On the left is the new handle mortise being made.  On the right is the broken handle.  Note that the mortise on the new handle is smaller, in width and length.  This way, when [...]]]> In a previous post reviewing the Grizzly Japanese Chisels, I mentioned the repair of a Japanese Saw that had it’s handle broken.

On the left is the new handle mortise being made.  On the right is the broken handle.  Note that the mortise on the new handle is smaller, in width and length.  This way, when it is deep enough, I can shave off the sides and make the mortise fit perfectly.

Since the chisel I started the job with broke, I made an improvised chisel to finish the job.

I made the handle from a Shaker Peg. The flared end made it a great chisel for pushing with the palm. I may modify this a touch and make several more like it. I really like the feel of this for a handle.

Speaking of handles, the saw handle turned out quite nice.

Ash is strong, lasting and pretty.

Now I have a unique handmade version of a Japanese replaceable blade saw.

Bob

Click on the picture of the China Berry flowers to see it larger.  This is a graceful and lovely tree.  It is also an invasive non native.  It is also a mahogany.   The lovely flowers are from a tree that I am planning on cutting down this Thanksgiving break.

I salvaged some wood from a tree [...]]]>

Click on the picture of the China Berry flowers to see it larger.  This is a graceful and lovely tree.  It is also an invasive non native.  It is also a mahogany.   The lovely flowers are from a tree that I am planning on cutting down this Thanksgiving break.

I salvaged some wood from a tree that had split and part fallen, but the wood was quite pulpy.  Hopefully this does me a bit better.

Bob

This is the Iris Ellene Rockwell, but really it is a frog picture.  I will use  any excuse to at all to sneak in photos of frogs.  Click on the picture for a better view.

Bob

I am quite sure that someone has a much better way to collect basil seed,  there is no way that what I am  doing  would work commercially.   I will however share the method [...]]]> Basil is a delightful grace in the yard, and fairly easy to grow as long as you have good seed to start with.

I am quite sure that someone has a much better way to collect basil seed,  there is no way that what I am  doing  would work commercially.   I will however share the method that has worked pretty well for me.  If anyone out there has a better method I would be greatful for the information.

Here is some lemon basil going to seed.  The dry stems have already lost their seed.  The green tufts just above where it has dried, still have seed in them.  As the plant drys, the seeds will fall out.  A tuft or two above and the seed is not yet mature.

in the picture below it is too late, the seed is gone.

Here is a flower stalk removed and viewed from the bottom.  Right where the brown at the bottom meets the green at the top, black seeds in green ‘bells’ can be seen.

Despite only being able to harvest a few of the ripe seed, one stalk can provide quite a bit.  Notice the tiny black seeds at the bottom of the bowl.

Here is a different sort of basil.  It produces a head.  This is a nice sweet tasting basil with a touch of cinnamon scent.

Below you can see one bright flowering head at the top and a duller head down at the bottom.

The duller head is more mature and is producing seed.

When I turn it over you can see the black spots where the seeds are.

A bit of massaging and shaking allowed me to gather enough to be sure I can grow this again next year.

Bob

Even though I had not used one on a froe, the motive for the design is obvious. A rough surface will absorb some of the womp, so you want a smooth hard wood surface. But you are going to be pounding on a 1/4″ blade [...]]]> Here is a photo of the Froe Mallet I made.

Even though I had not used one on a froe, the motive for the design is obvious. A rough surface will absorb some of the womp, so you want a smooth hard wood surface. But you are going to be pounding on a 1/4″ blade back. This is going to ruin your mallet face quickly. So the mallet is nice and big with a lot of surface area. This way I can pound it a bunch of times before putting it back on the lathe to clean the face.

The carpenters pencils are freshly sharpened to show how freaking big it is. The pencil shavings are there because it is of course not real without shavings.

After having use it on a froe, it is fairly well mangled, but not to mangled to use on a chisel.

Bob