plane will always be a favorite, for the reason alone that you offered it to me, my friend.


When I look at my smile here, I have no doubt that the plane could never find a better companion.
Thank you Jamie!

Press here for more on the Spiers hand plane: http://lumberjocks.com/mafe/blog/37725

Best of my thoughts from my heart,
Mads
 
#320 ·
Jamies tool cabinet - a happy monkey in Jamies work shop

Jamies tool cabinet
a happy monkey in Jamies work shop.

As some of you read I spend ten wonderful days in Scotland.
Ten days that filled my heart, opened my mind and gave me a deep inner peace.
Yes I was with Buddhists, but no, I was not sitting on top of a mountain in Lotus.
I was with the most wonderful people, especially Jamie and Shirley who had opened their doors for me.
I was meditating and even listening to Zen sounds and smell of heaven.
The meditation was done in the morning after breakfast on a stool outside and the rest of the time inside the workshop, playing with wood and tools.
Jamie challenged to meditate in three phases, first sending love to someone I loved, this was easy, then some one I just barely knew who was, this was a wee bit more difficult and finally send love to some one I really did not like, this was a challenge, but I succeeded and it felt wonderful after, I challenge each and every one to try this.
The sound came from a IPod playing mantras and the tools working with wood.
The smell from incense and freshly cut wood.
I enjoyed my time so much, that Jamie my host gave me the name 'the happy monkey' when I was in the shop.


So here we are in Jamies work shop.
Or actually one of them, he also have, sanding shop, spray shop, meditation room, wood storage shop, rough cut shop and office.
Jamie is making and selling meditation supplies, this is why you see pre cut parts all over the place.
But he also have a corner where he can be creative, or should have…


Over here.
A workbench that suits his wheel chair height and a cabinet.
I think it was supposed to be a tool cabinet, lol.


I asked Jamie if I was allowed to use some old plywood and he said that I could use what ever wood I wanted.
I still insisted, that I liked the recycle idea but also found some pine planks.


Hmmmmm…
Need a wee bit of love here.
So I started by finding all the planes and tools that I thought could need a home here.
Jamie was leaving it all up to me, I even asked if he had some preferences and he said; 'you do what you want mads'.


So I tried to put Geppetto away and be Pinocchio for a while.
Otherwise I would never get through the piles that Jamie had accumulated here.
And honestly I enjoyed every moment.
First I fitted all the drawers so I could make order.


Easy part was this door, Jamie had made some holders for his squares and other stuff and helped me out here.
All I really needed was to ad the god karma Shiva and a little order.
I love that fine old hammer, look at all the use, this is beauty.


Backside of the door gave room for a fine old square, a scraper plane and a router plane, UK and some beautiful mountains.


Inside I made a plane till for Jamies Stanley type planes and the shelf under for block planes, bullnose planes and other stuff. Here I used the recycle plywood.


The centre needed some shelf's and I was lucky to find some pine wood with patina, so it look as if had been there always.
Here I wanted to put Jamies family planes.
I especially love the mini coffin plane, the old days block plane.
The Spiers smoother from Jamies father and the jointer, those are so beautiful.
Also I put his grease box here, I think that is a important partner to the planes.
The yellow duck on top have a funny story Jamie might tell you…


This side was also made by Jamie, so I just had to find the last saw and hang it.
And make the shelf for cutting tools.


The inside of the door is for mixed tools.
Notice the shape of the drawknife.
Inside I hang a few hand braces.


Here we are, please notice that the table is now all clear.


The shaves came from me testing my beautiful new smoother.
Thank you again Jamie, I feel we are not only brothers by heart now, but also by plane.


Jamie told me his chisels had a tendency to get wings and fly away, so I decided to solve this.
To make him a little tool tote where he could keep his personal tools and he could bring easy with him on the wheel chair.


A little fresh wood turning also.
This for the handle.


The tote was fitted inside the cabinet, and made so it could hold his chisels for easy access.


Here we are!
Braces and tote.
Notice the brass nails and British flag.


Here we are the full space in order, ready for Jamie to go for it.
I also put all his wonderful things on top for some good karma.
On the wall to the right, there is a Danish frame saw hanging, it was a gift I brought him when I arrived, thought he should have something Danish in the shop.


Jamie gave me the best compliment I could wish for.
He said it was a really inspire ring place to be now.


And he started right away, look at the big lump of wood on the table, it is a music instrument he started building.
To the right is a challenge from me, but this will come in a later blog.


The tote.


I also cleaned up before leaving so there would be space for the wheel chair.


Jamie had to get to the hospital before I left, so I did not get the chance to see his face when it was all done, but I think it is not so bad, what I left here.


I also sharpened your fathers plane, so now you can make some shaves, it is just waiting for you.

Goodbye and thank you for a wonderful stay Jamie.
I'll be back!

Hope this blog can bring some smiles, at least on most important one on Jamies face.

Best of my thoughts from my heart,
Mads
 
#344 ·
Bungee lathe spinning in Scotland - visiting Ronnie

Visiting Ronnie
Bungee lathe spinning in Scotland

While I was visiting our LJ friend Jamie in Scotland, I had the luck to be invited to his friend Ronnie's house.
More exactly his wonderful little garden behind the house.


This is the view from Ron's house, beautiful surroundings in Scotland.
Trust me, the grass really is greener there!


Here we are Ron's bungee lathe, in the little garden behind his house.
How cool is that!
Ronnie has a wonderful relaxed approach, KISS principe; Keep It Simple Stupid.
And so his lathe is a made from bits and pieces, that he got from around.
This gives it a really cool rustic look, which I like a lot.


Here from my little sketchbook.


The poppets are really simple build up, the rests are a part of the construction, rather than a add on and held by wedges.
The iron centers are just screwed in, in a hole a bit smaller than the threaded rod.
The tightener a bend piece of iron welded to the threaded rod.
Here is my first go on the late (with a wee help from Ron - thank you).
Ron wanted a saw holder for the lathe, so this was a perfect fist project.

Here a video of Ronnie is showing how to do it:



Close up of the fixed center.


And the other one.


The tool rest is a simple piece of wood resting on the poppet's shoulders.


Like so.
I love the simplicity.


Here the foot part (don't know the name).
A base and two hinges.


Mallet for the wedges.


Ron's wonderful tool tote.


One of Ron's homemade saws.
The one that needed a place to hang.


Ron's go on a shaving horse.


The man in action.


A block for chopping.


Here all is simple.


And up went the hangers for the saw.


My first turnings on a pole lathe.

Here a video where I am using the lathe:



My next project was this strange shape…


My go on a mug, got this idea as I stood by the lathe.
The rest of the mug was made later and can be seen in this post:
http://lumberjocks.com/projects/89610


So we will leave Ron here, in his wonderful little garden, look at the field behind - what a place to go and relax after work, I'm jealous in the most wonderful way.

Thank you Ron for a wonderful day, for passing your knowledge to me and for keeping the coffee streaming when I was there. It will be a sweet day in my memory for the years to come, and I think you will be the reason I build myself one of these at some point.

Links:
http://autonopedia.org/crafts-and-technology/woodwork/polelathe/
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~pwguild/a-pole.htm
http://gallery.nen.gov.uk/asset63490_422-.html

Hope this blog can bring some inspiration, it sure did inspire me.

Best thoughts,
Mads
 
#361 ·
Look what the postman brought - a gift from my friend Jamie in Scotland

Look what the postman brought
a gift from my friend Jamie in Scotland

Some people have all the luck!
Or at least it feels like this.
When I was in Scotland visiting my friend Jamie, I saw a new tool he had bought and thought it looked so cool.
Look what then arrived with the post:


Like Christmas, a pack from Scotland!


And look what was inside; a spoon plane (pull shave) like the one Jamie have.


Beautiful tool and a nice fit in the hand.


Mr. sharpening of course needed to do a little sharpening, first the back.


Like this.


Then the bevel.
As I use a black marker to se what's happening.


So now it is a part of the wood carving tools family and I look forward to try it out on projects in the future.
The only tools I have now that all are in storage.

See more here: http://lumberjocks.com/mafe/blog/38894

Dear Jamie, I feel like a spoiled child.
Guess I am.
Being your friend.
Know I truly appreciate it every day.
You are in so many ways a inspiration to me.
A role model.
Thank you.

The best of my thoughts to you and all the wonderful people around you Jamie,
Mads
 
#377 ·
Smoking hot present from my buddy Brad - US, UK, DK...

Smoking hot present from my buddy Brad
US, UK, DK…

This one I have been waiting for a wile to post.
This because Brad should have the time to post his own story about his meeting with Andy first… You will soon understand.


Some of you have seen this picture before.
It was the day I got a present from Jamie.
The same day another pack arrived, that I have kept secret.


In this pack inside a foam pad a beautiful little wood tool was meeting me.


Notice the difference to this picture from my thank you to Jamie blog…


This one was also from that blog…


Look what I had hidden!
The wonders of Photoshop.


