Robert demonstrates the process of making chisels. Students begin with an old file, which is a good source for carbon steel.  Next they are given the opportunity to anneal or soften the steel, then cut, shape and flatten the tool, then harden and temper the steel. Each student made a paring chisel fitted with a handle of cocobolo. A few of the students made several chisels including paring, dovetail, small bevel edge and even a crank necked chisel.

Brent, one of our returning students this summer, fits a Jatoba wear plate to his shooting board. Each of our students made a shooting board which was used during the class. A number of processes were covered including cutting tapers on the bandsaw and the "sport" of free hand mortising.  

Tools and fixtures made in this program are used throughout the week when students are taught the layout, cutting and fitting of both through and half lapped dovetail joinery. Shown here are just a few of the tools made, and the dovetail joints cut throughout the week. The small bevel gauge is new and will now become part of the curriculum in both the Artisan and Craftsman Programs taught here at the school. The body is cocobolo, the blade is Jatoba and features a brass knurled knob that allows adjustment within the range of angles used in the layout of dovetails.

Following the week we were joined by friends, family, students past and present for an Elephants at the school. Brent, one of our graduates from Washington even made the trip.

Artisan - C Dovetails & Tool Making. Back row from the left. Bruce, John, Robert, Brent, Glenn, Paul & Mitch. Front row from left, Owen, Jim, Marlene and Cody.