Shelter at the WoodenBoat Show, June 28-30, 2013

Visit Shelter June 28-30, 2013 at the WoodenBoat show in Mystic, CT. This show is produced by the esteemed WoodenBoat Magazine. More than 100 traditional and contemporary wooden boats crafted by professionals and amateurs will be there to view along with booths from a variety of marine and woodworking vendors. There will be demonstrations by experts where you can learn new skills or even build a boat with your family over the course of a weekend.

Look for Shelter under our Douglas-fir timber frame. At our booth we'll demonstrate the Tormek sharpening system, have Japanese hand saws on hand to try and purchase, lots of timber framing tools, measuring tools from Starrett, axes from Gransfors Bruks, Land Ark wood finish, and more.

Advanced tickets can be purchased online. Directions to the Mystic Seaport and more information can be found on the Seaport website. If you plan on visiting us at the show or want to see photos of us having fun in Mystic, visit us on Facebook.

Learn an Essential Woodworking Skill: Handcutting Dovetail Joints

The skill of hand cutting dovetail joints is one that is learned and perfected with practice. Join us for a morning to learn how to layout and accurately cut dovetail joints by hand. Our very own Ken Hatridge will bring in his favorite tools and walk you through, step-by-step, how best to cut your joints including a review of the best tools as well as the best techniques. You will walk away with the techniques in mind so that you can easily perfect your skill set.

Shelter is offering the Dovetail Joinery by Hand course on Saturday, June 8th, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. The course is $45.00.

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New Shipment of Robert Sorby Tools at Shelter and Intro to Woodturning Class This Weekend

Shelter has just received a a huge shipment of tools from one of our favorite tool companies, Robert Sorby, which produces an extensive selection of high quality woodturning, woodcarving, and woodworker's tools in Sheffield, England.

Many timberframers who have spent time at Shelter are familiar with the 3" and 2-3/8" Sorby slicks we carry. Like all Sorby tools, it's finely crafted. The heft of this tool makes it unique, and it's preferred by those who like to put some weight behind their work. The well tempered steel provides a durable edge that is easily sharpened.

In addition to Robert Sorby chisels and slicks, we also carry their woodturning tools. Call, email, or visit Shelter if there is a Sorby tool you have questions about or would like to purchase.

Ken at work.

If you've interested in wood turning, but haven't gotten the nerve up to start collecting tools, then come to Shelter this weekend and spend the morning with turner and carver, Ken Hatridge of Tree Trunk Designs. 

Ken is offering his Introduction and Demonstration of Woodturning class on Saturday, April 27, from 9 am to 12 noon at the Shelter Campus. The class is $45. Registration is available online and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

During the class, you'll be able to see Ken's expert woodturning techniques, learn about his favorite essential starter tools, and discuss qualities to look for in a lathe. Ken will also discuss wood species, layout, and design as well as tips and techniques for you to try in your own workshop.

Ken is trained in the art of woodturning, strives to continually learn more, and experiments with new skills and techniques. He has been trained in cabinetry and millwork, is an active member of the Southern Maine Woodturners, and is a member of the American Association of Woodturners. Frequently Ken does woodturning demonstrations at meetings and shows.

One-Day Spoon Carving Workshop: Saturday 3/2 at Shelter

Carver Ken Wise

Join us on Saturday, March 2nd, for a full day of carving. Instructor, Ken Wise, has been teaching woodworking and carving for over thirty years. He brings blanks, tools and technique to help you build your skills in carving. This is a hands-on class using, primarily, hand tools. Demonstrations include design and layout, discussion of wood species and selection, tool selection and maintenance, techniques and finish techniques.

All materials and tools are provided for the workshop, but you can also bring any tools you would like to try. Hardwood blanks are provided for each student but please feel free to bring a special piece of wood if you have one on hand.

Each student in our last workshop completed one spoon and began a second one within the time frame of the class. Ken's ease with carving and shaping as well as his general patience is infectious. He sets a comfortable pace for woodworkers of all levels, and he's able to draw each student through the process. It is a great way to spend a cold winter day.

Register for the class online, or contact us for more information.
Cost: $45 per person
Date: March 2nd, 2013
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Location: Shelter Campus

Spoon Carving Workshop: Saturday 2/2 at Shelter

Carver Ken Wise

Join us on Saturday, February 2nd, for a full day of carving. Instructor, Ken Wise, has been teaching woodworking and carving for over thirty years. He brings blanks, tools and technique to help you build your skills in carving. This is a hands-on class using, primarily, hand tools. Demonstrations include design and layout, discussion of wood species and selection, tool selection and maintenance, techniques and finish techniques.

