4th Vintage Hand Tool 'Extravaganza', 15th April 2023

[toolsntat]

Time to make a note in your diary - the date of Saturday 15th April 2023
We are holding the 4th Vintage Hand Tool 'Extravaganza',
Once again, it will be held in the Village Hall at Carlton Scroop, NG32 3AR
FREE PARKING AND ADMISSION
..........................................
Fuller details of which dealers will be in attendance, the craft and skills demonstrations that will take place, and the 'must see' private hand tool collections along with being able to meet and chat with their owners, will be regularly updated as they are confirmed.
.........................................
Not forgetting, a very important aspect of this event, is the chance to catch up with old friends, or to make new contacts, all whilst enjoying a cuppa with a slice of home-made cake, provided courtesy of Valerie and Susie !

https://www.oldtoolmart.co.uk/extravaganza

 

[AndyT]

I made it to the second one of these and thoroughly enjoyed it. I should be able to get to this one. Hope to see plenty of old friends and maybe some new ones too.

 

[Doug]

Thanks Andy I was wondering when the next extravaganza would be, always a good afternoon plus a great opportunity to sneak to Boston for a curry

 

[toolsntat]

Thanks Andy I was wondering when the next extravaganza would be, always a good afternoon plus a great opportunity to sneak to Boston for a curry

I made it to the second one of these and thoroughly enjoyed it. I should be able to get to this one. Hope to see plenty of old friends and maybe some new ones too.

Good positive response and will be a pleasure to catch up again.
The more the merrier :eusa-dance:

I invited Peter Young of the John Green York (planemaker) book but unfortunately he cannot make it.
Good news is that he sent me some copies to pass on at £10 each to those who missed out.
Very interesting book with a wonderful section on Planemakers planes, some of whom should be in attendance
http://www.johngreenbook.co.uk/about.html

Cheers, Andy

 

[toolsntat]

Just a little bump to say it's this Saturday folks.
Cheers, Andy

 

[Mike G]

I'd love to. But it'd be 5 hours driving.....Move it south of Peterborough and I'll be there like a shot.

 

[AndyT]

I'd love to. But it'd be 5 hours driving.....Move it south of Peterborough and I'll be there like a shot.

But Mike, you've got the Hardwood Offcuts Shop down in Essex, which is possibly even more useful!

https://www.hardwoodoffcuts.co.uk/

 

[Dr.Al]

I'd love to. But it'd be 5 hours driving.....Move it south of Peterborough and I'll be there like a shot.

6 hours driving for me Move it south-west of Northampton and I'd be there like a shot :lol:

 

[AndyP]

I would love to go just so that I could say I have visited a place called Carlton Scroop. Sounds that a character out of one of Dahl’s books.

 

[SamQ aka Ah! Q!]

by Dr.Al » Today, 09:29

Mike G wrote:
I'd love to. But it'd be 5 hours driving.....Move it south of Peterborough and I'll be there like a shot.


6 hours driving for me Move it south-west of Northampton and I'd be there like a shot :lol:

I am summoned to sort out the building site my daughter has insisted on turning an unblemished (untouched!) 1920-odd Edinburgh Colony Flat into, otherwise I'd love to come and mingle. Gargle maps says only 3hrs 35mins from 'ere. Maybe myself, Lons, MY63 or other Northumbrians could 'pool up' in one car next time?

 

[Woodbloke]

Surprisingly, only a mere 4hr 10mins from Salisbury (A303, A34, M1 etc) but still too far for a hand tool day out - Rob

 

[toolsntat]

Ah, location, location, location.... :eusa-think:
Always an issue as it would be lovely to meet you all.

Perhaps an extra event could be held in similar circumstances at other venues scattered around the country?

Looking forward to meeting those who are able to join us this time

Cheers, Andy

 

[Pete Maddex]

I won't be comming, I am going to the Rowan Woodland Products http://rowanwoodlandproducts.weebly.com/ wood sale at St Joseph's tea room in Whitwick LE67 5UP.

Wood and cakes in the tea room.

Pete

 

[AndyT]

I spent the whole time in very pleasant conversations but did take a few snaps to show what you were missing.

 

[AndyP]

Just curious

 

[AndyT]

It's one of Andy B's (toolsntat) but I expect he'll be along soon with some clues...
He does have the knack of finding the wackiest, most obscure tools!

 

[Cabinetman]

Looks to me that it’s designed to hold or spread something apart, looks as if it’s telescopic and has a thread to spread as well, but what it spreads is anybody’s guess, but not butter lol.

