Historic tools

[Lin Rhea]

I recently had the rare privilege of taking a tools making class under (arguably) the best historic blacksmith in the country, Peter Ross. The class was a little unique in that the tools we were to make are so often not thought of as being forged, especially the compass. We made framing chisels and compasses, the kind you use for layout, circles, dividing, etc.

The chisel is obviously a cutting tool, which offers a segway into this forum, even though its a stretch, I'll admit. I just thought you might want to hear a little about the class.

First, the students were all advanced on the subject of blacksmithing and there were 7, which is a good number for individual attention from the instructor. All were accomplished at one thing or another, one being a lawyer, one a trig teacher, one a machinist, and oddly enough some sure nuff blacksmiths.

By the end of the class, I figured out that what we were learning as far as step by step procedure, was less important, to me at least, than a philosophy behind tool making in the context of history. I cant put into words just how much it impacted my thinking. I found it to be very closely related to the traditional mindset behind the type of hunting most of us do.

I better not get off into philosophy or I'll be over my head real soon, so I'll show a few pictures. I might mention that the chisel is made from wrought iron with a welded steel bit. The compass/divider is mild steel, but could be made of wrought with welded tips. Use of the wrought gave us insight to the unique character of the material when drawing it under the hammer in different ways.

This picture is of the socket being shaped.
   

Now the flare is starting be shaped into the cone for the socket.
   
   

Now the weld is made where the sides lap just a little. This is done over a mandrel, which we had to make. This one in the photos was made by the instructor, but I took a picture of the one I made to complete the series. I cant take pictures of myself while working so this will have to do. You can look closely at the chisel bevel and see the steel bit layer where it meets the wrought material. The bit travels back about 3 inches to give the tool a long life.
 
   

A wooden plug is tapered and driven into the socket providing some length and some buffer for striking with a mallet.

I'll break this up with another post.

[Lin Rhea]

The compass is a little more complicated so I wont show all of the steps. In fact, I dont have all of them documented. There are several "head" patterns that are historic. These have been made since the 1700's. This is how the round head 3 leaf starts.
 

In the above photo, you will see that one part has one "head" and the other part has two heads. The two headed one folds in the exact middle to make the female end. When joined, they make the hinge, as it were. Then the folded leg, along with the singe leg, is forge welded and drawn to a point. They are joined while fairly hot so they can form fit to make the joint.

This is the part that struck me as so logical and practical. The male side could be forged and filed to a flat and even shape allowing the female side to fit it. I worked the female side somewhat hotter than the male. The light bulb came on with this very practical bit of information.


Now for the finished tool. Notice that the inside of the tool still has the forge finish while the outside has been filed clean and evened up.
     
 

[tippit]

Very cool Lin!  My son Zach (who does decorative blacksmithing out of Crested Butte, CO) just finished their fall weekend ABANA meet with Mark Asbery.  Our NE chapter has him as a guest the 2nd week in Sept.  The skills you can learn from an accomplished blacksmith are invaluable.

[4est trekker]

You never cease to amaze me.  You are a master craftsman for sure!  

[chall]

Wow , I like both but that compass looks fantastic.

[Lin Rhea]

Thanks Curt. I'm just honored to have been able to hang around some great smiths and pick up a little information.

[akaboomer]

Very cool stuff. A look into the historic ways shows how and why things have become what they are today. That was one class I would have loved to be in. I have looked at images and videos of Peter Ross' work and it has helped me I. The projects I have doneand plan to do.

Very nice work Lin. Thanks for sharing.

Chris

[Doug Campbell]

Like I said before Lin, just don't get no neater than that.        

[Al Dente]

Just got my jaw off the floor.  Lin, that is simply amazingly beautiful craftsmanship.  I tip my hat to you.  No matter what, if it involves metal and forging, you have got it.  Great work.

[dcmeckel]

Wow Lin, that is awesome stuff !! I have taken down some old 1800s houses,and marveled at the craftsmanship and shear determination it took to put a roof over the families head. It seems we never think about the Smith that had to first make the tools to "Git'er Done". I have used some of those old forged tools, just to see what it was like. Thanks for a look into the past, you are truly gifted.
I sure like my knife!
David

[Roughcountry]

You made my morning Lin    Great tools made to last a lifetime    
That compass looks very much like my saddler's compass, the most used tool on my bench.
Very cool beans