Journeyman's Journal

Christmas is just around the corner, and while I don’t celebrate it myself, I respect those that do. It’s a time for joy, family, and reflection, bringing people together to share in the festive spirit. To all who celebrate, I wish you a Merry Christmas filled with warmth, laughter, and happiness. May your holidays be safe, and your new year be bright. Cheers to embracing the season in whatever way brings you the most peace and joy!

The woodworking community in Australia is rich with talent, and Feedspot has curated a list of the Top 15 Australian Woodworking Blogs to highlight some of the finest creators in the field. I’m thrilled to announce that my blog has been ranked number 4, a recognition that reflects the dedication and effort put into sharing high-quality content about hand tool woodworking, traditional techniques, and creative craftsmanship.

This ranking is a testament to the growing interest in handmade woodworking and the vibrant community that surrounds it. To explore the full list and discover other talented woodworkers, visit Feedspot’s official page on Australian Woodworking Blogs.

The world feels pretty uncertain right now. Conflicts are constant, the threat of nuclear war looms far too close for comfort, and the cost of living is climbing faster than most people can keep up with. Understandably, many are cutting back on luxury spending, focusing instead on essentials. It begs the question: what does all this mean for woodworking as a hobby? Will it remain an accessible and fulfilling pastime, or will it become a luxury that only a lucky few can afford?

Current price from the Australian marketplace. The timber is not even a metre long, it’s definitely not attractive. You can only imagine what the cost would be if it was. A woodworking shop since the 18th century abandoned by its owner to join the fight for the American Revolution in 1770.

Woodworking has always been more than just a hobby. For some, it’s about creating something useful with their hands. For others, it’s an artistic outlet a way to bring beauty and meaning into their lives. But let’s not sugar-coat it: woodworking can be expensive. High quality tools, premium timbers, and the space to set up a workshop can all add up. When money’s tight, these costs might make woodworking feel out of reach for many.

Still, woodworking is a craft with resilience. It’s rooted in practicality, and that gives it an edge in challenging times. Building your own furniture, repairing a damaged table, or making gifts by hand can all save money while giving you something far more personal and satisfying than anything mass-produced. This blend of usefulness and creativity makes woodworking more than just a hobby it can be a genuinely valuable skill.

For those worried about the cost, woodworking doesn’t have to break the bank. Repurposing timber from pallets or offcuts, salvaging wood from old furniture, and working with more affordable materials like pine can open up all kinds of possibilities. Even tools don’t have to be a massive investment. While power tools are convenient, a good set of hand tools can do the job just as well and often bring a more rewarding experience to the process. Starting small, using what’s available, and working on practical projects can make woodworking accessible to just about anyone.

Another factor that might help woodworking survive in tough times is the growing sense of community around it. Shared workshops, tool libraries, and woodworking clubs are springing up in more places, making it easier for people to give it a go without needing to commit to a full setup at home. These shared resources also bring people together, turning woodworking into more than just an individual pursuit. For many, it’s a way to connect with others, learn new skills, and feel part of something bigger.

So, what does the future hold for woodworking? It might not be as widespread or flashy as it has been in better times, but it’s not likely to disappear. Instead, it’ll evolve, becoming more resourceful, more community-driven, and more focused on the things that really matter. Those of us who love the craft have an opportunity here to share our skills, and show others that you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience the joys of woodworking.

Woodworking has always been a reflection of human resilience and creativity. It has weathered countless challenges over the centuries, and it will weather these ones too. It’s not just about what you make—it’s about the connection, meaning, and satisfaction you find along the way. And in a world like this, that’s something worth holding onto.

When it comes to finishing wood, there’s a classic piece of wisdom that’s made its way around woodworking circles: “Once a day for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year.” This catchy rule is often used to guide the application of oil finishes, especially for items meant to be treasured and handled for years. But was this actually how woodworkers approached oiling centuries ago, or is it more modern wisdom disguised as tradition?

The phrase sounds like it’s straight from the past, and there’s something appealingly old-world about it. However, in truth, the saying is more a modern adaptation than a historic process, particularly when we look back several hundred years. If we’re talking about woodworking methods used in the 18th century, things were quite different.

In the 1700s, woodworkers didn’t have access to quick-drying oils that are common today, like boiled linseed oil or tung oil. What they used was often raw linseed oil, a naturally slow-drying finish that required days or even weeks to cure. This meant applying oil every day simply wasn’t practical. Craftsmen would typically apply a coat of raw oil, then wait—sometimes for weeks—for it to fully cure before adding another. They’d keep applying coats only until they achieved the desired protection and appearance, which was usually a soft sheen that highlighted the grain without leaving a heavy film.