 

[Woodbloke]

Looks to me that it’s designed to hold or spread something apart, looks as if it’s telescopic and has a thread to spread as well, but what it spreads is anybody’s guess, but not butter lol.

On a similar topic, can anyone hazard a guess for this tool's:



...intended use? I handled a replica some years ago and was intrigued :eusa-whistle: - Rob

 

[9fingers]

Just curious

Good for grabbing pickled onions from a jar? As a child we had a smaller device for picking up sugar cubes.

Bob

 

[9fingers]

Looks to me that it’s designed to hold or spread something apart, looks as if it’s telescopic and has a thread to spread as well, but what it spreads is anybody’s guess, but not butter lol.

On a similar topic, can anyone hazard a guess for this tool's:

View attachment 1

...intended use? I handled a replica some years ago and was intrigued :eusa-whistle: - Rob

I've seen similar devices used for making holes in say leather and then stretching them to fit in an eyelet.
Some of the wiring and assembly technicians a work had a range of curious tools fir gripping, placing, tightening small items. There was one device used to fitting in an extra cable into a laced up wiring loom without re-doing the lacing.
Example of a laced loom for those who might not have seen such artistry!



Bob

 

[Woodbloke]

Looks to me that it’s designed to hold or spread something apart, looks as if it’s telescopic and has a thread to spread as well, but what it spreads is anybody’s guess, but not butter lol.

On a similar topic, can anyone hazard a guess for this tool's:

View attachment 1

...intended use? I handled a replica some years ago and was intrigued :eusa-whistle: - Rob

I've seen similar devices used for making holes in say leather and then stretching them to fit in an eyelet.
Some of the wiring and assembly technicians a work had a range of curious tools fir gripping, placing, tightening small items. There was one device used to fitting in an extra cable into a laced up wiring loom without re-doing the lacing.
Example of a laced loom for those who might not have seen such artistry!




Bob

Waaaaaay off the mark Bob. I'll give you a clue; Shakespeare - Rob

 

[Trevanion]

On a similar topic, can anyone hazard a guess for this tool's:



...intended use? I handled a replica some years ago and was intrigued :eusa-whistle: - Rob

Wasn’t it for pulling an arrowhead out of Henry V’s skull? :eusa-think:

 

[9fingers]

Waaaaaay off the mark Bob. I'll give you a clue; Shakespeare - Rob

Not being a Culture Vulture but maybe its a crude "go - no go" gauge.

Shakepeare reference? instead of "To be or not too be" its "to go or not to go"?

Bob

 

[Woodbloke]

Wasn’t it for pulling an arrowhead out of Henry V’s skull? :eusa-think:

Correct. After the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1483, an bodkin arrow pierced the skull of a very young Henry V. It has been assumed that the arrow was a deflection and had lost most of it's power; it entered through his nostril and lodged at the back of his mouth in the skull. John Bradmore was a surgeon who designed and then had made by the local blacksmith this specific implement for removing the arrow head. The shaft was held in place with beeswax and was simply pulled out, but the iron head was stuck fast in the skull bone. I have a replica of a similar bodkin arrow head in a display case:



The two outside prongs of the tool were inserted into the hollow end of the arrowhead and the centre part was then slowly pushed down, thus forcing the prongs apart and gripping the arrow head enabling it to be withdrawn. Henry V survived the ordeal and lived to fight another day; the French probably regret that he didn't :lol: - Rob

 

[toolsntat]

I

I spent the whole time in very pleasant conversations but did take a few snaps to show what you were missing.

View attachment 1

View attachment 2

Lovely to see yourself Andy and all the other wonderfully appreciative folks who made the pilgrimage to "SCROOP"
Thanks for coming. :eusa-clap:

Hope I got to speak to all for long enough but it's sometimes hard when I'm busy doing just that with everyone else most of the time...