I held the tool in my hand, and was trying to guess the purpose.
A paper fold marker…


But then I got mail from Andy, he told me the story about his meeting with Brad in UK and that Brad had brought with him a little present for me also.
Andy had then send it to DK for me after the visit - thank you Andy. ;-)
And here I was.
With a pipe tool!
Pointed end to clean the pipe.


Flat end to tamp the tobacco.
What a beautiful tamper.
What a wonderful idea.


I can now sit back and enjoy a good pipe of tobacco thank you Brad.
I sit here and feel extremely lucky.
Send you all the best of my thoughts.

A big smile here from Denmark, or more exactly from me.

Wish you and the family a wonderful christmas,
Mads
 
#393 ·
Visit in the shop from Italy - Actually also France and Denmark...

Visit in the shop from Italy.
Actually also France and Denmark…
These days I have been a busy bee, life as such keeps me running and I had only little time to drop by LJ, so not to many comments from me those months.

First things first.

During the winter I had visits from two of my LJ friends, Ty kaerlighedsbamsen and David PaulsenbyHand .
They have both visited my shop more than once and even once together, but I forgot to take photos, sorry guys.
I also had the chance to visit Ty's shop and meet his son, some lovely hours at his place, thank you.
It will not be the last you hear about these two guys, I will tell more at a later meeting and now just thank them for the visits and the good talks we have had, I know many more will come, thank you guys. ;-)

Picture frame Table Textile Interior design Smile

But this was why I wanted to write just now!
I was sitting on my bench in front of the shop, on the phone with a Romanian girl I know and was expecting to visit that afternoon. A well dressed guy stopped by the shop and stood there for quite a time, I'm used to people watching the shop, but I was thinking who is that guy, he just stands there in front of the shop… Then he gave a signal and left… Then right after a big rain came and I ran inside to work, but the phone rang again and now I was on with a friend, so when the guy came back I was again talking, but this time I hung up and said hello.
It was Pasquale, he is a Italian photographer, studied architecture and have a heart for the wood, so yes talk came easy and I so enjoyed his company. Yes we did talk tools and as with everyone visiting my shop, the hand tool wall was where we spend most the time, not hanging at it, but hanging out by it and time was flying like a jet plane all in all a wonderful time and when he left he just had the chance to say hello to my beautiful Romanian friend Mira, as she arrived at the same moment by chance.
Thank you Pasquale for a wonderful time, since I know you are staying for a while, I look forward to your next visit. ;-) There are still so much I never got to hear about, you have a friend here in Denmark now.

Building Window Wheel Interior design Tire

Last week I had a visit from France, it was Yves, he is a friend of a friend and now a friend of me.
He heard my old 1962 Vespa GL was not running, so he said he would come and make it!
So Yves arrived with his wonderful mood, we laughed, welded, did mechanics and yes, the old lady was running up and down the street in the evening. After we ate at a local restaurant, and enjoyed life.
Thank you Yves, it was a day I will remember and now the Vespa makes me smile when she is in front of the shop, will see you soon, look forward to sail your ship.

Boat Water Watercraft Sailing Mast

I also just learned that one of my ancestors was a pirate he was captured by the English and kept in prison on a British ship outside London for a year. Dam yes, I'm a pirate!
Here I tried to live my self into the role. ;-) Mad the pirate or Mad(s) Sparrow if you will.

Chair Product Wood Table Shelf

It was a long Winter - ok not that long…
Just tough that the shop was Down and I was without shop for a long period.

Food Tableware Plant Ingredient Staple food

But I got to bake some more breads, the sourdough are still alive and making wonderful breads.

Rectangle Branch Wood Art Twig

I also started training on making wood cuts, first in lino and making the tools for it, more will come.
Here first shot in colors.

Head Hand Arm Eye Human body

The winter also gave time for nude model clay croquis, it is so rewarding and I feel that I start to make progress this year.

Water Boat Paddle Tree Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

Got a new folding kayak, that I will bring when I go again this summer to visit my friend Jamie in Scotland.
I look so much forward to see them all up there and this time to not just walk the loch Doon, but even to sail on it.

Vision care Eyewear Beard Font Display device

I had a computer brake down, several blogs were lost and a load of pictures taken since my last backup in January were lost… The hard drive say funny sounds and I can't get to access it, even in a external docking station.
This was a hard punch, but at the end of the day, it's just data and not life, so I left it behind me now.
I wrote some poetry and a chapter on a book that are now lost, this is the worst.
Glad I did have a backup even it was old.

Vision care Light Wood Eyewear Cosmetics

So news from the shop.

Brown Property Furniture Picture frame Wood

I have been quite a lot there, but did only little woodworking.
Used it for many other things as it is supposed to be my studio, but also for a place to sleep after nights in town.
Yes life as single makes you sometimes see the sun rise before you go to bed. ;-)

Wood Table Machine Engineering Metal

This is my bench these days, working on a secret project, that I will share in a few weeks, yes my wonderful daughter are having her confirmation so it might have to do with that. ;-)
I put quite a few hours into that project and have enjoyed this time to the max.

Gas Tints and shades Heat Midnight Darkness

4 May it was the Danish liberation day from the great war and I went to the memorial to send thoughts to my American and English friends - thanks for the freedom I live now.

A warm thought and thank you for the visits,
Mads
 

Attachments

#394 ·
Visit in the shop from Italy - Actually also France and Denmark...

Visit in the shop from Italy.
Actually also France and Denmark…
These days I have been a busy bee, life as such keeps me running and I had only little time to drop by LJ, so not to many comments from me those months.

First things first.

During the winter I had visits from two of my LJ friends, Ty kaerlighedsbamsen and David PaulsenbyHand .
They have both visited my shop more than once and even once together, but I forgot to take photos, sorry guys.
I also had the chance to visit Ty's shop and meet his son, some lovely hours at his place, thank you.
It will not be the last you hear about these two guys, I will tell more at a later meeting and now just thank them for the visits and the good talks we have had, I know many more will come, thank you guys. ;-)

Picture frame Table Textile Interior design Smile

But this was why I wanted to write just now!
I was sitting on my bench in front of the shop, on the phone with a Romanian girl I know and was expecting to visit that afternoon. A well dressed guy stopped by the shop and stood there for quite a time, I'm used to people watching the shop, but I was thinking who is that guy, he just stands there in front of the shop… Then he gave a signal and left… Then right after a big rain came and I ran inside to work, but the phone rang again and now I was on with a friend, so when the guy came back I was again talking, but this time I hung up and said hello.
It was Pasquale, he is a Italian photographer, studied architecture and have a heart for the wood, so yes talk came easy and I so enjoyed his company. Yes we did talk tools and as with everyone visiting my shop, the hand tool wall was where we spend most the time, not hanging at it, but hanging out by it and time was flying like a jet plane all in all a wonderful time and when he left he just had the chance to say hello to my beautiful Romanian friend Mira, as she arrived at the same moment by chance.
Thank you Pasquale for a wonderful time, since I know you are staying for a while, I look forward to your next visit. ;-) There are still so much I never got to hear about, you have a friend here in Denmark now.

Building Window Wheel Interior design Tire

Last week I had a visit from France, it was Yves, he is a friend of a friend and now a friend of me.
He heard my old 1962 Vespa GL was not running, so he said he would come and make it!
So Yves arrived with his wonderful mood, we laughed, welded, did mechanics and yes, the old lady was running up and down the street in the evening. After we ate at a local restaurant, and enjoyed life.
Thank you Yves, it was a day I will remember and now the Vespa makes me smile when she is in front of the shop, will see you soon, look forward to sail your ship.

Boat Water Watercraft Sailing Mast

I also just learned that one of my ancestors was a pirate he was captured by the English and kept in prison on a British ship outside London for a year. Dam yes, I'm a pirate!
Here I tried to live my self into the role. ;-) Mad the pirate or Mad(s) Sparrow if you will.

Chair Product Wood Table Shelf

It was a long Winter - ok not that long…
Just tough that the shop was Down and I was without shop for a long period.

Food Tableware Plant Ingredient Staple food

But I got to bake some more breads, the sourdough are still alive and making wonderful breads.

Rectangle Branch Wood Art Twig

I also started training on making wood cuts, first in lino and making the tools for it, more will come.
Here first shot in colors.

Head Hand Arm Eye Human body

The winter also gave time for nude model clay croquis, it is so rewarding and I feel that I start to make progress this year.

Water Boat Paddle Tree Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

Got a new folding kayak, that I will bring when I go again this summer to visit my friend Jamie in Scotland.
I look so much forward to see them all up there and this time to not just walk the loch Doon, but even to sail on it.

Vision care Eyewear Beard Font Display device

I had a computer brake down, several blogs were lost and a load of pictures taken since my last backup in January were lost… The hard drive say funny sounds and I can't get to access it, even in a external docking station.
This was a hard punch, but at the end of the day, it's just data and not life, so I left it behind me now.
I wrote some poetry and a chapter on a book that are now lost, this is the worst.
Glad I did have a backup even it was old.