It’s also worth noting that linseed oil wasn’t the only finish used. Woodworkers of that time often relied on wax, especially beeswax, and resins like copal or even shellac, which started gaining popularity in furniture finishing by the late 18th century. These materials were more effective for creating a hard, glossy surface, which was especially important for items like cabinetry and fine furniture. Shellac, in particular, became prized for its ability to create a high-gloss finish that was both durable and beautiful. However, each of these finishes required different care, and oil was used far less consistently than the “daily, weekly, monthly” rule might suggest.

So where did this adage come from? It likely originated in the early 20th century, a period when many furniture oils on the market were refined versions of linseed oil and other drying oils, enhanced with additives to help them cure faster. The rise of tung oil—a naturally drying oil originally from China—also made it easier for woodworkers to build up layers more quickly, as tung oil cures in a reasonable timeframe compared to raw linseed oil. Applying oil frequently became more feasible, and the idea of building up a finish through regular applications took hold. It’s easy to imagine that, at some point, a clever craftsman or finish manufacturer devised the phrase as an easy way to teach people how to care for their furniture.

Does this mean the “once a day for a week” rule has no value? Not at all. In fact, it’s excellent advice if you’re working with modern oil finishes and want a rich, long-lasting surface. Oils like boiled linseed oil, tung oil, and commercially prepared blends penetrate deeply, adding protection and enhancing the wood’s natural beauty. The regularity of applications helps build a resilient surface over time, which can be ideal for furniture and wooden objects that see regular use. In a way, this advice is more in the spirit of traditional woodworking than an exact replica of historical practices.

The daily, weekly, monthly method may not come from the 18th century, but it captures the patience and care that defines quality wood finishing. It’s a reminder that finishes are best built slowly, layer by layer, allowing each coat to cure fully before adding the next. So while woodworkers from centuries past might not have recognised this exact routine, they’d likely agree with the underlying principle: fine finishes take time, patience, and a craftsman’s eye.

Bad Axe Tool Works is an American company known for producing high-quality, hand-built saws for woodworkers. Founded by Mark Harrell, the company operates out of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and is particularly respected for its attention to detail, craftsmanship, and use of premium materials. They specialise in Western-style backsaws, dovetail saws, tenon saws, and other types of joinery and crosscut saws that are highly customisable. However, the company has faced scrutiny since Mark Harrell sold the company. Once celebrated for its craftsmanship, the brand now finds itself at a crossroads, with some long-time users expressing disappointment in the quality of products produced after the sale.

Mark Harrell sold Bad Axe Tool Works to his former employees. After the sale, Harrell moved on to focus on his own saw sharpening business, SawSharp, where he continues to offer saw restoration and sharpening seminars. Some users have expressed concerns that saws produced after the sale may not match the exceptional craftsmanship associated with the company’s earlier products.Often when a small, founder driven business sells, customer experience can suffer if the new owners don’t maintain the same level of engagement or attention to detail.

There are quality concerns, customer service issues, and others I will go into. Many woodworkers have reported inconsistencies in the saws, noting issues such as uneven sharpening and misaligned teeth. These problems have raised questions about the manufacturing processes employed since Harrell’s departure, as users recall the meticulous attention to detail that defined the brand under his management. In addition to product quality, customer service has emerged as a significant concern. Users have shared experiences of delayed responses and difficulties in order fulfilment, contrasting sharply with the responsive service provided during Harrell’s ownership. This decline in customer support has contributed to a growing sentiment of discontent among customers.

Specific issues mentioned in these reviews include complaints about the saws’ fit and finish, blade tension, and customer service, which some users feel have deteriorated since the transition. For example, some woodworking forums noted disappointment with misaligned saw nuts and a rougher-than-expected finish on the handles. Additionally, a few users reported experiencing delays in receiving their products, which they hadn’t faced when Mark was still in charge.

That being said, there are still customers who are satisfied with their saws, but the decline in the company’s reputation post-sale is apparent in some circles of the woodworking community. It seems that much of the frustration revolves around the saws not meeting the high standards set during Mark’s tenure​.

Despite the negative feedback, there remain loyal advocates for Bad Axe tools. Some users still find satisfaction in specific models, suggesting that the brand retains the potential for excellence, but they advise caution for prospective buyers. Engaging with woodworking communities and seeking recent testimonials can provide valuable insights into current product performance.

