John Twyford
J.P.A.Twyford@exeter.ac.uk
When I made a totem pole with my students I looked in a DIY catalogue which I was given when I visited Toronto. It helped me see the types of tools used in Canada. I chose to use an adze and a range of gouges with a mallet.
The gouges were the best tools to use, although the adze was helpful in cutting away the bark to prepare the log for carving. I also used a rather good Distan rip saw to cut the large shapes. We did not use any power tools. We did find the work quite physical, but very relaxing to do!
I remember my grand father, who was a master craftsman woodworker about 80 years ago saying that he made all his tools from found materials. For example, he made a range of planesout of box wood and re-used old chisel blades for the cutting edge. He did make special tools for special jobs and I still have some of them today.
It is interesting to note that you make tools for the pole you are working on. This seems a sensible and natural thing to do. It is part of the respect we pay to the job we will do.
What happens to the tools when you have finished with them?
John Twyford, Lecturer in Design & Technology at Exeter University.
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