Friday, September 22, 2017

Home Again Home Again

It was a good vacation, not too many squawks on the motorhome, the WX in Northern CA. was perfect with temps in the 60F to mid 70F range and the only rain was as we were leaving Ft. Bragg. It couldn't have been better except for the fires and smoke in Oregon keeping us in North CA.

The portable bench worked well and I had almost all the tools needed, not bad for a proof of concept trial.

Waiting for me at the local USPS office was a box of Boxwood handled Marple chisels, most were firmers. I'm missing a 5/8" and a 3/4" for a full set. The chisels are in good shape but.....damn that but, the UK sellers sure do like their belt sanders to make the chisels pretty for selling. I spent almost an hour on the back of the 1" chisel last night and I still have some more to go before it is flat. I'd pay twice as much if they would forget the dressing up for the sell.

Anyway here is a photo of the Marple chisels on hand. Now to find some where to keep 'em. For now the only answer is some of the little used chisels will have to go in a box or drawer and the Marple chisels will take their place in the back of bench chisel till.


I would like to end up with a full set of Marple's firmer and beveled edge chisels and a selected set of their paring chisels but I'm not sure I have the patience for the chase.

I've an appointment with a Neurosurgeon on the 28th. to see about fixing my back. I had plans to wait until after the first of the year but with the way things are going I expect I will take the first open time. Whisky and pain pills are no way to live life. Once again apologies for an OF's medical ramblings but this is my way of keeping track of what is happening in my life.  


13 comments:

  1. Condolences on the back pain. The rule of thumb is to not let them operate until you can't stand it any more. Sounds like you are there. Best wishes.

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  2. Antony,

    Thanks, yep I'm pretty much there.

    ken

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  3. Good luck with the upcoming surgery.
    Off topic - what are your thoughts on the LV dovetail - carcass saws?
    thinking of buying the trio for my grandson.

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  4. Hi Ken.
    Sorry to hear about your back. The problem with that part of the body is that it is connected everything else, so even having a cup of coffee is a pain.
    I hope they can do something for you at the hospital.
    Take care
    Brgds
    Jonas

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  5. Ken,

    Whenever I face surgery, I remember what my father-in-law said. Some Doctors graduated at the bottom of their medical school class. Of course, it may be like pilots. The best student pilots aren't always the best pilots a few years later. That was my issue. Overthought everything. Of course, I might have gotten over it with experience.

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  6. Welcome back Ken
    Ill keep my eyes open for these Marples chisels, if I come actross any ill get them for youy

    Bob, also with a bad back, but still walkable...with Voltarern :-(

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  7. BTW these boxwood handled chisels are the same quality steel as those used in the older Record Marples Blue plastic handled chisels. NOT the newer crappy Irwin made in China. They are more plentiful and you could always make a replacement handle. If so, keep in mind that they are not true socket chisel, they used an hybrid socket and tang construction

    Bob, sipping his coffe having brain farts :-)

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  8. Steve D6:59 AM

    "Whisky and pain pills are no way to live life."

    You could skip the surgery and become a musician.

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  9. Steve,

    Does kinda sound like a country song hook :-). Now if i could find a way to include trains, trucks and Mama I'd have a winner.

    ken

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  10. Bob,

    If you find any I want 'em. I really like the balance of the older Marple's.

    I'm walking and working but it ain't no fun at this time. I'm hoping it's fixed before the first of the year. The good news is it is fixable.

    ken

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  11. Andy,

    The good "stick" guys are not always the best pilots. Like most things in life it takes balance, the best pilot is one that retires alive :-).

    ken

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  12. Jonas,

    Thanks, the good news is I expect the problem can be fixed.

    ken

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  13. Ralph,

    Thanks, the LV saws are as good as any. As I expect you know I have a number of the high dollar saws and while I love the 'bing" they do not work any better than the LV's. Get a full set and put 'em in the tool box, your grandson will think you.

    ken

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