Vision care Light Wood Eyewear Cosmetics

So news from the shop.

Brown Property Furniture Picture frame Wood

I have been quite a lot there, but did only little woodworking.
Used it for many other things as it is supposed to be my studio, but also for a place to sleep after nights in town.
Yes life as single makes you sometimes see the sun rise before you go to bed. ;-)

Wood Table Machine Engineering Metal

This is my bench these days, working on a secret project, that I will share in a few weeks, yes my wonderful daughter are having her confirmation so it might have to do with that. ;-)
I put quite a few hours into that project and have enjoyed this time to the max.

Gas Tints and shades Heat Midnight Darkness

4 May it was the Danish liberation day from the great war and I went to the memorial to send thoughts to my American and English friends - thanks for the freedom I live now.

A warm thought and thank you for the visits,
Mads
many good things your way mads
good to hear from you

many friends and new skills
is that mira sitting in the chair
she looks a little thin
(always thought romanians were more wholesome)

have a great spring
my best to you and mathilde
 

Attachments

#411 ·
Visiting Jamie in Scotland again.

Visiting Jamie in Scotland again.
and loving it.

Rumors say that a Dane has landed in Scotland, I think I heard it was; 'the happy man with the white hat sleeping in the trees', who ever that strange guy must be…
The other day I did see a shadow, that could remind a wee bit of that here in Scotland.


Do not believe all the rumors though, as you can see here, he travels light…
What can I say - two hammocks, two sleeping bags, clothes, tools, a life vest and a kayak - it takes a bag or two, but no I did not bring crates of wine, stones or what ever you heard from the drums of the jungle.
Must warn you though, there are a mad Scotchman babbling online these days!


Here the Dutch plane arrives in Scotland, don't believe in the rumors of a French plane…
Glasgow that is, under the beautiful sky.


Shirley came to pick me up - no it's not her on the picture!
(Shirley is Jamies wonderful wife, even most of the time I just see her flying by, she is always busy, I have a suspicion she is an angel, at least her personality is, I try to look for her wings, but did not see then yet, will keep you informed if the appear).
On the picture, yes that's a wee dog.
Shirley was driving us through the Scottish landscape and all of a sudden she stopped the car, out we went and there were this sweet dog, all tangled up in a pole, really confused but with a happy tail. Shirley is a woman with a grand heart, so the wee puppy came with us in the car.
In the evening she put it on Facebook and Mr. Tangle came with me to sleep in my room - after two hours of no sleep I allowed him into my bed and as soon as he was close to my body he fell asleep fast and were calm all night. Guess I'm not the only one that needs love.
In the morning he came back home to his family, need I say, I was a wee bit sad, now I will sleep alone again.


Ohhh I woke up to the sound of these.
So I was thinking it was time for the usual coffee and egg roll.


So nice to be back in the shop, Jamies shop, even I think he might need a hand again on that cabinet, I just might have to come back once a year, not that I enjoy it of course…
(I love it).



Jamies house is a tornado of guests in and out the door.
I have been looking so much forward to meet up with them all.
Here we have Ron, he was the one that allowed me to use his cool lathe last year.
(Handsome bastard even he try to hide).


I started destroying wood.
Working on a prototype of a minimalist meditation stool.
Here the first raw ideas, not happy with the leg.


I think the guy in the Chair might be the mad Scotchman, the two others are Ronnie and his son Romeo, wonderful lads.


Here we have Ryan, he is the most loving guy I know, excellent turner, he knows how to spin that lathe and he's always good for a smile.
Perhaps it's the mad Scotchman behind him, even he might be a wee skinny…


Version two, now we are closer I think.


Hmmmmm her he goes again… In the front we have Arthur another one of the house regulars, he is a serious worker and knows where to find things in the shop.


Back in the shop.


More guests and cigarettes, this time Jo came to visit us.
She is a friend of our much missed Tharchin.


Gordon with a warm smile, he seems to be listening in on the police radio, might be a agent, I better keep my secrets close to me.


Jamies house! I need a GPS.
Naaaa I'm lost anyway.


Back in the shrine room, I meditate and try to find some balance, have been quite disturbed lately, but being here helps and I manage to keep the black dog in a steady leach and a arm away.
But since I am a bit OCD I decided to fix the wall, just a few plaster boards and the wall are back, no more energy getting lost in there.
Or as Jamie and Shirley says when making fun with me; CDO, the letters have to be in the right order. Smiles.


Isn't tat a wonderful place, every one should have a place like that to go and balance their inner core.


Nature here are not too bad also!


This is right outside the door.


That is not possible to resist.


So the mad Dane takes of.


Throws my bag by the river.


After ten minutes it's transformed into this.
Yes I did bring a kayak to Scotland.


And down the river I am.
Meet a few bups and stones, but stayed dry and had some wonderful hours there.


Time for a wee rest.
This is living.


After a few hours on the water, I packed up and too the bus back home.
Now I look forward to the next tour as I enjoy the memories of this one.


Jamies pond brings sweet moments. always wonderful to sit there and watch the fish.


Did I mention all the dogs, this is another little love child here, always ready for a hug.


Smiles.


Made a handle for Jamies second bench, time for a wee bit of turning, so now I have a place to work, wonderful that is.


Ok, it is Jamie, now I am sure!
Here trying to tell me Scottish are bigger than Danish…
Or perhaps he talked about wood, not always sure what these Scottish are saying, how ar die doin, twa want a wee bit milk in dae tee… or something like that. But I am getting better every day.
Promise you, when thee blokes are talking fast you are happy just just grasp a word or two.
I love that Scottish accent.


Time for a race, I cheat by using the motor, Jamie by holding on to me, so we can call it a fair race I guess.


Pls notice the dogs.
Not Jamie and I.


I think we can call it even.
Brothers with different mothers are our new nick name. Thanks Kelly. ;-)


This picture has been published online by some out of focus guy, the truth about it, is was asked where are the sun and then I pointed at it, or at least that is close to the truth, I guess, naaaa, ok I did something naughty, sorry mom.


So after the race I took the hell racer for a wee tour in the landscape.
Quite cool to see the world from a new perspective.


The closed tile factory in the evening light.
(Next to Jamies house).


Ohh yes I was kind of kidnapped, at least invited, by these two beautiful woman, for a tour with them into Edinburgh.
We had two wonderful days there together, walks in the city and just enjoying their company, thanks.
(Rosslyn and her daughter Kali).


Kali is a lover of books and so am I, so she had us visit some wonderful bookstores, this one was a favorite and we all bought books.


Did I mention the Scottish wear funny clothes…


Guess they are not thinking out of the box here…


Even the police are kept in wooden boxes.


You see what I say!


A visit at the Scottish national museum.
Beautiful hall, got to love that ironwork, that almost look like weightless.


A moment of peace.


This one looks like the bowl I did at Ron's last year…


Just passing by…


Nut spoon…


Grease box…


Jaws.


Must admire their flying abilities.


Wood carving.
Is that normal?


Calm down MaFe.


Auuuch we got a flat tire when we returned.


So time for some more city walk.
Like a fairytale that city on the hill side.


Did I mention the Scottish dress funny…
Or is it just me?


...


That's because men are covered in bird ********************…


That's a bar for me.


Life is sweet as we wait for the help to arrive.
The spare tire was flat also, but with road service and some air, we managed to be able to leave the city again.


;-)


There he is again!


So heading back home, while I enjoy the beautiful landscapes her.
Going to miss Ros and Kali, been wonderful to be kidnapped.


The moon before bedtime.


Back in the wood cave, here I find my favorite wood worker again, love to hang out in the shop, turning wood into things and learning new tricks from a old dog.


It must be a sign…
The Hindu spot in my face was there as I woke up the other morning, really I am not joking.
Perhaps there are also other signs in the picture…


Now down to working on the minimalist meditation stool, Jamie offered me some beautiful wood, so it is up to me to give it life.


Did I mention the chickens?


Frenchtoast and coffee, serving Jamie a lunch, enjoying the fresh eggs.


Here she is the angel - Shirley - still no wings, but trust me she is.


Fire in the stove, we had a rainy day.


Spot on!
Thank you for trying to follow my ramblings, nothing makes sense to me, but it feel good ad I enjoy every moment here.
Thank you Jamie, you are more than a friend.
Brothers with different mothers.
(and fathers).


Guess I have to keep on carry the world on my shoulders, it's a hard job, but some one got to do it.


Ohhh yes I also made a fish for… the fish…

A warm thought to all of you LJ's here from me in Scotland,
Mads
 
#431 ·
Visiting my friend Jamie in Scotland - the show must go on.

Visiting my friend Jamie in Scotland
the show must go on

Days are flying on wings of joy here.
Tomorrow morning I am going back to Copenhagen, feel a wee bit sad, but also full of wonderful moments and a warm heart - looking forward to come home for three weeks of vacation with my sweet daughter Mathilde.


Nights have been bright and beautiful here.