Thanks for the pictures Andy, I was embarking on a picture spree then got distracted after only doing my offering :eusa-doh:
Cheers Andy

 

[toolsntat]

Just curious

View attachment 2

Yes Andy, something I wanted for years (one of only 3 I've ever seen) and finally obtained.
It's a Cellarmans Cask Haunch for gradually raising ale barrels whilst taking off the contents. Gradual and gentle lifting was required to stop the sediments being unsettled and clouding up the ale.
Cheers, Andy

 

[toolsntat]

Wasn’t it for pulling an arrowhead out of Henry V’s skull? :eusa-think:

Correct. After the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1483, an bodkin arrow pierced the skull of a very young Henry V. It has been assumed that the arrow was a deflection and had lost most of it's power; it entered through his nostril and lodged at the back of his mouth in the skull. John Bradmore was a surgeon who designed and then had made by the local blacksmith this specific implement for removing the arrow head. The shaft was held in place with beeswax and was simply pulled out, but the iron head was stuck fast in the skull bone. I have a replica of a similar bodkin arrow head in a display case:



The two outside prongs of the tool were inserted into the hollow end of the arrowhead and the centre part was then slowly pushed down, thus forcing the prongs apart and gripping the arrow head enabling it to be withdrawn. Henry V survived the ordeal and lived to fight another day; the French probably regret that he didn't :lol: - Rob

Thanks Rob, you have now put a name to the couple of arrow heads i obtained in recent years from the clearance of a blacksmithing forge in Market Bosworth.
Cheers, Andy
Edit.... looks like I now need to find something else I ain't got to perpetuate the arrow head conversation :eusa-think: :eusa-doh: :lol:

 

[AndyT]

Well this is fun! Let's continue with the virtual nattering and an easier question. I think several people will have already seen a picture of these odd looking things on Andy's display. So what are they?

 

[Mike G]

They look like parts from a loom. Shuttles or somesuch.

 

[AndyT]

They look like parts from a loom. Shuttles or somesuch.

Maybe they do, but I don't think they are.

 

[Doug]

Had an interesting conversation with Andy on Saturday which included those amongst many of the fascinating tools he has, I won’t give the answer so other folks can guess.

 

[Cabinetman]

They remind me of leather punches for making round holes, but not sharp, incorrect I know.

 

[AndyT]

They remind me of leather punches for making round holes, but not sharp, incorrect I know.

These are made of wood.

 

[AndyP]

Just curious

View attachment 2

Yes Andy, something I wanted for years (one of only 3 I've ever seen) and finally obtained.
It's a Cellarmans Cask Haunch for gradually raising ale barrels whilst taking off the contents. Gradual and gentle lifting was required to stop the sediments being unsettled and clouding up the ale.
Cheers, Andy

You wanted one because? Do you have barrels that need tipping? Or just because

 

[toolsntat]

Just curious

View attachment 2

Yes Andy, something I wanted for years (one of only 3 I've ever seen) and finally obtained.
It's a Cellarmans Cask Haunch for gradually raising ale barrels whilst taking off the contents. Gradual and gentle lifting was required to stop the sediments being unsettled and clouding up the ale.
Cheers, Andy

You wanted one because? Do you have barrels that need tipping? Or just because

Alas Andy, no barrels here I'm afraid to say, well..., not yet. :eusa-whistle:
The shape has something about it which jumped out at me the first time I read Dictionary of woodworking tools.
It's a wonderful conversation piece when I put on my display, I am all about engaging with the public and enlightening them as to what tools used to be out there and for what purpose.
Now and again a stray old timer will stop by and recognise the odd bit of kit, even better when they come bearing gifts :eusa-dance:

Cheers, Andy

 

[AndyP]

I’m all for those reasons and sentiments, although I REALLY think some proper user testing is required. In fact imagine the reaction if you took a barrel full of beer to the next meet and could show interested parties how it worked.

 

[toolsntat]

I’m all for those reasons and sentiments, although I REALLY think some proper user testing is required. In fact imagine the reaction if you took a barrel full of beer to the next meet and could show interested parties how it worked.

I like your thinking Andy and I'm sure that idea would be most welcome but it may present a slight technical difficulty and further compound my much maligned reputation for taking too long to set up and pack away :lol:

Average settlement time for a cask of ale is apparently up to 48 hours :eusa-doh:
Perhaps it calls for a replica barrel with a dispensary for tinnies :eusa-think:

Cheers, Andy

 

[toolsntat]

Well this is fun! Let's continue with the virtual nattering and an easier question. I think several people will have already seen a picture of these odd looking things on Andy's display. So what are they?

Perhaps a clue....
The long pokey thing just underneath them is used in their retrieval

Cheers, Andy

 

[Pete Maddex]

Well this is fun! Let's continue with the virtual nattering and an easier question. I think several people will have already seen a picture of these odd looking things on Andy's display. So what are they?

Rope making?

Pete

 

[AndyT]

Rope making?

Pete

No, village carpenters don't make rope.