The Traditional Tools Group Inc.

To view a collection, to open a cupboard door or to lift the lid on an old tool box and to feast the eyes on tools of a bygone era conjures up a mixture of responses; for some it's possession, others a flashback to Grandpa's shed and for a growing number of folk, wouldn't it be great to have in the shed to use; most of the collectors I know have a healthy blend of all with the majority not being able to resist trying out their latest find, or using that special tool that has been resting in the cupboard. As for me, well, you'll be able to work that one out for yourself.

If we look back in history we can sight many individuals that had a profound impact on our way of life and how we think. Educators are in the forefront of my thoughts at this time, and one such humble educator in our recent history, John A. Walton, comes to mind.

Most sheds visited usually have a cluster of old braces hanging from the rafters and my own shed is no exception. I thought it about time to start having a bit of a sort out, two braces less hanging overhead didn't make much difference, but it was a start.

The front knob on a bench plane suffers a lot of battering and bruising during its working life, at times this can be replaced by one from a broken plane; however one isn't always that fortunate. If the front knob isn't too badly damaged it can be set up between centres on a lathe and sanded followed by buffing and refinishing, or in many cases, replaced with a newly turned one.

Whether the plane knob is to be refurbished or replaced the method of setting up between centres on the lathe is the same.

When looking through old tool catalogues one often wonders what has become of the fully equipped tool boxes that were once offered. STANLEY tool kits were packaged for "Senior", "Craftsman" and "Do-it-Yourself" customers.

Charlie (his name is changed for embarrassment avoidance), a first timer at a TTTG Saw Sharpening workshop arrived with a trophy bought for a bargain price at a garage sale. The early workshop arrivals gathered around (a bit like bees on a beer glass) speechless, maybe waiting for our response.

Over the years I've visited many workshops, sheds, and improvised work spaces, back verandahs, even under a sheet of corrugated iron under a Gum Tree. Seldom do I see a workshop that is an extension of the tradesman who works there, a total package, this third generation Saddler and his Saddlery.

It was a little after 8am when I arrived at the TTTG Workshop, Bob Crosbie had a box full of marking gauge kits under one arm and a mug of morning tea under the other while I trolleyed in an assortment of old gauges, bevels and squares from home. We were men well prepared and went about our well-practiced setting up for the day's workshop ahead.