Days in the workshop with Jamie and all the guys have brought many smiles and I have made a couple of meditation stools. Here the prototype behind and the collapsible version in front.


Also I worked on a version in ash, this one should be like the essence of my go on the minimalism.
(Will make a blog later).


Also I know there has been some rumors of me going out into the wild…
I did bring my foldable kayak to Scotland and succeeded to get a night out and a day on the Loch Doon.


And my hammock. ;-)
Here camp site.


Off I went to Loch Doon, what do you think of that view?
It was a dream for me to paddle Loch Doon since last year, where I walked down app. a quarter of the lake and set camp.


So to paddle it this year was a dream come through.


A wee bit of woodworking…
Made a small sail out of my rain coat and a branch, then the wind turned against me again.


All in all a long paddle, Loch Doon is app 7 miles (11,5km) long.
So I will guess I paddled 16 miles (25 km) that day.
Quite an achievement for a man retired due to a spinal neck operation (I will never do that again in one day).


Also had time to make a live edge mirror frame, a gift for Gordon (another friend of Jamies house and me here), will tell more about this also in a later blog.


Now this is Scotland.


In the middle of the Scottish landscape you find this.
Samye Ling, amazing place, wonderful people.
http://www.samyeling.org/
Sweet Rosslyn took Jamie and I up there for a day.


Jamie seemed to know them all and all were so happy to meet him.
(I can understand why, he is a special person with a grand heart).


I also meet Kali, she is an artist and do painting.
She is working on the amazing statue you see in the picture.


Had the joy of a wee look into the workshop there.
A really peaceful place, with a beautiful light.


Love that table saw.


Samye Ling is a place for reflection.


Could not stop thinking of the wood projects that could come from this tree!


Yesterday the sky opened up, and Scotland showed me it's wet face, so it was time to play with wood and drink tea.
(Ok I admit I still go for the coffee).


So I could finish up my meditation stool projects.
Been a pleasure working on this in the house of Mr. Meditationstool Jamie.
So I made one for him also, ash, lightweight, shaped for comfort and beauty.
(This will be in another blog later, but here you get a picture of the results).


Jamies workbench.


My workbench while I was here.
(I am a spoiled child here in so many ways, Jamie and Shirley takes so good care of me and I feel like a son that has come home).


Tomorrow I will go back home, when I came I was a little out of balance, my mind is more at peace now, I have been meet with so much love, time for reflection, Shirleys good food, slobber and kisses from the dogs, hours of shaping wood, nice talks, tours in my kayak and so much more.
I will go home and have a heart full of impressions that will be settling in me for many months.


To wind up the tour, I have made a little game for you all.
Spot the difference.


Five things are missing in this picture. ;-)
Do not look in the comments before you have solved it.

Thank you to all that I meet in- and outside the house, most of you know who I mean, a special thanks to Rosslyn once again you touched my heart in many ways, Shirley for being you - wonderful you & Jamie for being my friend and your open arms and mind, our friendship means a lot to me in so many levels.

I have a wee tear in my eye writing this.
Since I hate goodbyes I will say, see you soon. ;-)

Another warm thought to all of you LJ's here from me in Scotland,
Mads

Best thoughts,
Mads
 
#446 ·
French hand plane review Darex 303 (the long waited review).

French hand plane review Darex 303
the long waited review…
Mads has left his laptop sitting, Silly boy,
J S I wonder if he will re read it LOL

By the authors of unpopular wood wrecking magazine:
Jamie the Scotsman & MaFe the Dane.
Brothers with different mothers (and fathers).

You know what they say about the French?
We don't…
JS yes but Mads you Danes have not forgiven Napoleon
This blog is in no way a nationalist attempt of promoting France, the authors have no intention of making it into a international matter and no French were hurt during the review, so no reason to feel hurt after.
In fact we both like chese, frogs, beautiful woman and tools of any nationality.

So we decided to test a product from the French hand plane producer Darex.
Darex has been around for a long time, they are excellent at copying tools and making them at their own standards.
JS Are you sure it,s not Durex the French are always writing letters about?

Smoothing plane Plane Scrub plane Block plane Jack plane


Darex 303 is the name of the model.
We give it 5 stars.
JS Yes Mads but did you tell them that was out of 100.
They were short of one millimeter, so it became a 44mm iron.
But no more ramblings, lets get serious and look into the hand plane.
The one we had the chance to test is a good as new, slightly used model, purchased by a Scotsman.
JS You say Scotsman but with all the Vikings in Ayrshire he could be a Dane. You know that in Scotland
we get the best Danish Bacon & Butter

Automotive tire Motor vehicle Gas Bumper Rim

First let's take a look at the cap iron, feels heavy and the chrome in play with the gold sticker, gives it a sexy look, we are especially impressed with the 44mm detail, no iron'y here.
Also the plastic knob for tightening the blade has gone through a serious design phase, we are tempted to believe they have look at pre www2 Russian planes for inspiration, quite naughty that is.
JS Planes I think you mean tanks.

Bumper Wood Fender Automotive tire Bicycle part

Can you handle this!
Again a naughty detail, the wood has been replaced with a look alike Bakelite plastic.
It actually feels good in the hand and gives you a grip of the situation at this point.
JS Yes Mads but you just paddled twa lengths o Loch Doon and said your hands were numb.
Wood Gas Metal Soil Terrestrial animal

Same song, different melody and shape…

Automotive tire Hood Bumper Tire Automotive design

Reinforced plastic knob, gives it the strength to be tightened a reasonable amount of times before it will break.
JS Reasonable amount of times. Twice?
Tool Bumper Bicycle part Wood Rim

The frog is a masterpiece, all plastic.
(The French actually eat frogs).

Font Rectangle Fashion accessory Metal Electric blue

Must admit the chrome cap iron do add some bling effect, it will stand out in any shop and they managed to use absolute minimum of material to make it.
JS Yes that is the sad part. Not even any scrap value

Wood Musical instrument Bumper Automotive tire Flooring

We did admit our copy was a wee bit used, but frankly you can still see the chrome that once covered the entire sole.
Imagine the face of your fellow woodworkers when you tilt your plane a show of a wee bit chrome, they will be green! But since it is not brand new, we will not go deeper into this.
JS Yes I can Green like a Frog.

Wood Bumper Air gun Trigger Automotive exterior

We will go straight to the flatness test.
As you can see it is not too bad, no more light passes the straight edge than the tolerance they promise on the spec's.
(You should not be able to get more light through, that to light up a small workshop).
So it will get a star for that.
JS I think it was a bad idea to hide Mads glasses

Ruler Office ruler Rectangle Wood Tool

Ok perhaps it could have been worked a wee bit more, but that would have destroyed the beautiful chrome, so lets just call it relatively flat.

Gesture Rectangle Wood Tints and shades Wrist

The iron seems to be made from iron, so we looked at the back.
As you see again relatively flat.
JS Holland is also flat

Wood Rectangle Tints and shades Font Metal

I think this is what the French call: 'prête hors de la boîte', ready out of the box.
Not sure if it's for planning or moldings, but we will make more testing.
It gets a star for being ready.
JS Now he has me flummoxed , Have I mentioned that I blame my truant officer
for my poor French

Plane Scrub plane Shoulder plane Wood Cuisine

Time for some hands on testing!
We will try and push it through some pine.
It looks like shaves.

Petal Cuisine Ingredient Wood Food

For compare, here shaves from a Japanese hand plane.

Cuisine Grass Metal Freezing Pattern

And here chips from a electric thicknesser.

Food Ingredient Recipe Cuisine Dish

We are not all sure, but tend to call it shaves and not chips, so it gets a star here.

Automotive exterior Grey Wood Bumper Sleeve

...

Automotive design Automotive exterior Office equipment Bumper Auto part

Vive la France.

JS I think there is some photo trickery here or black magik
Conclusion:
The Darex is one of these products, where we got to ask our self; 'why did no one come up with a hand plane like this before' also we ask our self; 'why did no one come up with a hand plane like this after'...
The chrome ideas are so bright that it really outshines the few dislikes that we could have on this plane.
The execution of the frog and the fact it was not eaten, show signs of brilliance in the chain of the production.
The gold label are the touch that removes all doubts.
So we had no doubt when we gave it five stars.
JS I think this is again out of 100
Forehead Glasses Smile Vision care Dress shirt

The author MaFe, has a short history, but tend to make it long, he is widely known for his expertise on curly shaves and his strong believe in the power of hand tools when the electricity are off, MaFe is also known to be a greasy guy, thinking into the box.

Dog Dog breed Carnivore Fawn Terrestrial animal

Next review will be on bench dogs.
Every wood wrecker should try one of these, they have a excellent grip on wood and a love for chips.
(Try to avoid black dogs).

Forehead Nose Glasses Eyebrow Vision care

The author Jamie, has a long history, he is a shave specialist, no one can use a scraper like him, meditation master in the workshop. Jamie is also known for his last oils for the wood and for his strictly dust free workshop.

