Merry Christmas 2012

The dust has settled on another Christmas (assuming you completed your projects before the big day) and the elves are good and thoroughly drunk on the eggnog that toasted completion of another year. So let me take this time to say Merry Christmas to all my woodworking friends and I hope that your hard made gifts were appreciated by all. The smiles and gasps of astonishment from the recipients of our hard work are all the payment we ever need, and the joy we as woodworkers glean from the making of those gifts make it all the sweeter.

So now with Boxing Day upon us, the annual woodworking tradition of “what’d ya get?” commences. I had next to nothing on my list this year as I am blessed with a well outfitted shop and a day job surrounded by lumber. But my wife is ever attentive and on the lookout all year round. She happened to stop by The Woodwright School one afternoon while my classmates and I were hollowing Windsor seats and caught me remarking on a certain inshave. Lo and behold, what did I open on Christmas Day?

I currently have a vintage inshave that is one continuous curve across the blade. This model has a flatter curve flanked by two sharp curves which gives it a more rectangular appearance. I discovered that the corners were excellent for deep cuts when starting the hollow and then transitioning to the flatter/wider curve as the hollow widens and a more refined cut is called for. This inshave is made by Two Cherries and at first glance appears very well made. I have to sharpen the edge still and I’m excited to put it to work and duplicate the results I was getting in class.

So in addition to my wonderful shop and wonderful job, I have a wife who never forgets to listen when I talk about tools. It was a merry Christmas indeed for me. I guess I’m really on the hook to build a set of Windsor dining room chairs now!

Your Turn

Did you get your gifts finished in time? What woodworking toys did Santa bring you this year? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.