It's What's Between You and the Wood - Quality from Your Hand to Heirloom |
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Greetings!
We are in trying times. At Hock Tools, we are in busy times, too. Truth be told, I am surprised at how busy, which leads to saying thank you!
Also, it is also time to deal with corrosion. Pesky rust is one of the most destructive and expensive natural processes, and we humans have pretty much caused it all by ourselves, by exposing metals to water and air. You probably know that the Hock Tools Shop is about two blocks from the Pacific Ocean. We deal with rust daily, but it is worse in winter, during the rainy season: salt and water. Fun! But, we have a method and are happy to share it. Although we wrote this article in 2017, little has changed in either the problem or solutions. I hope our article, Corrosion is the Pits: 6 Steps to Loving Up Your Tools so They Will Love You Back, helps.
Take a look below at what violinmaker Andrew Carruthers is up to! His Redwood Violin Project is inspired. Andrew has even created a special website to narrate and archive the Redwood Violin. It will not surprise me one bit if Andrew’s approach to making this violin takes a special place in violinmaking history.
Of course, if there is anything you need from Hock Tools, please let me know.
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Ron Hock
Hock Tools
(888) 282-5233
(707) 964-2782
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6 Steps to Loving Up Your Tools
so They Will Love You Back.
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More on Developing a Corrosion Prevention Strategy |
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As you know, rust Happens. It is part of nature and has a way of damaging expensive shop equipment and woodworking tools. But there is good news: you can control rust! This means you save on direct costs such as having to buy new tools or indirect costs such as loss of productivity. All it takes is a rust-prevention and control strategy.
A strategy brings you closer to your woodworking tools, encourages that almost serene reciprocity between woodworker and woodworking tool. Plus, a strategy gets you more organized and in tune with the rhythms of your work. Indeed, part of a woodshop’s cost-effectiveness comes from corrosion control and management. Integrating the habit of removing and preventing rust just makes sense. Place notes on your calendar, systematize your efforts; then let them become routine.
Over time, you will experience fewer incidents of those pernicious spots and pits. You will have prevented your shop’s environmental defects that lead to rust and corrosion, which means you will enjoy longer-lived tools, better use of your time at the bench (more furniture made), and you will minimize costs.
Your time at your workbench is about building the things you want to build, not about taking steel wool and acids to that little spot, then finding another like it, and then noticing rust spots everywhere. Augh!
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An Invitation - Perhaps an Overture -
to Champion Your Local Sources & Supports
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To chronicle The Redwood Violin Project, violinmaker Andrew Carruthers posts videos that share his journey as he collects materials (including beef tendons sourced from Sonoma County Meat Company that Andrew makes into glue) to build the Redwood Violin. The life-enhancing perk of meeting generous and knowledgeable people along the way, including other professional woodworkers, is no small side benefit. Since the project's beginning in October 2020, Andrew has gained numerous supporters who not only enliven The Redwood Violin Project but give it an enviable dimension in friendship, building, and connecting community.
According to Andrew, "Normally a violin is made from materials from all over the world: wood, resins, pigments, and glues come from Europe, Asia, India, Africa, and South America. With a little ingenuity, and by calling on the help of local know-how and talent, it should be possible to make a high-quality instrument using materials from within 25 miles of Santa Rosa. The hope with this project is to shine a spotlight on the wealth of natural and commercial resources, and the artistic talent that we have right here at home."
The Redwood Violin Project's website includes videos and notes on the process of making this all-local violin. Materials for the violin are selected for being workable substitutes for traditional materials and with consideration for their significance to Sonoma County's history and economy. A beautiful Project Map lets you know what has been obtained and what is yet needed, a Materials page elaborates on materials still required for the violin, along with sources, their stories, as well as a wish list that acquaints you further with the scope of The Redwood Violin Project.
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For Previous Editions of Sharp & to the Point; A Shameless Shill for Hock Tools,
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Ron Hock is Past-President
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Continuing the Legacy
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