Hope this review will bring you absolutely no where, but perhaps a smile,
JS ;)
Best thoughts,
Jamie & Mads
Brothers with different mothers.
(and fathers).
 

Attachments

#447 ·
French hand plane review Darex 303 (the long waited review).

French hand plane review Darex 303
the long waited review…
Mads has left his laptop sitting, Silly boy,
J S I wonder if he will re read it LOL

By the authors of unpopular wood wrecking magazine:
Jamie the Scotsman & MaFe the Dane.
Brothers with different mothers (and fathers).

You know what they say about the French?
We don't…
JS yes but Mads you Danes have not forgiven Napoleon
This blog is in no way a nationalist attempt of promoting France, the authors have no intention of making it into a international matter and no French were hurt during the review, so no reason to feel hurt after.
In fact we both like chese, frogs, beautiful woman and tools of any nationality.

So we decided to test a product from the French hand plane producer Darex.
Darex has been around for a long time, they are excellent at copying tools and making them at their own standards.
JS Are you sure it,s not Durex the French are always writing letters about?

Smoothing plane Plane Scrub plane Block plane Jack plane


Darex 303 is the name of the model.
We give it 5 stars.
JS Yes Mads but did you tell them that was out of 100.
They were short of one millimeter, so it became a 44mm iron.
But no more ramblings, lets get serious and look into the hand plane.
The one we had the chance to test is a good as new, slightly used model, purchased by a Scotsman.
JS You say Scotsman but with all the Vikings in Ayrshire he could be a Dane. You know that in Scotland
we get the best Danish Bacon & Butter

Automotive tire Motor vehicle Gas Bumper Rim

First let's take a look at the cap iron, feels heavy and the chrome in play with the gold sticker, gives it a sexy look, we are especially impressed with the 44mm detail, no iron'y here.
Also the plastic knob for tightening the blade has gone through a serious design phase, we are tempted to believe they have look at pre www2 Russian planes for inspiration, quite naughty that is.
JS Planes I think you mean tanks.

Bumper Wood Fender Automotive tire Bicycle part

Can you handle this!
Again a naughty detail, the wood has been replaced with a look alike Bakelite plastic.
It actually feels good in the hand and gives you a grip of the situation at this point.
JS Yes Mads but you just paddled twa lengths o Loch Doon and said your hands were numb.
Wood Gas Metal Soil Terrestrial animal

Same song, different melody and shape…

Automotive tire Hood Bumper Tire Automotive design

Reinforced plastic knob, gives it the strength to be tightened a reasonable amount of times before it will break.
JS Reasonable amount of times. Twice?
Tool Bumper Bicycle part Wood Rim

The frog is a masterpiece, all plastic.
(The French actually eat frogs).

Font Rectangle Fashion accessory Metal Electric blue

Must admit the chrome cap iron do add some bling effect, it will stand out in any shop and they managed to use absolute minimum of material to make it.
JS Yes that is the sad part. Not even any scrap value

Wood Musical instrument Bumper Automotive tire Flooring

We did admit our copy was a wee bit used, but frankly you can still see the chrome that once covered the entire sole.
Imagine the face of your fellow woodworkers when you tilt your plane a show of a wee bit chrome, they will be green! But since it is not brand new, we will not go deeper into this.
JS Yes I can Green like a Frog.

Wood Bumper Air gun Trigger Automotive exterior

We will go straight to the flatness test.
As you can see it is not too bad, no more light passes the straight edge than the tolerance they promise on the spec's.
(You should not be able to get more light through, that to light up a small workshop).
So it will get a star for that.
JS I think it was a bad idea to hide Mads glasses

Ruler Office ruler Rectangle Wood Tool

Ok perhaps it could have been worked a wee bit more, but that would have destroyed the beautiful chrome, so lets just call it relatively flat.

Gesture Rectangle Wood Tints and shades Wrist

The iron seems to be made from iron, so we looked at the back.
As you see again relatively flat.
JS Holland is also flat

Wood Rectangle Tints and shades Font Metal

I think this is what the French call: 'prête hors de la boîte', ready out of the box.
Not sure if it's for planning or moldings, but we will make more testing.
It gets a star for being ready.
JS Now he has me flummoxed , Have I mentioned that I blame my truant officer
for my poor French

Plane Scrub plane Shoulder plane Wood Cuisine

Time for some hands on testing!
We will try and push it through some pine.
It looks like shaves.

Petal Cuisine Ingredient Wood Food

For compare, here shaves from a Japanese hand plane.

Cuisine Grass Metal Freezing Pattern

And here chips from a electric thicknesser.

Food Ingredient Recipe Cuisine Dish

We are not all sure, but tend to call it shaves and not chips, so it gets a star here.

Automotive exterior Grey Wood Bumper Sleeve

...

Automotive design Automotive exterior Office equipment Bumper Auto part

Vive la France.

JS I think there is some photo trickery here or black magik
Conclusion:
The Darex is one of these products, where we got to ask our self; 'why did no one come up with a hand plane like this before' also we ask our self; 'why did no one come up with a hand plane like this after'...
The chrome ideas are so bright that it really outshines the few dislikes that we could have on this plane.
The execution of the frog and the fact it was not eaten, show signs of brilliance in the chain of the production.
The gold label are the touch that removes all doubts.
So we had no doubt when we gave it five stars.
JS I think this is again out of 100
Forehead Glasses Smile Vision care Dress shirt

The author MaFe, has a short history, but tend to make it long, he is widely known for his expertise on curly shaves and his strong believe in the power of hand tools when the electricity are off, MaFe is also known to be a greasy guy, thinking into the box.

Dog Dog breed Carnivore Fawn Terrestrial animal

Next review will be on bench dogs.
Every wood wrecker should try one of these, they have a excellent grip on wood and a love for chips.
(Try to avoid black dogs).

Forehead Nose Glasses Eyebrow Vision care

The author Jamie, has a long history, he is a shave specialist, no one can use a scraper like him, meditation master in the workshop. Jamie is also known for his last oils for the wood and for his strictly dust free workshop.

Hope this review will bring you absolutely no where, but perhaps a smile,
JS ;)
Best thoughts,
Jamie & Mads
Brothers with different mothers.
(and fathers).
At least the frog won't rust.
 

Attachments

#459 ·
Jamies two face knife ;-)

Jamies two face knife
perhaps the brother knife…

Hi LJ's, I have been offline for a while, had a wonderful summer, but ran out of energy at the end.
As some of you know I have chronically pains and this combined with too much happening, kind of got me at the end (two sides).
So I have been comfortably numb for a while (pale face)...
Now I try to take little steps and let life run in the veins again and what is better than to share a little on LJ.

As many of you know I visited my friend Jamie in Scotland.
Just before going I made my self a knife for my carving tools and brought that with me.
While I was in Scotland I made another knife with a friend Ron there and so I decided that Jamie should have the one I brought, so it is now Jamies knife I picture here. ;-) Life is sweet.


Starting of with a piece of cocobolo, a wonderful piece with sapwood giving it a twist.
So I decided to call it the two face knife.


I had a Japanese knife blade, that I thought was suited for the wood, it is laminated and so I thought it was a good match to the two faces.
Next I placed the blade in the wood, this you can see more about in some of the other blogs I made.
Once the blade it was in the block it was time for design, I wanted to make a small knife for carving, and the handle should have a good grip and be nice to work with in all directions.


sawing out the shape on the band saw.


Then roughly the curves.


Final shaping was done on the Supersander wheel, I have said it before; 'I love that Supersander'.


With this knife I will not try to make it all smooth, it is a carving knife, so I think it suits it to have the marks from the making, so I just go up grid in hand all the way to 600 and then polish of with compound on wheels.


Next is for safety and transport, I give it a small sheath.


To safe my arms I drill the holes for sewing.


That's the knifes sapwood side.


Cocobolo as we know it.


Jamies two face knife.

If some of you want to know more about making knifes, I have made this: tutorial .

Once again thank you for a wonderful visit Jamie, I am with you all there, even I am fare away, this blog is for bringing smiles.

Perhaps it can inspire others to make knifes.

The best of my thoughts,
Mads
 
#474 ·
A dove has arrived - acually it was here but I just did not know...

A dove has arrived
acually it was here but I just did not know…

- and doves have tails…

Plant Flowerpot Mesh Gas Grass

Outside my shop I have a bench and this little lantern.
Why do I tell that?
Because a while back I was supposed to meet up with LJ Nisker, but I was sick so I had to cancel.
Nisker is also a Dane but live not so close, so when he was in Copenhagen he passed the shop and left me a little something under the lantern, he wrote me a message that I don't remember getting, so I never discovered it.
But then he told me about it and I went out to look and as a miracle it was there, even the street cleaners has used leaf blowers, wind and weather, so I guess it was really waiting for me.

Glasses Vision care Wood Eyewear Eye glass accessory

This is what was under the lantern.
A dovetail template.

Glasses Amber Musical instrument Wood Tints and shades

And not just a dovetail template, but a 3d printed dovetail template, designed and printed by Nisker.
That's kind of cool, don't you agree!

