...So that I can try the "ScarySharp" method. As a newbie in the WW field,
I have been lurking the wreck for a bit. I would like to commend you guys
on having one of the best unmoderated ng's on the NNTP(may she always stay
that way)!
That being said, I am in quite possibly the worst position I could possibly
find: Stationed in(on?) Okinawa, I have no real choice in most of the
purchases I make. It must be the Japanese stuff or nothing. As the term
"stationed" implies, I am in the Military, so cost is definitely a factor,
and having heavy tools shipped over is cost prohibitive. What I would like
to find out is this: Are there any good references for maintaining "crap"?
Websites, books, how-to's, etc? Something to take the beginner on a journey
through the basics. I have gathered enough info to true up my TS, and found
the "Scary sharp" article, but most everything else is outside my current
knowledge. I am one of the few in my generation(35yo) to know that
"Ignorance" is not a bad word, just a lack of knowledge, but "a man's got to
know his limitations". Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thanks
BTW, had an opportunity to be "stuck" in Honolulu last week, and found out
what that whole "Woodcraft" thing was all about! That store just floored me!
I will definitely retire in a place where a good tool shop is located!
I have nothing to offer about Japanese tools. I just wanted to say
thank you for serving and stay safe... Mark L.
Sysiphus wrote:
>
>
> That being said, I am in quite possibly the worst position I could possibly
> find: Stationed in(on?) Okinawa, I have no real choice in most of the
> purchases I make. It must be the Japanese stuff or nothing. As the term
> "stationed" implies, I am in the Military, so cost is definitely a factor,
>
You are in a great position to buy some of the world's best hand tools.
Chisels, saws, marking knives and sharpening stones are just a few of the
options.
Try starting another thread called "Japanese tools to buy?", and explaining
your situation. You may be surprised how many guys would like to be where
you are.
--
Greg
"Sysiphus" wrote in message ...
snipped
> That being said, I am in quite possibly the worst position I could
possibly
> find: Stationed in(on?) Okinawa, I have no real choice in most of the
> purchases I make. It must be the Japanese stuff or nothing.
> I will definitely retire in a place where a good tool shop is located!
We're in lockstep on the first two books, I didn't find the third
stimulating at all. Maybe another time,...?
On Mon, 26 Apr 2004 17:56:51 GMT, Tom Veatch <[email protected]>
wrote:
>On Mon, 26 Apr 2004 08:36:04 -0400, "[email protected]" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>Secong the first two books by Tage but the third was a MAJOR
>>disappointment for me.
>>
>The one(s) I had in mind was the two volume set on woodworking technique. I see there's another one on furniture making. Is that the
>one you were referencing? What did you find disappointing?
>
>No "challenge" implied, I'm just not familiar with that book and would probably have bought it simply because the technique book was
>so good.
>
>Tom Veatch
>Wichita, KS USA
Secong the first two books by Tage but the third was a MAJOR
disappointment for me.
On Mon, 26 Apr 2004 07:20:56 GMT, Tom Veatch <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Go to amazon.com, search "Books" with keyword "Woodworking". Just got 5664 hits. Can't narrow it down too much from there without
>knowing more about your particular interests. But you can browse the list and see what strikes your fancy. I will recommend the Tage
>Frid book. Doesn't matter whether you are a Neander or a Normite, there's something in there for you.
"Jack" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Sysiphus" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > ...try the "ScarySharp" method.
> > Stationed in(on?) Okinawa,
> >Can anyone point me in the right direction?
> > Thanks
> > BTW, had an opportunity to be "stuck" in Honolulu last week,
>
>
> A few comments... I just moved back to the States after 4 years in
Yokosuka
> Japan, there are some incredible opportunities out there for you to
explore.
> My wife and I used to ride bikes to explore the city streets and came
across
> two store-front woodworkers shops. I could barely ( closer to couldn't)
> communicate with the craftsmen but had a few great days exploring their
> shops and techniques. I had a friend with a Japanese National wife write
me
> a few notes that explained that I was a wooddorker and I was facinated
with
> their methods.
