Tool Appreciation

Block plane – T O’Loughlin

Restored plane – R Hogg

The Tool Appreciation Special Interest Group ( TAG SIG) was originally formed by Guild members with a common interest in the collection, restoration and proper use of traditional hand tools, such as planes, saws and chisels. SIG activities include de-rusting, sharpening and fettling of tools, and the fabrication of replacement wooden parts. Some time at each meeting is also set aside for “Show and Tell”, to allow members to display and discuss recent acquisitions from “trash & treasure” sales and swap meets.

The interests of this group have expanded to include blacksmithing and the fabrication of specialised hand tools, which in turn has led to the construction next to the Shed of a “smithy” equipped with a forge, a metal-working lathe, and a range of metal-working tools, available for the exclusive use of members. The Smithy is a popular venue during Canberra winters!

Projects like the restoration of an antique treadle-powered lathe have been undertaken by the whole SIG.

The TAG SIG meets at the Shed on the third Thursday (7:00pm) and third Sunday of the month (4:30pm).  Steve Richardson is the coordinator of the TAG SIG, and he can be contacted at: toolappreciation@woodcraftguild.org.au

Draw knife

Restored saw – T O’Loughlin