You can read more here about Niskers project: http://lumberjocks.com/nisker/blog/41527
He even let the design out for free use.

Picture frame Wood Building Art Ceiling

I send you a warm thought from the workshop, thank you for this fine personal present, it warms my soul in a cold time.

A big smile here from me.

Thank you again,
Mads
 

Attachments

#475 ·
A dove has arrived - acually it was here but I just did not know...

A dove has arrived
acually it was here but I just did not know…

- and doves have tails…

Plant Flowerpot Mesh Gas Grass

Outside my shop I have a bench and this little lantern.
Why do I tell that?
Because a while back I was supposed to meet up with LJ Nisker, but I was sick so I had to cancel.
Nisker is also a Dane but live not so close, so when he was in Copenhagen he passed the shop and left me a little something under the lantern, he wrote me a message that I don't remember getting, so I never discovered it.
But then he told me about it and I went out to look and as a miracle it was there, even the street cleaners has used leaf blowers, wind and weather, so I guess it was really waiting for me.

Glasses Vision care Wood Eyewear Eye glass accessory

This is what was under the lantern.
A dovetail template.

Glasses Amber Musical instrument Wood Tints and shades

And not just a dovetail template, but a 3d printed dovetail template, designed and printed by Nisker.
That's kind of cool, don't you agree!

You can read more here about Niskers project: http://lumberjocks.com/nisker/blog/41527
He even let the design out for free use.

Picture frame Wood Building Art Ceiling

I send you a warm thought from the workshop, thank you for this fine personal present, it warms my soul in a cold time.

A big smile here from me.

Thank you again,
Mads
Nice!
 

Attachments

#491 ·
Hurraaaaa for me... 5 years and 10.000 posts - thank you all.

Hurraaaaa for me… 5 years and 10.000 posts
thank you all.

Before I get started I will post a couple of visits in the shop, this because my journey in woodworking stated out with me as a retired architect, looking for a hobby, trying to put life into an old dream of making furniture, ending up becoming a adventure of learning, meeting new people, online and in life, finding out that noting can't be done, but the to do list grows the more we learn and do.
But yes at the end what I want to celebrate are friendships and the joy of sharing with others what we learn and do, for me this has become the essence, furniture… we will see, I don't care what I make as long as I smile and forget who I am and where I am as I enjoy what I am doing.

Shoe Picture frame Hat Interior design Wood

This is two wonderful men I know, a former colleague from my teaching constructing architects days Ib and the local tattoo miracle maker David. The guy on the left with the cap has been here so long I don't remember his name now, don't even remember if he was a LJ member…

Jeans Picture frame Wood Flooring Floor

Here we have Yves, French, soft heart for quality and magic fingers when it comes to Vespa scooters.
Why did I chose these guys? Because that was when I remembered to take pictures, I had so many visitors in the shop, from all over the world these last five years, that the blog would not be possible to do.
I am grateful for each and everyone who let their path cross the shop, these moments are priceless in my life.
Also I have visitors on the posts and blogs, sometimes new people I never heard of even they been on LJ for years, but since I started we have come from 1000 as I remember to 100.000 members, so I even gave up on the friends list.
A special thanks to those of you that are so often leaving a word on the posts or blogs I make, it is kind of like family now, I feel so lucky and sometimes even embarrassed that I don't find the time to be as kind as I wish I could be to answer all back and look at every ones posts and blogs, but I simply don't have the hours, if there shall be time for woodworking also. At this moment I have 991 unopened notifications in my in box from LJ… Once in a while I take a round and other times I simply have to just delete all to be fair to me and the bunch.
For those who don't know me, here are my story: http://lumberjocks.com/topics/20999

Today I realized that I have made more then 10.000 post in my more than five years here, so I guess I really don't need to blame my self.

A status in numbers:
245 projects.
257 blogs.
23 reviews.
51 forum topics.
And even more interesting 280 favorites.

Most visited post is my version of the kerfmaker, ironically since I almost never use it, but I agree there are some magic in that tool concept. Total visits more than 29.000… If someone had told me that five years ago when I bought my first tools and set of, I would have laughed my ass of, and said: that will be the day it's raining frogs…

Furniture Bookcase Shelf Wood Book

For the blogs my own favorites are the Japanese series and I just saw one of them had more than 30.000 visits and the total of visits are more than 250.000 on those 25 blogs, that's close to making me believe that my passion must have shined through and that I am not alone in my admiration for the Japanese way of seeing life and woodworking. The blog about kannas (Japanese handplanes) have even been translated into Russian, that for me was also a thing that made me smile, How on earth can this little monkey from Denmark playing, reading, asking, looking up online, make a blog where all I do is gather this information others have taught me and it can become interesting even in Russia, to me that is never really to cope with, but I feel grateful.

Eyewear Wood Audio equipment Table Engineering


But all this is just numbers, what really matters here are what drives us, passion, the joy of learning, of showing others what we have learned, trying to make our own versions of countless projects, trying to see in a new way, trying to create from what we have, recycle, upcycle, to do lists that don't need to be done, tools that we need and that we can't live without even we few years ago never heard of them, getting help when stocked or curious, a kind word when we are down or feel what we have done are not good enough, the fact that no one ever talks down to each other, that we can share each others joy, that we can be the same happy for someone buying his first hammer as for him that are a true craftsman with a life's experience. To me it can all be boiled down to two words: inspiration and sharing.
Without this there would be no LJ, this is what Martin once provided us a platform we could use and that we choose to become a part of and for this I want to thank you all.

Wood Missile Pen Ammunition Tool

Gifts from a friend.

Hand tool Wood Tool Musical instrument Natural material

Beautiful hand forged green woodworking tools.
Love these for spoon making, since they are not so tough on my arms.

Drinkware Wood Fluid Ingredient Barware

As you can see I take care and bring it love and life, the best I can.

Another thing I want to thank for are all the gifts I have received, by mail or by hand again here I feel a little guilty, since I have a to give back list that I don't see how I will manage to full fill, but since I felt every gift came from the heart I have received them all with my own heart and use them with joy or look at then with a smile.
To not risk forgetting someone, I choose to not say names, you all know who you are. Thank you from my heart.

Blow torch Pneumatic tool Hammer drill Fluid Handheld power drill

But no it's not all woodworking, it's also getting a glimpse of some of you, of getting to feel a friendship even it is online, a genuine interest in each other.
Ohhh yes and whipped cream and love MaFe style…

Wood Tableware Art Metal Artifact

For me it's not bread and butter, it's all love for woodworking and yes for good bread…..and butter….

Food Tableware Ingredient Wood Kitchen utensil

Food and beer also at times.

Before I fly of on my wings of wood, love and friendships, I want to thank you all, even those that just passed once, it is with all of you my journey became reality and the skills I have learned became mine, without you I would still stand with a Stanley no four and wonder what side of the blade was up and what was down as I did just five years ago.

No rule without an exception, there are one person I want to mention by name; Jamie my friend, my support in moments with the black dog, mentor, my father, my son, my brother, I thank you for opening your heart and house for me, moments in Scotland I will never forget, for learning me to be a better man - Luvsya.
(Also a hug to Shirley that lovely wife of yours, that opened her heart to me).

I have so much to be grateful for, I am a lucky man.

Thank you from my heart,
Mads
 

Attachments

#492 ·
Hurraaaaa for me... 5 years and 10.000 posts - thank you all.

Hurraaaaa for me… 5 years and 10.000 posts
thank you all.

Before I get started I will post a couple of visits in the shop, this because my journey in woodworking stated out with me as a retired architect, looking for a hobby, trying to put life into an old dream of making furniture, ending up becoming a adventure of learning, meeting new people, online and in life, finding out that noting can't be done, but the to do list grows the more we learn and do.
But yes at the end what I want to celebrate are friendships and the joy of sharing with others what we learn and do, for me this has become the essence, furniture… we will see, I don't care what I make as long as I smile and forget who I am and where I am as I enjoy what I am doing.

Shoe Picture frame Hat Interior design Wood

This is two wonderful men I know, a former colleague from my teaching constructing architects days Ib and the local tattoo miracle maker David. The guy on the left with the cap has been here so long I don't remember his name now, don't even remember if he was a LJ member…

Jeans Picture frame Wood Flooring Floor

Here we have Yves, French, soft heart for quality and magic fingers when it comes to Vespa scooters.
Why did I chose these guys? Because that was when I remembered to take pictures, I had so many visitors in the shop, from all over the world these last five years, that the blog would not be possible to do.
I am grateful for each and everyone who let their path cross the shop, these moments are priceless in my life.
Also I have visitors on the posts and blogs, sometimes new people I never heard of even they been on LJ for years, but since I started we have come from 1000 as I remember to 100.000 members, so I even gave up on the friends list.
A special thanks to those of you that are so often leaving a word on the posts or blogs I make, it is kind of like family now, I feel so lucky and sometimes even embarrassed that I don't find the time to be as kind as I wish I could be to answer all back and look at every ones posts and blogs, but I simply don't have the hours, if there shall be time for woodworking also. At this moment I have 991 unopened notifications in my in box from LJ… Once in a while I take a round and other times I simply have to just delete all to be fair to me and the bunch.
For those who don't know me, here are my story: http://lumberjocks.com/topics/20999

Today I realized that I have made more then 10.000 post in my more than five years here, so I guess I really don't need to blame my self.

