| Project by TedM | posted 103 days ago | 521 views | 0 times favorited | 6 comments |  |
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On my last ‘rust run’ to Maine in the Spring I was able to pick up 11 James Swan chisels. I recently finished the handles for them.
The handles are all about 5.5” long, except for the two turning tools which are about 12” long. The ferrules are 3/4” copper pipe.
The James Swan Tool Company out of Seymour, Connecticut made augers, awls, bits, chisels, drawing knives, handles and screwdrivers from 1877 to 1951.
The history and quality of these tools will make a fine addition to my shop. The fact that I had the opportunity to make the handles adds to the warm and fuzzy feeling I get when I use them. :)
Thanks for looking.
-- I'm a wood magician... I can turn fine lumber into firewood before your very eyes! - http://www.woodworkersguide.com
6 comments so far
reggiek
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705 posts in 163 days
posted 103 days ago
Great score….and very nice work….chisels are like clamps…you can never get enough of them…those are some fine looking handles…and nice idea on the ferules…
What kind of wood did you use, it looks like oak?
-- Woodworking.....My small slice of heaven!
TedM
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1843 posts in 625 days
posted 103 days ago
Oops! Sorry, the handles are made of Ash.
And yes, I agree, like clamps you can never get enough!
I should also add that the sizes of the chisels are 1 1/2″, 1″, 1/2″, 7/16″, 3/8″, 1/4″ (there’s 2 of these), 3/16″ mortising chisel , 3/8″ gouge chisel, 3/4″ diamond parting tool and 5/8″ ‘continental style’ turning gouge. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to find a 3/4” chisel to “complete” the set.
-- I'm a wood magician... I can turn fine lumber into firewood before your very eyes! - http://www.woodworkersguide.com
Will Mego
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203 posts in 605 days
posted 102 days ago
very nice, I’ve a soft spot for tool making.
-- "That which has in itself the greatest use, possesses the greatest beauty." - Unknown Shaker
BarryW
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872 posts in 799 days
posted 102 days ago
Very useful and very well done…and ash should be hard enough to last a few years…or was that centuries…
-- /\/\/\ BarryW /\/\/\ Stay so busy you don't have time to die.
TedM
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1843 posts in 625 days
posted 102 days ago
Centuries? Now that would be awesome! Even better if I was around to still use them! ;)
Thanks for all the comments!
-- I'm a wood magician... I can turn fine lumber into firewood before your very eyes! - http://www.woodworkersguide.com
PurpLev
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2733 posts in 541 days
posted 102 days ago
that ash looks great, and I like the shape of the handles as well. thanks for sharing.
-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.