> One of the notes asked where he got his tools and materials and another
> asked if he minded if I had a tea while I watched him work. Both gentlemen
> were excited and humbled to have a guest and took great care to
demonstrate
> their craft. Both also showed me the way to their material suppliers and
> gave me a hand-drawn map to their tool shop, both were the same shop. One
of
> the gentlemen made Japanese dinner tables (low 3'x3', light weight but
very
> strong), the other specialized in three string musical instruments that
were
> ornamental to me but carried a price tag that made me understand that they
> were prized by artists.
> The instrument maker presented me with a well worn saw when I left and it
is
> well protected in my tool box as a memento.
> By the way, I have the misfortune to live in Honolulu every day, till 2006
> when I retire to Florida... It ain't all that it is cracked up to be, some
> nights it gets into the low 70's... burrrrrr
>
> Master Chief Jack
I wonder how "wooddorker" translates into Japanese? I'm sure it was a great
experience to be able to watch them and have them, in turn, be excited by
your presence. Too often, I think we assume someone in their position
wouldn't want to be bothered by a stranger, when just the opposite is often
true.
Low 70's at night? How do you cope? I hope you keep the parkas nearby.
Here in the Windy City, we're going to be in frost territory tonight.
todd
"Tom Veatch" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 26 Apr 2004 06:03:42 GMT, Sysiphus <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >...So that I can try the "ScarySharp" method.
>
> My prediction is that you'll love it. Easy and inexpensive to get into it
and excellent results.
> >
> >That being said, I am in quite possibly the worst position I could
possibly
> >find: Stationed in(on?) Okinawa,
>
> I spent a little time on Okinawa over 40 yr ago (Camp Haig, USMC 3rdDiv
FMF) while it was still under US occupation. Understand it
> has since been returned to the Japanese.
>
> > I have no real choice in most of the
> >purchases I make. It must be the Japanese stuff or nothing.
> -snip
> > Are there any good references for maintaining "crap"?
>
> As I understand it, Japanese woodworking hand tools have an excellent
reputation stateside. Maybe you are referring to something
> else?
i almost responded myself earlier. i thought so too. cant say firsthand
for chisels, but ive got a japanese knife in my kitchen and its great.
holds an edge well and feels good in the hand.
randy
Tom Veatch <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> On 26 Apr 2004 06:03:42 GMT, Sysiphus <[email protected]> wrote:
>
<snippage>
>
>>
>>BTW, had an opportunity to be "stuck" in Honolulu last week, and found
>>out what that whole "Woodcraft" thing was all about! That store just
>>floored me! I will definitely retire in a place where a good tool shop
>>is located!
>
>
You might really enjoy talking with this fellow...
http://www.champagnesfurniture.com/
What Arnold did/does in military retirement was start a whole new career,
woodworking and teaching woodworking, in a straight forward, no BS style,
in short two and three day sessions, in and around San Francisco. Very
affordable classes, and accessible skills. You won't need to drop $10k to
get started making some great stuff.
I'm going to try to schedule myself into a class making and using handcut
veneer.
Patriarch
"Sysiphus" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> ...try the "ScarySharp" method.
> Stationed in(on?) Okinawa,
>Can anyone point me in the right direction?
> Thanks
> BTW, had an opportunity to be "stuck" in Honolulu last week,
A few comments... I just moved back to the States after 4 years in Yokosuka
Japan, there are some incredible opportunities out there for you to explore.
My wife and I used to ride bikes to explore the city streets and came across
two store-front woodworkers shops. I could barely ( closer to couldn't)
communicate with the craftsmen but had a few great days exploring their
shops and techniques. I had a friend with a Japanese National wife write me
a few notes that explained that I was a wooddorker and I was facinated with
their methods.