A status in numbers:
245 projects.
257 blogs.
23 reviews.
51 forum topics.
And even more interesting 280 favorites.

Most visited post is my version of the kerfmaker, ironically since I almost never use it, but I agree there are some magic in that tool concept. Total visits more than 29.000… If someone had told me that five years ago when I bought my first tools and set of, I would have laughed my ass of, and said: that will be the day it's raining frogs…

Furniture Bookcase Shelf Wood Book

For the blogs my own favorites are the Japanese series and I just saw one of them had more than 30.000 visits and the total of visits are more than 250.000 on those 25 blogs, that's close to making me believe that my passion must have shined through and that I am not alone in my admiration for the Japanese way of seeing life and woodworking. The blog about kannas (Japanese handplanes) have even been translated into Russian, that for me was also a thing that made me smile, How on earth can this little monkey from Denmark playing, reading, asking, looking up online, make a blog where all I do is gather this information others have taught me and it can become interesting even in Russia, to me that is never really to cope with, but I feel grateful.

Eyewear Wood Audio equipment Table Engineering


But all this is just numbers, what really matters here are what drives us, passion, the joy of learning, of showing others what we have learned, trying to make our own versions of countless projects, trying to see in a new way, trying to create from what we have, recycle, upcycle, to do lists that don't need to be done, tools that we need and that we can't live without even we few years ago never heard of them, getting help when stocked or curious, a kind word when we are down or feel what we have done are not good enough, the fact that no one ever talks down to each other, that we can share each others joy, that we can be the same happy for someone buying his first hammer as for him that are a true craftsman with a life's experience. To me it can all be boiled down to two words: inspiration and sharing.
Without this there would be no LJ, this is what Martin once provided us a platform we could use and that we choose to become a part of and for this I want to thank you all.

Wood Missile Pen Ammunition Tool

Gifts from a friend.

Hand tool Wood Tool Musical instrument Natural material

Beautiful hand forged green woodworking tools.
Love these for spoon making, since they are not so tough on my arms.

Drinkware Wood Fluid Ingredient Barware

As you can see I take care and bring it love and life, the best I can.

Another thing I want to thank for are all the gifts I have received, by mail or by hand again here I feel a little guilty, since I have a to give back list that I don't see how I will manage to full fill, but since I felt every gift came from the heart I have received them all with my own heart and use them with joy or look at then with a smile.
To not risk forgetting someone, I choose to not say names, you all know who you are. Thank you from my heart.

Blow torch Pneumatic tool Hammer drill Fluid Handheld power drill

But no it's not all woodworking, it's also getting a glimpse of some of you, of getting to feel a friendship even it is online, a genuine interest in each other.
Ohhh yes and whipped cream and love MaFe style…

Wood Tableware Art Metal Artifact

For me it's not bread and butter, it's all love for woodworking and yes for good bread…..and butter….

Food Tableware Ingredient Wood Kitchen utensil

Food and beer also at times.

Before I fly of on my wings of wood, love and friendships, I want to thank you all, even those that just passed once, it is with all of you my journey became reality and the skills I have learned became mine, without you I would still stand with a Stanley no four and wonder what side of the blade was up and what was down as I did just five years ago.

No rule without an exception, there are one person I want to mention by name; Jamie my friend, my support in moments with the black dog, mentor, my father, my son, my brother, I thank you for opening your heart and house for me, moments in Scotland I will never forget, for learning me to be a better man - Luvsya.
(Also a hug to Shirley that lovely wife of yours, that opened her heart to me).

I have so much to be grateful for, I am a lucky man.

Thank you from my heart,
Mads
Skål Mads.
 

Attachments

#521 ·
Visit in the shop from Jutland in Denmark - Nisker came by with a couple of good beers.

Visit in the shop from Jutland in Denmark.
Nisker came by with a couple of good beers.

First things first.

Smile Picture frame Wood Eyewear Flooring

The other day I had a visit from LJ Nisker .
He was in town with the wife and kids, so in the evening when the kids were put to bed, he passed my shop with a couple of good beers, not a bad idea, thanks. ;-)
Nice to meet face to face and to spend a couple of hours talking about …...................... wood'n tools, we are LJ nerds after all…

Glasses Vision care Eyewear Wood Eye glass accessory

Some of you might remember I made a post where I thanked him for a present, it was Nisker that had left me that fine little 3D printed dovetail marker, now we finally got to meet up in real life.

Tableware Wood Drinkware Ingredient Table

Since you were here I had the time to finish the first of the small planes you saw was in the making.
So I send you a salute and peace signals from the pipe.

Wish you all a happy Easter.

I was actually also supposed to go and visit Kaerlighedsbamsen but time has run away this Easter, so that will be in a week or two, I look forward to look into his chair projects.

A warm thought and thank you for the visit,
Mads
 

Attachments

#522 ·
Visit in the shop from Jutland in Denmark - Nisker came by with a couple of good beers.

Visit in the shop from Jutland in Denmark.
Nisker came by with a couple of good beers.

First things first.

Smile Picture frame Wood Eyewear Flooring

The other day I had a visit from LJ Nisker .
He was in town with the wife and kids, so in the evening when the kids were put to bed, he passed my shop with a couple of good beers, not a bad idea, thanks. ;-)
Nice to meet face to face and to spend a couple of hours talking about …...................... wood'n tools, we are LJ nerds after all…

Glasses Vision care Eyewear Wood Eye glass accessory

Some of you might remember I made a post where I thanked him for a present, it was Nisker that had left me that fine little 3D printed dovetail marker, now we finally got to meet up in real life.

Tableware Wood Drinkware Ingredient Table

Since you were here I had the time to finish the first of the small planes you saw was in the making.
So I send you a salute and peace signals from the pipe.

Wish you all a happy Easter.

I was actually also supposed to go and visit Kaerlighedsbamsen but time has run away this Easter, so that will be in a week or two, I look forward to look into his chair projects.

A warm thought and thank you for the visit,
Mads
Nice visit I am sure. I will have to meet Nisker.
You said you were making small planes, but you must be joking. You need a microscope just too adjust them.
 

Attachments

#534 ·
I will survive - a pack came from Australia…

I will survive
a pack came from Australia…

Life moves in mysterious ways.
Our LJ buddy Icemanhank Davids daughter was going to Denmark on business working with a Danish design company, so we agreed she would pass my shop for a quick hello since we have many interests in common.
Life never acts just as planned and she never got the time to pass the shop, when she was here in Copenhagen…

Never the less David had put present in her suitcase for me and this present then traveled back home to Australia.
But back in Australia the present got on a travel of it's own, it was send back to Copenhagen by mail this time.
Hmmmm, that's not normal, a present that can take care of it self like that, but perhaps it was meant to be so…

Bicycle Wheel Tire Plant Land vehicle

Here we are in Copenhagen, the post woman arrives in the street.

Table Picture frame Wood Textile Interior design

The pack open on the work bench.

Table Wood Tool Art Desk

Yes it was a book.
Not just a book.
A survival book.
Australian Bushcraft, a guide to survival and camping, by Richard Graves.
So yes there were a reason why this book could travel on it's own - it had the skills. ;-)

As I still have a big inner child in me and love nature, small hikes and nights out with my hammock, this is a gift that brings a big smile here, I will look forward to trying out some of the shelter building techniques and other wonderful ideas this book is so full of, I love it, it is a real back to basic book, no USB and solar cells here.

Water Sky Cloud Natural landscape Lake


Tarpaulin Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Plant Tints and shades Geological phenomenon

Here pictures from one of my wonderful tours out in nature with the kayak and hammock.

Thank you David for thinking of me, it is a dear personal gift to me and thank you Melinda for taking the time and trouble to bring it half way around the globe and back to send it off on it's own.

This book sure has a story now.

A big warm smile here from me to you and the families.

Thank you,
Mads
 

Attachments

#535 ·
I will survive - a pack came from Australia…

I will survive
a pack came from Australia…

Life moves in mysterious ways.
Our LJ buddy Icemanhank Davids daughter was going to Denmark on business working with a Danish design company, so we agreed she would pass my shop for a quick hello since we have many interests in common.
Life never acts just as planned and she never got the time to pass the shop, when she was here in Copenhagen…

Never the less David had put present in her suitcase for me and this present then traveled back home to Australia.
But back in Australia the present got on a travel of it's own, it was send back to Copenhagen by mail this time.
Hmmmm, that's not normal, a present that can take care of it self like that, but perhaps it was meant to be so…

Bicycle Wheel Tire Plant Land vehicle

Here we are in Copenhagen, the post woman arrives in the street.