In a fairly recent review video, which I will post, the links below show how badly the saw tracks new out of the box.

While some users continue to support the company, these negative reviews from long-standing customers suggest growing dissatisfaction with both the products and the post-sale support experience

The recent negative reviews I referenced were sourced primarily from woodworking communities and forums, as well as from discussions on tool review sites. Specific sources include:

1. Fine Woodworking: This site featured comments and discussions from experienced woodworkers expressing disappointment with Bad Axe Tool Works’ products and customer service after the company changed ownership

2. Woodworking Forums: Various forums and discussion boards where users shared their personal experiences regarding diminished quality control and slower response times from the new management team

These sources reflect the community’s growing concerns and provide insights into specific issues like saw tooth alignment, inconsistent sharpening, and delays in customer support.

If any of this is true and accurate, then the way I see it, the company may have fallen into careless hands.

Whether Bad Axe Tool Works’ tools are still worth buying largely depends on personal preference and experiences shared by the woodworking community.

To finish off, I leave you a video of the grievance this chap has with his brand new bad axe saw, and he does a comparison between it and other select premium handsaws. It’s date: 22 Dec 2023

And a follow up dated 20 Jan 2024

Ultimately, if you’re considering purchasing a Bad Axe tool, it might be wise to check recent user reviews, engage with the woodworking community for updated feedback, or perhaps even try to find a used model that was produced before the sale for potentially higher quality. For more in-depth reviews and community discussions, you might check out sites like Fine Woodworking or woodworking forums.

At the core of traditional woodworking tools, the spokeshave moulding plane stands out as an exemplary instrument for shaping or moulding profiles onto the edges on timber. Nearly every woodworker becomes in love with this tool due to its versatility; it effortlessly crafts intricate mouldings on various wood surfaces. By utilising this simple yet effective tool, craftsmen can enhance the aesthetic quality of furniture, cabinetry, and even decorative pieces.

As the craftsmanship requires precision, the spokeshave moulding plane effectively achieves a profile on edges, like the quintessential lamb’s tongue profile. This technique adds a touch of sophistication to table tops and drawer fronts. The unique design allows for easy manipulation, making it suitable for both straight and curved work.

The Versatility of the tool is that you can use both both side of the plane. If the grain direction is opposing you, simply turn the tool around and plane with grain. This versatility allows you to work with the grain and not against it.

Like any tool, there’s a learning curve to using it. To truly harness the power of the spokeshave moulding plane, learning various techniques is essential. For novice woodworkers, starting with straight edges can provide a solid foundation. First, ensuring the spokeshave is properly set up is crucial; this includes adjusting the blade depth to achieve the desired cut. Subsequently, practicing consistent pressure and movement along the timber will yield smooth edges and contours. Also keeping blades edge razor sharp is crucial

This graceful moulding technique impressively elevates the craftsmanship of any project, transforming simple designs into works of art. It is important to maintain a steady hand, as slight variations in pressure can significantly affect the outcome. Mastering these techniques can take time, but consistency and patience will yield rewarding results.

In conclusion, the spokeshave moulding plane is more than just a tool; it represents a tradition of craftsmanship steeped in history. With its ability to shape wood elegantly, it has rightfully earned its place in traditional woodworking. Whether enhancing the profile of a tabletop or achieving delicate mouldings on cabinetry, this versatile plane is essential for any serious woodworker.

Embracing the charm and functionality of the spokeshave will undoubtedly lead to a greater appreciation for the intricacies involved in craftsmanship. As you embark on creative woodworking journeys, remember that the spokeshave moulding plane is there to help shape not only your wood but your skills as a craftsman as well.

Neil from Ebeaut has launched a new forum named “Renovate Forums” dedicated to all things renovation. This platform features multiple category forums covering various aspects of renovations, along with a marketplace where you can buy, sell, or trade goods. Get ready for great deals and professional and amatuer insights!

Please be aware that ensuring security is challenging, as there are individuals actively seeking to exploit others for financial gain and identity theft. The forums will be closely monitored to prevent their presence. It’s worth noting that this forum is affiliated with the woodworkforums.com, known for their excellent safety measures, so similar standards can be expected here.

https://www.renovateforums.com.au/forum.php

What more can be said about this. This is true craftsmanship

I enjoy listening to this woodworker because his knowledge is authentic, gained only through many years of hands-on experience in woodworking. Contrary to being a hand tool enthusiast, I doubt he had ever used a hand plane before YouTube. You see, there are three categories of woodworkers

1. The purist woodworker exclusively utilises hand tools, foregoing any reliance on power tools.
2. A hybrid woodworker is an individual who proficiently utilises both hand tools and machinery in their woodworking practice.
3. A machine woodworker exclusively uses power tools and does not utilise any hand tools in their workshop.