One of the notes asked where he got his tools and materials and another
asked if he minded if I had a tea while I watched him work. Both gentlemen
were excited and humbled to have a guest and took great care to demonstrate
their craft. Both also showed me the way to their material suppliers and
gave me a hand-drawn map to their tool shop, both were the same shop. One of
the gentlemen made Japanese dinner tables (low 3'x3', light weight but very
strong), the other specialized in three string musical instruments that were
ornamental to me but carried a price tag that made me understand that they
were prized by artists.
The instrument maker presented me with a well worn saw when I left and it is
well protected in my tool box as a memento.
By the way, I have the misfortune to live in Honolulu every day, till 2006
when I retire to Florida... It ain't all that it is cracked up to be, some
nights it gets into the low 70's... burrrrrr
Master Chief Jack
OT. i was in Oki in 62-64. Didn't know we had any bases there anymore.
Was at Naha AFB. What bases are still open? I loved it there.
Sysiphus wrote:
> ...So that I can try the "ScarySharp" method. As a newbie in the WW field,
> I have been lurking the wreck for a bit. I would like to commend you guys
> on having one of the best unmoderated ng's on the NNTP(may she always stay
> that way)!
>
> That being said, I am in quite possibly the worst position I could possibly
> find: Stationed in(on?) Okinawa, I have no real choice in most of the
> purchases I make. It must be the Japanese stuff or nothing. As the term
> "stationed" implies, I am in the Military, so cost is definitely a factor,
> and having heavy tools shipped over is cost prohibitive. What I would like
> to find out is this: Are there any good references for maintaining "crap"?
> Websites, books, how-to's, etc? Something to take the beginner on a journey
> through the basics. I have gathered enough info to true up my TS, and found
> the "Scary sharp" article, but most everything else is outside my current
> knowledge. I am one of the few in my generation(35yo) to know that
> "Ignorance" is not a bad word, just a lack of knowledge, but "a man's got to
> know his limitations". Can anyone point me in the right direction?
>
> Thanks
>
> BTW, had an opportunity to be "stuck" in Honolulu last week, and found out
> what that whole "Woodcraft" thing was all about! That store just floored me!
> I will definitely retire in a place where a good tool shop is located!
xrongor wrote:
>
> "Tom Veatch" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> On 26 Apr 2004 06:03:42 GMT, Sysiphus <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> >...So that I can try the "ScarySharp" method.
>>
>> My prediction is that you'll love it. Easy and inexpensive to get into it
> and excellent results.
>> >
>> >That being said, I am in quite possibly the worst position I could
> possibly
>> >find: Stationed in(on?) Okinawa,
>>
>> I spent a little time on Okinawa over 40 yr ago (Camp Haig, USMC 3rdDiv
> FMF) while it was still under US occupation. Understand it
>> has since been returned to the Japanese.
>>
>> > I have no real choice in most of the
>> >purchases I make. It must be the Japanese stuff or nothing.
>> -snip
>> > Are there any good references for maintaining "crap"?
>>
>> As I understand it, Japanese woodworking hand tools have an excellent
> reputation stateside. Maybe you are referring to something
>> else?
>
> i almost responded myself earlier. i thought so too. cant say firsthand
> for chisels, but ive got a japanese knife in my kitchen and its great.
> holds an edge well and feels good in the hand.
I find myself wondering if the Japanese have consumer-crap for their home
market that is similar to the American consumer-crap that is available in
the US. If so, it's possible that Sysiphus has gotten hold of
consumer-crap instead of top-quality.
> randy
--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
On Mon, 26 Apr 2004 08:36:04 -0400, "[email protected]"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Secong the first two books by Tage but the third was a MAJOR
>disappointment for me.
I know what you mean. It's a useful book if you want a workbench
design, or if you want to know more than you believed possible about
expanding table mechanisms. Other than that, a bit of a
disappointment.
--
Smert' spamionam
On Mon, 26 Apr 2004 22:58:56 -0400, "J. Clarke" <[email protected]> wrote:
>I find myself wondering if the Japanese have consumer-crap for their home
>market that is similar to the American consumer-crap that is available in
>the US. If so, it's possible that Sysiphus has gotten hold of
>consumer-crap instead of top-quality.
