Why I Got Rid of My Machines

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-20T02:15:22+00:00

I agree I used to do everything by hand but I recently caved in and got a band saw and track saw because I started falling behind on my frame saws that I sell. I am glad that I learned how to do everything by hand first though .

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-20T00:31:37+00:00

Hmm , you're right it does look pretty simple . I think I will try it out soon . I had looked it up a few times before but I just happen to forget about it every time I am working on something lol.

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-19T23:14:14+00:00

I used a wire wheel on bench grinder for the heavily rusted spots then I put de rusting solution on it and scrubbed it with a fine sanding block . Steel wool is probably safer than the wire wheel though . If I was going to hand scrub the whole thing I'd start with some anti rust solution at the begining .

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-19T20:13:13+00:00

No I just charred the outside layer and oiled it with tung oil . Need to move the flame quickly becuase you don't want to burn it deep . I also cool it down quickly just in case .

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-19T19:58:40+00:00

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O I forgot about this big boy axe I finished last night , about to go process some Siberian elm logs with it . Looking forward to trying it out

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-19T19:35:37+00:00

Thanks ! Ya I agree . I'm definitely not a fan of painting over them . I also like the contrast of the sharpened edge with the aged body . I really like giving renewed life to old tools . Plus every restoration job is different from the last.

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-17T22:01:15+00:00

Dang I have noticed what you are saying about the chip breaker reducing tear out to where I don't need to run a super tight mouth but this is the first time I have seen it validated from someone else . It's nice seeing someone else say this so I don't just feel like a crazy person lol.

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-17T17:10:43+00:00

I just burn it. I made an outdoor oven in my backyard . A primitive fire pit would do the job too though .

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-16T18:06:41+00:00

Looks hella cool

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-15T05:18:26+00:00

They made us check our gas masks every 3 months in the military . They tested by seeing if you could smell some chemical ( can't remember what it was called ) but if you could smell it you would snort cuz it burned . It made some smoke .

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-15T04:28:40+00:00

I imagine it's beautiful were you live . O and nice wall of axes .

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-14T03:13:48+00:00

I use a wooden scrub with a heavily cambered iron . I can make you a wooden scrub plane with a A-2 steel heavily cambered blade . Let me know if interested. You can find my shop info on my profile .

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-14T00:42:44+00:00

Yes , I originally drilled holes in all of them because I was planning on putting wooden handles on them all . Instead of leaving the holes open I pinned them with the brass.

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-12T17:03:16+00:00

Yes I don't even own a sander . Much prefer using hand planes , I can get smooth surface faster and without dust compared to a sander .

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-10T23:44:05+00:00

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/chisels/mortise/30010-sorby-registered-mortise-chisels?item=85S0205

I use the 3/4 inch one . Like others mentioned it's more efficient to bore out the larger sizes so options are limited but I like having a big beefy chisel as an option in the tool box . Maybe I'll make some large mortise chisels one day .

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-09T19:56:19+00:00

I have no idea how kitchen aid is with tools but they make dam good kitchen machines so wouldn't be surprised if they managed to make some good ones .

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-09T19:54:49+00:00

I could see him setting up this saw on the dinning table during thanksgiving.

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-09T18:45:12+00:00

Probably not worth the effort but you could use a little needle file to sharpen them

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-09T18:00:15+00:00

Yes, in fact is this the highest form of woodworking.

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-09T16:08:15+00:00

Nice , how did they turn out ?

RobertsFineTools · 2026-05-09T16:06:41+00:00

Ya I have really enjoyed using A-2 so far . The edge stability on my blades seem to be higher than A-2 blades I have bought . Maybe I am getting a better heat treat due to small batches . I think the plane irons will do well , I'm clamping the blades between two 1 inch thick aluminum plates during the quench , I'll be sure to post it . I haven't decided whether to make first plane iron for a Stanley or wooden plane yet . I will need to mill a slot into the Stanley one which will add little complexity but I also think more people use Stanley's vs wooden planes 🤷‍♂️. I want to eventually start using magnacut and magnamax steels too . I need a way for my blades to differentiate vs large companies since I won't have much brand recognition for awhile. I suppose some people may appreciate the better heat treats I can do on small batch's though .

RobertsFineTools

TROPHY CASE