One of my favorite quotes dates back to the turn of the 20th century and has been the foundation for all of our Commemorative Tools;

“It must be useful, it must work dependably, it must be beautiful, it must last, it must be the best of it’s kind”. –Alfred Dunhill

Once each year we announce a very special tool that we pledge never to make again–and we try to honor Alfred Dunhill’s maxim with each edition. We are pleased to share that the the 2008 Commemorative Tool is the CT-16 Palm Brace.

Unless you own our original PB-1 Palm Brace introduced back in 2000, it is unlikely you have ever used such a tool–here’s the back story…

While on a trip to the east coast, I found myself in a dank basement surrounded by old engineering books (it’s a long story) when I stumbled across a user’s manual for a Model-A Ford (could have been a Model T, I can’t remember). The illustrations caught my eye, they were all woodcuts and the work involved to illustrate this manual seemed staggering to me. The mildew stench was a bit much too, but an image of a hand tool designed to hone the engine block valve seats caught my eye. This tool was not made to make full revolutions, apparently you swung the arm to and fro and the tapered abrasive cone honed the seat. It was the scale of the tool that really intrigued me–it appeared to be about six inches in length.

Once back in Portland I played with a couple of ideas and hit many dead ends regarding the scale of a new tool and the scale of available 3-jawed chucks–I could not make this work visually. I took a quick trip to Taiwan to visit a chuck manufacturer but that too was a dead-end. Only when the epiphany of “why use a traditional chuck at all” did the project come together.

The original PB-1 was a big hit amongst our customers as it was designed to use most bits/drivers with 1/4″ hex shanks. Not only did it do a great job drilling all the small holes required in project making, it is likely the best screwdriver I have ever used. The CT-16 Palm brace is superior in many ways–and like many well made hand tools, once you can count on reliable and consistent results, you find great joy in knowing that you are the motor.

First, the chuck has a positive lock–drills back out of holes and stay in the chuck–an occasional annoyance of our first chuck design that has now been fixed.

The swing handle of the PB-1 was awkward for those of you with bear-paw hands–that has been rectified.

The CT-16 Palm Brace is made from stainless steel, black chromed aluminum and  black chromed steel (the swing handle is aluminum which keeps the majority of the mass centered over the drilling axis) and is one of the nicest tools we have produced over the past 25 years. And for those who had a chance to play with the CT-16 prototype at WIA last month, feel free to share your thoughts.

Pricing will be announced in a day or two and when complete we will update our website. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy the sneak peek of the short video Michael put together–we think Alfred would be pleased.

–John

It is not easy inventing a tool that every woodworker in the world will want–but we have done it again (the others you don’t know about yet). Which prompts me to ask this question; Does anybody know of a bauxite mine for sale? We are interested–particularly if the owner is setup to take the Discover card. We are, after 25 years, finally thinking big here–real big.

Our new mystery tool, the tool that you WILL want REAL BAD is pretty cool. Here’s the story.

If I sound a bit amped it’s because I have started making things out of wood (after a 25 year exile) thanks to the JMP (Jointmaker Pro for the acronym impaired).  I am also off my meds. Just discovered coffee too.

So one day I am making parts on my Jointmaker Pro and the joints were so small I had a hard time measuring (and seeing) to get light-tight results. And then an idea pooped into my head.

NOTE: There are no typos in the above paragraph.

What if there was a tool that instead of measuring all you needed to do was gauge? So we built a prototype and all I can say is you will want one, maybe two, and this want will hurt real bad until the little Bridge City box shows up on your doorstep.  Here’s why…

If you have a table saw, router table, radial arm saw, chop saw, band saw, JMP, or any other tool that makes a kerf 1/2″ or less, this device will blow your mind. Please don’t try to send us any money–they are not for sale yet!

Is this cool or WHAT?

REAL LIFE EXAMPLE #1:  You are making drawers with veneered ply bottoms. Plywood is like snowflakes–no two sheets are the same thickness. So you cut your bottoms and it is time to cut the grooves in the four drawer pieces.  Depending on your drawer, you will likely use a router, router table, table saw or–our HP-6 hand plane. Either case, our new secret weapon will work wonders. Here’s how.