In his younger years, this individual would likely have fallen into the third category, akin to Norm Abrams from “The New Yankee Workshop.” Consequently, he is unfamiliar with using hand planes in his workflow, resembling newcomers to hand tools who tightly grip the handle with all four fingers. This does not diminish his craftsmanship knowledge, but it does indicate his limited experience in utilising hand tools exclusively and approaching work with them, which is crucial information to note for a professional or amature alike.

You see, you need to understand, if you don’t already, that not every Tom, Dick, and Harry on YouTube is an expert in the craft, and knowing this can save you tonnes of money wasted on their “expert” recommendation. As an example, one guy professional, not an amateur hobbyist but someone who charges other people, demonstrated how to French polish a dining table that he was doing for his client by hand. He didn’t prepare the surface at all other than sanding it, he coated the entire table with boiled linseed oil and wiped it down. Immediately thereafter, he laid down a rag filled with shellac and BLO and began smearing it all over the table. After a while, the table was finished, and he prided himself over that monstrosity he called French polish. The surface was uneven and wavy, and the appearance was a satin smeared with an oily look. His bill was $3000. These are the many so called “experts” you will see on the internet. There are many people who have picked up the hobby, and due to the popularity and financial benefits, they are experts in both machines and especially hand tools. Any hand tool woodworker with many years of experience can see the inexperienced worker by the way he holds his tool and by the way he approaches the work and with which he uses the tool at hand. Does the tool sing in his hand? Can you see a beautiful flow in the way he chops the wood, planes the wood or whatever music he is creating with the wood. He knows that you cannot go against nature, but you must be in harmony with nature and listen to the wood as it speaks to you. I’m sorry, but someone who has worked with machinery all their working life and has never picked up a hand plane will laugh at what I have just said and never understand it.

There truly are only a handful of people who truly know how to use hand tools because either they employed only hand tools throughout their lives or they used both machinery and hand tools equally. They do not have to be a woodworking professional, that is, someone who is earning a living from the craft. Shannon Rodgers comes to mind. He works for a timber yard and teaches handtool-only woodworking online. He is an expert in hand tools and machinery as well. He talks a lot during his online classes, and that is because his knowledge surpasses most online, so he has a lot to say. Paul Sellers is another source I could trust. He used machinery and hand tools combined throughout his working life. Another legend that comes to mind is the Canadian hand tool woodworker Tom Fidgen. He only works with hand tools, he would definitely be the one you would want to learn from.

Hand tool woodworking went out of fashion during COVID. Yes, COVID killed many industries and many who were successfully teaching the craft both online and in schools. That resurgence we used to have is no longer there and the price of many vintage hand tools have plummetted mostly online other than eBay. For example, Woodwork Forums in Australia have listings that are now bargains. No hand tool on there in the past used to be affordable, but they are now being sold for much less than you will find in a lot of online stores.

The point is that YouTube content creators create content according to what is the latest trend. So if they have to brush up on some hand tool skill to help with their content creation, it doesn’t make them an expert in the field, but they will make you believe that they are, and if challenged, they will show their teeth. There is also one other category and one particular person that comes to mind that fits this category. They have theoretical knowledge on all the hand tools and their use, but no practical knowledge on their application. I won’t mention his name just out of respect towards him. He’s written several books on hand tools and I’ve watched him a half dozen of times on YouTube. His knowledge is A1, but the tool doesn’t sing in his hand, and that can only come from their lack of usage. You see, he was and probably still is a machine user, but his passion for hand tools knowledge is strong, but he probably never had the opportunity to spend the time in using them. He is currently offering classes, and I won’t say anymore than that.