>
>> randy
You know, that thought didn't occur to me. You think maybe Sysiphus is shopping at Yokohama Freight, maybe. Or possibly Sears of
Nippon?
Tom Veatch
Wichita, KS USA
Hmmmm.... my old stomping grounds back in the 60's - Kadena AFB (MACE "B"
missile sites)
Back then, there were plenty of woodworkers on the island - mainly carvers
that made some fantastic screens and carved intricate details into thick
slabs that were usually covered with glass and used for tables of all kinds.
Their tools certainly did look crude in comparison to what was available at
the base shops but they did absolutely beautiful work with those tools so
they may not be as bad as you think - just different. Used to be a bit of a
black market in Naha where you could buy a tank if you ventured far
enough... I wouldn't be surprised if that market area isn't still very
active and would look there for hand tools and sharpening stones.
Bob S.
On Mon, 26 Apr 2004 08:36:04 -0400, "[email protected]" <[email protected]> wrote:
>Secong the first two books by Tage but the third was a MAJOR
>disappointment for me.
>
The one(s) I had in mind was the two volume set on woodworking technique. I see there's another one on furniture making. Is that the
one you were referencing? What did you find disappointing?
No "challenge" implied, I'm just not familiar with that book and would probably have bought it simply because the technique book was
so good.
Tom Veatch
Wichita, KS USA
On 26 Apr 2004 06:03:42 GMT, Sysiphus <[email protected]> wrote:
>...So that I can try the "ScarySharp" method.
My prediction is that you'll love it. Easy and inexpensive to get into it and excellent results.
>
>That being said, I am in quite possibly the worst position I could possibly
>find: Stationed in(on?) Okinawa,
I spent a little time on Okinawa over 40 yr ago (Camp Haig, USMC 3rdDiv FMF) while it was still under US occupation. Understand it
has since been returned to the Japanese.
> I have no real choice in most of the
>purchases I make. It must be the Japanese stuff or nothing.
-snip
> Are there any good references for maintaining "crap"?
As I understand it, Japanese woodworking hand tools have an excellent reputation stateside. Maybe you are referring to something
else?
>Websites, books, how-to's, etc? Something to take the beginner on a journey
>through the basics. I have gathered enough info to true up my TS, and found
>the "Scary sharp" article, but most everything else is outside my current
>knowledge. I am one of the few in my generation(35yo) to know that
>"Ignorance" is not a bad word, just a lack of knowledge, but "a man's got to
>know his limitations". Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Go to amazon.com, search "Books" with keyword "Woodworking". Just got 5664 hits. Can't narrow it down too much from there without
knowing more about your particular interests. But you can browse the list and see what strikes your fancy. I will recommend the Tage
Frid book. Doesn't matter whether you are a Neander or a Normite, there's something in there for you.
A website that you will probably enjoy is Jeff Gorman's site at
http://www.amgron.clara.net/
You might could glean some info from
http://sawdustmaking.com/
And I'm sure that other folks have a lot more they will be sharing with you.
>
>Thanks
You're welcome.
>
>BTW, had an opportunity to be "stuck" in Honolulu last week, and found out
>what that whole "Woodcraft" thing was all about! That store just floored me!
>I will definitely retire in a place where a good tool shop is located!
Tom Veatch
Wichita, KS USA
My apologies....perhaps I provided too little info. Okinawa is not Japan,
at least not in a craftsman's perspective. There is (apparently) no
publicly accessible master/apprentice handcrafting going on here AFAICT.
My TS is a "Hometool", all instructions in Kanji, plastic/aluminum type.
Chisels appear to be quite cheap(think "Damascus tinfoil") Didn't buy those,
picked up a set of Crapsman at the PX. Picked up decent Dozuki/Ryoba, I
think. Gonna mail-order/ebay the planes, and if I ever decide to build a
guitar, Grizzly seems to be the place to go!