All you need to do is gauge the thickness (you DO NOT MEASURE SQUAT) of the plywood with the tool (it’s so easy even YOU could do it), tighten the knob and this creates an offset at one end of the tool that represents the outer boundaries of your kerf within one or two thousandths of an inch of your ply thickness!  The tool then lays on it’s side and acts as a flip stop against a reference. The days of widening a kerf by test cuts is OVER. As in F-O-R-E-V-E-R.

We will demonstrate this via video in the coming days. If your drawer sides are cross-grain grooved at the rear to accept the tenons of a rebate cut on each end of the drawer back, it doesn’t matter what the thickness of the tenon–you gauge and cut–no measuring and I GUARANTEE YOU CANNOT SCREW THIS UP!

This is no pre-game seven Stanley Cup boast made by an overpaid, loudmouth athelete-this is a REAL LIFE boast made by an underpaid loudmouth toolmaker–furthermore book it–I guarantee a gallery quality cut. Did I mention you cannot screw this up–ever?
Is this cool or what?

REAL LIFE EXAMPLE #2: Many think I am nuts, and they are getting warmer. That said, I am actually making a gallery piece out of  coffee stirrers that I rescue. OK, I steal them–and I ask first even though I am a charm school flunky.  This material is approx. .050″ thick and the joint possibilities are limited–primarily cross and half laps. Not easy. Oops, it is now. Film to follow.

There are other examples but the video will spare you from me. Coming soon. –John

It’s summer and we are supposed to be having fun. Let’s begin…

The video elves at Bridge City are busy compiling footage of our newest tool which by no coincidence is pictured below.

Can you guess what it is?

Here is a free clue; the mystery tool will sell for $59 (the equivalent of 12 snow cones at the county fair, one bucket of movie popcorn or one bag of dog food for Louie) and we are almost certain you will want one. Or two. How do I know? I’ll tell you later.

Yet another free clue; the image below contains all the information needed to complete your detective work. There are also a couple of dead-end visual clues. Time to awaken your inner Agatha Christie.

In my excitement for the discovery of this little device, I demonstrated it at at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking several weeks back. You people know who you are and remember, you are sworn to silence so zip it, lock it, and put it in your pocket! This means you too Zane.

Also, one of the editors at Popular Woodworking (name rhymes with Chris Schwarz) has seen this in action. Oops–was that a clue? Oh, he wants one too! Just ask him!

Now, I am no stranger to tool hooplah so you just need to believe me when I say that those that have seen this work want it! Want it bad. Have we had people offer us their first born for this? Sure, but that ain’t right–it’s wrong and needs to stop.

Since you haven’t seen it yet, your uncontrolled desire for this new tool is suppressed–this will pass.

In the meantime, post your guesses and I will respond with one of five words; cold, colder, warm, hot or Bingo! I will try my best to tell the truth too. Sorta.

In the spirit of fair play, I will help you with 10 more free clues. No need to send money now.

1. This device has nothing to do with animal husbandry, parachutes or rock climbing.

2. This device will not increase gas mileage, monitor tire pressure or help you find your car keys. (Got myself on a little roll there with all those automotive clues…)

3. A zeppelin repairman might use this device.  It’s a stretch but if I was a zeppelin repairman I would want this tool. Really.

4. We haven’t figured out how to open a beer with this–yet. BREAKING NEWS! We can open a beer with this new gizmo. Attention Marketing Department: Revise sales forecast upwards!

5. This device could be used as an impromptu garlic press.

6. It has a name.

7. We invented it.

8. You will want one.

9. You will want one real bad.

10. We won’t stop you if you want two.

–John

This is a courtesy post regarding one of biggest surprises we have seen around here in a long time.

Last week we announced plans to build a limited edition of the plane pictured below.

With the run limited to 50, we thought this would sell out in 3 months, not a week or two — as of this writing (Monday, June 22, 4:10 pm) we have 8 remaining.  I don’t believe they will last the week.  As such, we are moving the delivery date from October to September–maybe earlier.  Further details of this plane can be obtained by scrolling down to my original blog post from last week.

I don’t want to sound overly optimistic, but maybe this is a harbinger of a change in the economic climate–we sure hope so!

–John

Last year when we introduced the CT-14 Shoulder Plane, we made a couple out of solid stainless steel with no intention of ever producing a stainless version–the machining costs are astronomical.