Be careful from whom you learn, and I don’t care how much or how little you know about the craft, don’t follow trend setters. When you see females showing their cleavage while cutting up a piece of wood and then later dancing while holding a small dog. Beware; you have nothing to gain other than an erection. When you see a massive tool collection in the background, like several No. 4s and 5s, 6s and 7s hanging in the background with a bunch of multiples of spokeshaves and whatnot and an entire collection of several name brand chisels, this is a clear sign that he isn’t a professional woodworker who has always worked purely with handtools, and that is mostly a collector who is passionate about hand tools, and his theorem would surpass the average craftsman who does use hand tools and would most probably surpass mine. If you take myself as an example, when I was learning to use hand tools, I was never taught to use machinery, mainly because I was very young at the time and my father wanted to protect me from harm. The focus was on learning how to hold a plane, chisel, and saw, not what kind of metal the plane was made from or whether the blade I’m using is O1 or W1 steel. How would that knowledge have benefited me back then, and does it benefit you today? The only benefit I see is understanding the difference between O1 and A2 steel. In terms of what sharpening stone I can or cannot use on either of the metals. As for the hand planes, unless I plan on throwing them around the workshop, I don’t need to know from what metal they are made from. Instead, I needed to know how to use the tool in the most effective and efficient manner. How to sharpen an iron, chisel, and saw. It took me 10 years to effectively learn to sharpen an iron because I was never satisfied with just being sharp, I needed to know how to reach the next level and the level after that without resorting to strops. I’ve used various stones and techniques and grinders and sandpapers, combinations and techniques to make a grown man cry. None of this was cheap, but no school is. I’ve watched many hours of various woodworkers speak on various subjects, and they all had their own way of doing things. There was sound advice and bad advice. I had to master the art of sawing straight and efficiently, ensuring cuts were precise without wasting time. I learned to balance speed with accuracy, discovering techniques to elevate inexpensive wood to appear high-end and to enhance the natural beauty of plain hardwoods with the perfect finish. I was taught how to use my back and legs, not my arms, to hand plane a board. Also, what height should the workbench be to effectively hand plane a board all day without collapsing from exhaustion. This all takes years to learn and a life time to get pretty good at it. Notice I refrain from using the word “master” because I don’t believe it is possible to truly master anything in a single lifetime. What I’m not good at is cutting out shapes with a fretsaw or coping saw because I’ve always used a scrollsaw, and I’m pretty good with a scrollsaw. I refrain from using a fretsaw and coping saw because of the pain it causes in my wrists. Only if I have to when cutting dovetails. Despite all my knowledge and skillsets in hand tool woodworking, I no longer have the physical attributes to carry out the tasks in an efficient manner due to my failing health and obesity. Introducing machinery to my craft has crossed my mind many of times to ease my pain and speed up my work flow once more. But I’m determined to make a change through diet and exercise and see if that will fix things rather than resort to brute force machinery, which will lead to personal dissatisfaction.

I think I have said enough on the subject infact more than I initially planned too. I have gone well into my working hours and that is not a good thing. I may have almost 880,000 hits on my blog, but it doesn’t earn me a single dollar. It is, however, gratifying that so many people have read and continue to benefit from my blog. I know this from various people that have written to me over the years, either writing emails of compliments or asking me questions. Only one woman got angry with me because I said I don’t know. I’m not afraid to say “I don’t know” if I don’t. I do this without ever asking for any money. Why? Because it gives me the freedom to work wood without devoting myself entirely to the blog. Even when I was writing for the magazine, it was priced well within everyone’s affordability. The idea was not profits, but all proceeds were to be put back into the magazine and not my pockets. It was a long, laborious three years where no one got paid, including myself. It truly was a labour of love. It consumed my every waking minute, I was writing at all hours of the day and night. I was working up to 18 hours a day building, photographing, editing, writing, editing, rewriting, and reediting, and let’s not forget my friend and hero Matt for being a good samaritan and lover of the craft who painstakingly edited my work over and over again. He and I believed in the magazine that one day the whole world would donate their time to the magazine where authors from all over the world, whether their countries are politically friendly to ours or not, could come together and share our knowledge and our love for the craft through “The Lost Scrolls of Handwork” magazine. For it to be a truly community-based magazine, the worldwide community had to contribute towards the magazine, much like Mozilla Firefox is today. As far as I know, the Mozilla search engine is community run and updated, no one is paid to run it. Everyone gets together worldwide and offers their skillsets and time to benefit mankind worldwide, and it is better and safer to use than Google and Bing combined. Unfortunately that dream never came to fruition. If I stuck with it, then I know without a doubt that today that dream would have come true. But after three years of hard work and sleepless nights, we were burnt out, I know I was.

God bless

Those blades remind me of my Robou saw.

Regrettably, most screws are manufactured in China, unless you opt to order online and purchase individual screws produced domestically. This latter choice is preferable if you are looking for high-quality screws. Unfortunately, domestic screws tend to be more expensive, which often leads people to settle for lower-quality, China-made screws from their local hardware store, only to later regret their decision.

I use screws as temp clamps to help me nail wrought iron nails

Not every marking gauge works well for every species of wood. This is how I tackle it.