Table Picture frame Wood Textile Interior design

The pack open on the work bench.

Table Wood Tool Art Desk

Yes it was a book.
Not just a book.
A survival book.
Australian Bushcraft, a guide to survival and camping, by Richard Graves.
So yes there were a reason why this book could travel on it's own - it had the skills. ;-)

As I still have a big inner child in me and love nature, small hikes and nights out with my hammock, this is a gift that brings a big smile here, I will look forward to trying out some of the shelter building techniques and other wonderful ideas this book is so full of, I love it, it is a real back to basic book, no USB and solar cells here.

Water Sky Cloud Natural landscape Lake


Tarpaulin Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies Plant Tints and shades Geological phenomenon

Here pictures from one of my wonderful tours out in nature with the kayak and hammock.

Thank you David for thinking of me, it is a dear personal gift to me and thank you Melinda for taking the time and trouble to bring it half way around the globe and back to send it off on it's own.

This book sure has a story now.

A big warm smile here from me to you and the families.

Thank you,
Mads
Mads. Are those concrete blocks put there on purpose for campers to hang a hammock or are they just a fortunate use by you? I suspect sleeping on the rocks would not be pleasant.
 

Attachments

#548 ·
Life seems to be sweet to me and luck shines.

Live seems to be sweet to me
and luck shines.

Wood Gas Office equipment Shipping box Hardwood


Kind of like that postman, he always smiles at me, he always take a extra look if he have something for me and he always make me realize it's a little big world.
Yesterday he arrived again with a pack, I was expecting a hat from Germany, but this was not a hat box…


View on YouTube

This one is for all the post men and woman out there.

Looked at the label and could see it was from my friend Madts, kind of fun to get a pack for Mads from Madts…
Madts and I share many stories among them are we went to same school and high school here in Copenhagen also lived in same places, yes it really is a small world.
I live in Denmark and Madts Huston US now.

Ingredient Food Wood Cuisine Tableware


Enough talking - I opened the pack and inside was two wonderful pieces of Mesquite wood.
Amazing how hard this wood is, and what a life.
Wauuu, thank you Madts, now I guess I have to come up with the right project, do have an idea.
I look forward to your next visit in Copenhagen.

Ohh yes and for the luck part, I just got a new apartment in the center of Copenhagen and won a online contest of 100$ to buy tools at our good old friend Martins new site, so yes I feel loved and lucky, what more can we ask for? Ohhyes some wood - ahhh got that also, so yes I smile, a big wonderful smile.

I send thanks and wonderful thoughts to you my friend.

Thank you,
Mads
 

Attachments

#549 ·
Life seems to be sweet to me and luck shines.

Live seems to be sweet to me
and luck shines.

Wood Gas Office equipment Shipping box Hardwood


Kind of like that postman, he always smiles at me, he always take a extra look if he have something for me and he always make me realize it's a little big world.
Yesterday he arrived again with a pack, I was expecting a hat from Germany, but this was not a hat box…


View on YouTube

This one is for all the post men and woman out there.

Looked at the label and could see it was from my friend Madts, kind of fun to get a pack for Mads from Madts…
Madts and I share many stories among them are we went to same school and high school here in Copenhagen also lived in same places, yes it really is a small world.
I live in Denmark and Madts Huston US now.

Ingredient Food Wood Cuisine Tableware


Enough talking - I opened the pack and inside was two wonderful pieces of Mesquite wood.
Amazing how hard this wood is, and what a life.
Wauuu, thank you Madts, now I guess I have to come up with the right project, do have an idea.
I look forward to your next visit in Copenhagen.

Ohh yes and for the luck part, I just got a new apartment in the center of Copenhagen and won a online contest of 100$ to buy tools at our good old friend Martins new site, so yes I feel loved and lucky, what more can we ask for? Ohhyes some wood - ahhh got that also, so yes I smile, a big wonderful smile.

I send thanks and wonderful thoughts to you my friend.

Thank you,
Mads
And smiles back at ya.

Life sounds good,
Steve
 

Attachments

#558 ·
Japanese, Russian, Danish teapot lid, life is a miracle.

Japanese, Russian, Danish teapot lid
life is a miracle

Some time back I got a unexpected mail from Russia, a man wrote me that his wife's teapot got a broken lid and that he would love if I could make her a new.

I don't know the man who wrote me, I don't know his wife, I have never been to Russia, in fact my grandfather was a soldier, in command of a cold war base in Denmark, to keep us protected against the danger from Russia, during the cold war years.

So yes nothing would make me more happy than to make this gesture of love, a gesture of love to not only a strangers wife but a man from a place that once was represented as the enemy. For me love is the answer, I truly believe that if we make room for love, war will be history, so in the memory of my grandfather and in my hope for peace on earth, I was more than happy to become a part of this adventure, this fairytale in real life.

So enough of the great words, back to reality MaFe, woodworking and joy.

I have to admit, my Russian and our friend Alexey Khasyanov 's Danish are not the best, so our communication were at a low level, but somehow it made it just better.
At first I think that he wished me to make it in clay but I took the decision to make it in wood, I think MaFe is the wood guy and that my Japanese adventures in wood have made me close and affected to this.
(I'm not sure if it was only my wish, but I think it came to a good point).

japaneserusdanelid


Alexey send me a few photos with measures or where I could guess some measures. ;-)


So lets get into the making.
I was given some BANKIRAI wood from a friend and thought it would be lovely to pass some on as gift, so I ran it through the thicknesser, to get the desired starting point.


Then cut to square.


Transfer the measures as I hoped they were…


The truth is I had no plan where I was going, just an idea that I would follow my heart and see where it went.
So I just started out with a Japanese plane and chisel, to get into the mood.


Transferring measures and using a cutting gauge.


Just got this beautiful Japanese NANKIN-KANNA spoke shave, it has a antique hand forged blade and a new hand made body, so to use this made me get into the mood.


It's amazing, no other spoke shave I have works this smooth.


The sole, with a nice tight mouth.


I had an idea of ripples of water, but honestly, I'm not the a carving man.


Rays of light in the water…
Stop it MaFe san, you are not like that!


So shaved it all of again.
Gave it some linseed oil.


The spoke shave also.


Found a good tobacco and a favorite pipe.
Mixed paint and just drifted away.


Wood, branches, flowers.


Leather string.
This is my world.


Some coats of Shellack .


My brand and I folded a bird for Alexey's kids if he have some…


So now all I need is to pack it.
Some shaves from the making.


Just to protect it and add that smell I truly love.


Ohhh on the same day my friend Flemming gave me the caliper at the bottom as a present, brass a beautiful old one. I am a lucky man. Life makes sense, don't give to expect gifts, give from your heart, life will give you back plenty, sometimes from a different place, this is what makes it magic.


So a wrap.


Now just a matter of writing the address and hoping it will make it.


A month later I got a mail!
It had arrived in Russia, here you see Alexey and his wonderful family with the lid.
Some people do not believe in magic…
For me this is kind of a evidence.
Magic do exist, we just have to believe in it and I think I can speak for both Alexey and I, we do know it exist.

I send thanks and wonderful thoughts to you dear Alexey, thank you for believing in magic and in that way make my life better than fairytales, I have a big smile on my face and send my love to you and the family.

Thank you,
Mads
 
#578 ·
Memories of summer birthday and a few gifts that still make me smile

Memories of summer birthday
and a few gifts that still make me smile


This summer in the end of June I held my birthday at the workshop.
As you can see I was spoiled by some of the guests.


One of the guests were my friend Flemming, he is the reason I have a collection of pocket knifes now, yes it's true he gave me so many during the last couple of years that I became a collector without even knowing it. ;-)
This day was no different, Flemming brought several knifes and a bottle of Jack.
Since it was a party day I got two with wine openers, a newer on top and the most wonderful old one under, this old knife has become one of my favorites, it has a history in the worn wood and wonderful old carbon steel.
They are both German, the old one Soligen, yes a Swiss knife are more practical stainless steel and all that jazz, plastic handle that need no care… but charm and life… naaaaaa, so yes I feel lucky again.


I also got a couple of vintage Mora sløjd knifes, think these are old school versions, so I might have used one of them as a boy in sjøjd class. These are basic Scandinavian tools made in Sweeden, they have always been good at this and had the recourses to produce tools when the industrial revolution set in.
I might re-handle one of them one day, but for now I use them as they are, they can become wonderful sharp and hold a good edge.


Ty our LJ friend also came by to congrat me, he brought me this beautiful centerfinder he had made.


As with everything Thy does it was crisp and beautiful in the smallest details.
This one is now hanging on my shop wall and makes me smile so often.


Wonderful wood, wonderful finish.


Ohhh yes he also brought me his own homemade oak tree dye, this I will look forward to try when I have the right project.


Will just share one more special knife with you.
Bone handle.


Svane kniv means swan knife.
Special made for the Danish marked.

So yes I am a happy monkey here in Copenhagen, feeling spoiled, are spoiled and love it thank you.

Thank you,
Mads
 
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