I have hauled one around with me at several of the Lie-Nielson Hand Tool Events and it is definitely a head-turner–works great too. Recently we had a customer who wanted to buy the plane and it was explained it was not for sale.

“Name your price.”  he said. I have heard this before and it is hard to ignore.

We held our ground. Until last week.

In a staff meeting it was suggested that we make a very small run of these and include them as part of our 25th Anniversary celebration.  What is a small run? 50.

Each of these planes will be hand signed and serial numbered. Delivery will be in October, the price; $2500.

If this interests you, give us a call (1-800-253-3332). As of this writing there are 17 remaining. Phone orders only–serial number will be assigned at time of order.

If you are looking for a something that is truly unique, perhaps a great investment, this may be worth considering. There is nothing like it.

Did I mention I have developed a tool fetish for stainless steel?  This stuff is awesome!

–John

The best part of my job is when components of a new tool arrive for first article inspection–and in this case it is really a big deal because the parts on my desk today are for Commemorative Tool #15, our limited edition multi-square.

As mentioned earlier, I have developed a fetish for stainless steel. It is tough, durable and likely will not rust (all stainless steels will rust under the right conditions–as dumb as that sounds.)

Over the past couple of weeks we have been testing various bead-blasted finishes and have settled on a matte finish that feels just plain sexy. Below are a couple of pics of some parts–the t-bevel lock lever/pocket clip is really cool.

–John

PS: I have actually gone two days in a row without making Squiggle Wood. I think I need help.

The image above is a computer rendering of the CT-15 Multi-Square, it is five layout tools that fit in your apron pocket.

The finish and form of this cam lock/clip is really cool!

When this tool is completely assembled it is really going to be fun to use.

News from the Sticks and Stones Will Break Bones but Words are Worse department: We used Michael as a hand model because I was informed by my staff that my hands are not as photogenic as my knees or elbows.

Each year I get to pull out the stops and create a tool we pledge to never make again. The introduction is the highlight of our year and I am pleased to offer a sneak peek to those that follow this blog.

This year I had three choices for the 2007 Commemorative Tool and picked the one that interested me the most. In addition, I am going through a stainless steel phetish (that is a cross between phase and fetish–works for me since I made it up…) after a 25 year romance with brass. This tool sings in stainless steel.

What if you could carry all of your layout tools in the breast pocket of your apron?

The pics are self-explanatory. Prices and availability will be posted on our website sometime next week. (Under $300 and will be available by the holidays).

Guess I better start on the 2008 Commemorative Tool…

–John

PS: Let me know what you think!

This is the CT-15 Multi-Square and consists of a 90 degree Saddle Square, 8:1 Dovetail Square, 6:1 Dovetail Square and the tightest locking T-Bevel you have ever owned. Cam lock also serves as a pocket clip. I spent over a month working on the lines of this tool. The variable length chamfers are an elegant functional detail (pocket friendly) that not only invites use, but is food for the eyes.

We invented the Saddle Square years ago and this one is our best. Adjacent lines are perfect–used here for a tenon on 8/4 stock.

The layout of dovetails is fast and accurate with either of the two dovetail squares built into the CT-15 Multi-Square.

Using the CT-15 as a try square is easy. Notice how the saddle square can be used as a kick stand–this is cool.

The tightening mechanism for the t-bevel is field adjustable and rock solid.

The CT-15 is just over 4″ in length and approximately 1/2″ thick. It is milled from solid stainless steel and is made like a fine pocket knife. We are only going to make this version this once.

Copyright 2008, Fine Tools, LLC All Rights Reserved.

Each year, for the past 14 years, we have produced a limited edition Commemorative Tool with the pledge to never make its identical version again. Last year’s edition, one of the more radical designs in the series and one of the most unique, was inspired by my first real fox sighting (you can see the stylized fox profile in the rear of the tool). Commemorative Tool #14, the Fox Tail Shoulder Plane, is now completely sold out (with the exception of a couple of blems with minor cosmetic flaws) and it is time to move on–again. If you missed it the first time around, here is a detailed review of the Foxtail Shoulder plane by David Mathias.

Farewells are often softened with strong memories. The images below, courtesy of our talented photographer, Joe Felzman, are provided as a final tribute to one of my all-time favorite tools.

-John