New! Redesigned 151 Spokeshave for Leatherwork with Shaving Collector

modified 151 spokeshave — Modified 151 Spokeshave with shaving collector. It also makes a convenient stand when flipped upside down.

modified 151 spokeshave2 — Note that the shaving collector does not interfere with thumb or forefinger placement.

English trained bookbinders often use a modified spokeshave for long shallow bevels on the turn-ins, reducing the thickness in the spine area of a full leather binding, preparing a new piece of leather for rebacking, and for beveling binder’s board.

I’ve improved the modified Stanley 151 spokeshave that I make and sell by adding a shaving collector. I first saw this on a spokeshave James Brockman was using in 1990. I can’t quite explain why it has taken me so long to get around to making one for myself — I’ve been busy??? He kindly shared details of the design with me, and mentioned he first saw this while working at Roger Powell‘s shop in the late 1960’s or early 1970’s.

The shaving collector really speeds up work with the spokeshave, since you don’t have to stop and clean off stray shavings every couple of minutes, and they don’t get trapped under your leather, which can cause tearing or holes. Additionaly, it is easy to dump the full collector into the trash. More information about spokeshaves for leather.

Other modifications to the spokeshave include: reducing the effective cutting angle by grinding the base, truing the adjustment knobs, rounding and lessening the surface area of the sole, opening the mouth, flattening the blade bed by filing and filling with epoxy, flattening the blade cap, and replacing the thin chrome vanadium original blade with a Lee Valley PM-V11 one. This blade is reground to a lower angle, sharpened, and the corners slightly rounded to prevent ridges formed in the leather. All of these modifications make the spokeshave a much more precise instrument and reduce chatter

Even if you rough out the leather with Scharffix or Brockman leather paring machine, this spokeshave can quickly help reduce the ridges and unevenness the results from overlapping cuts and blade changes if you are working on large pieces. It is also essential for gradual bevels wider than the width of a double edge razor blade. And it is a lot of fun to use.

MODIFIED 151 SPOKESHAVE: $275.00 How to purchase

April 19, 2016April 21, 2016

Upcoming Tool Making Workshop in Provo, Utah. June 23-25, 2016.

I’m teaching a three day workshop this June at Brigham Young University. Not only will there be time to make some knives, delrin folders and lifting tools, but we will also work on hacking/ tweaking/ restoring/ rehabilitating all types bookbinding tools. Come join us!

Bookbinding Tool Making and Tool Repair Intensive: Knives, Folders, Lifters and More.

Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. June 23-25, 2016.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

In this three day tool making intensive, we will make several knives by hand, using stock reduction, and make a variety of Delrin and Tonkin bamboo folding and lifting tools. Participants should also bring any tools they wish to discuss, sharpen, alter, clean or restore. The specific tools that bookbinders use will be examined in detail: paring knives, lifting knives, scissors, hole punches, scalpels, spokeshaves and board shear blades. The pros and cons of various sharpening systems will be discussed, including water stones, ceramic stones, diamond stones, oil stones, natural stones, silicone carbide powder, aluminum oxide powder, diamond paste, abrasive papers and stropping compounds. Basic principals of tool steel and edge geometry will be discussed. This class will focus on the techniques of efficient free-hand sharpening, which is applicable to any sharpening system. Participants will be provided the 3M Microfinishing film, a large paring or lifting knife blank, and all hard hacksaw blades to two small knives of their choosing, a variety of Delrin blanks and Tonkin Bamboo. The goal is to free participants from the plethora of misinformation and mystique that surrounds sharpening, learn to shape Delrin and bamboo, and learn to maintain and repair common bookbinding tools.

To register, go to: https://gbw.formstack.com/forms/toolmaking

Contact: katie<dot>smith<at>ldschurch<dot>org for information about the facilities

Contact me if you have questions about the workshop content

March 29, 2016March 29, 2016

Nokey Travel Size Sewing Frame

Nokey-travel2 — Nokey travel size sewing frame, closed.

This smaller, and less expensive, travel size Nokey sewing frame is ideal for teachers or students who often travel to workshops. Or if your bindery is the kitchen table. The size of the base is 12 x 9 inches, overall weight 4 lbs. Folded it is 13.25 x 9.25 x 2 inches. Same features as the larger models, includes 5 buttons for attaching supports and an an adjustable 90 degree stop that can compensate for wear. 13-ply birch plywood and 6061 Aluminum. Lightweight ball-point hex driver included. Information on how to purchase above, in the store tab.

Nokey Travel: $350.00