All materials and tools are provided for the workshop, but you can also bring any tools you would like to try. Hardwood Blanks are provided for each student but please feel free to bring a special piece of wood if you have one on hand.

Register for the class online, or contact us for more information.
Cost: $45 per person
Date: February 2nd, 2013
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Location: Shelter Campus

Basic Tools Workshop

You know that piece of trim that needs to be replaced, or the door that sticks in the kitchen, or the light fixture you want to replace. . .you can do it yourself and many other much bigger projects with the right tools!

My Mom always said – a woman may not have the strength to bash a beam into place, but she’ll find a way to get it there one way or another. Having the right tools and creative mentality are key to making that happen. A few years ago I gave a tool talk to an audience of women at a library in Damariscotta – the enthusiasm and standing ovation made me want to offer it at Shelter. Awhile ago I read an article in one of my FAVORITE magazines about tool selection and it was such a disappointment. It didn’t feature any of the really cool tools available. So here is my version of that article in real life. I offered this workshop last year to Women-Only and there was an outcry from the less-experienced men out there interestd in learning some basic tools in a friendly environment so I've opened this workshop up to men and women alike! This workshop will be an easy space to learn about tools and get your feet on the ground, an opportunity to bring your questions and have a discussion!

This is a four-hour workshop on tools—how to assess the problem and visualize practical solutions, what tools to look for, and how to evaluate them based on your use and your budget. We’ll discuss the basic tools you should have in your toolbox regardless of where you fall in the spectrum of house building, renovating, maintaining, and woodworking in general. A base level of knowledge about tools enables you to make confident decisions about where to spend a little extra money and when you can get a base model that will do exactly what you need. I’ll discuss hand tools and power tools and what to look for – which brands are ergonomically friendly and which brands are touting the best battery life! I can’t promise that you’ll never have to deal with a condescending salesman at the hardware store again, but I can promise that you will have confidence to speak clearly and accurately about a tool when you do have to deal with a sales person.

It doesn’t matter whether you're hanging a picture on the wall or building the wall yourself. There are a few select items that will make these projects manageable. We'll have on hand a selection of Shelter's favorite tools for you to handle and try and I’ll show you my absolute favorite essentials that you won’t necessarily find at the big box stores.

Searspark Gazebo

By Gaius Hennin, P.E.

Governor William A. O'Neill Performing Arts Gazebo in Sears Park in East Hampton, CT

We recently traveled to East Hampton, Connecticut to raise the Governor William A. O'Neil Performing Arts Gazebo in Sears Park, located right on Lake Pocotopaug.  Mr. O'Neil, an East Hampton native,  was a popular governor of Connecticut from 1980-1989.

The gazebo bears his name in hand carved letters with flat black relief in crisp contrast to the western red cedar timbers.  In addition to the excellent natural rot resistance provided by the cedar, all the timbers are coated with our favorite oil-Land Ark Exterior.

The structure of the building is complex-what appears to be a simple hip roof from the exterior proves to be much more interesting as you enter the building and look up. The hip rafters are actually carried by two clear-spanning, flat topped trusses, similar to what you would see flanking a railroad bridge.  The two trusses run parallel to your entrance into the building, providing a clearly defined line of sight out to the lake. It is hard to decide whether to look out and admire the view or to look up and admire the view. The building tie-downs are stainless steel threaded rods concealed inside the 10x10 posts, attached to both the post and the concrete slab with acrylic based adhesive.  The roof sheathing is a nominal 3x6 end and edge grooved plank, made from three plies of Douglas fir laminated to together, capable of spanning twelve feet. This product eliminates the need for jack rafters, resulting in a clean roof structure, consisting of only principle and hip rafters.

The architect for this project was Cheryl Newton Architect LLC (www.cnarchitect.com) from Glastonbury, CT and the general contractor was Scope Construction (www.scopeconstruction.com) from New Britain, CT.

If you find yourself in East Hampton, stop in and take a look-the gazebo is hard to miss when you walk or drive in.  Park hours are 7AM-8PM.

If you are interested in having us design and build a gazebo for you, call or stop in at our shop-we are always happy to talk structure with you.Governor William A. O'Neill Performing Arts Gazebo Searspark in East Hampton, CT

Shelter at Northeastern Woodworker's Show This Weekend

Are you living or visiting the upstate New York area this weekend? Come check out Shelter at the 21st Annual Woodworker's Showcase in beautiful Saratoga Springs, New York!

The show, located at the Saratoga Springs City Center and put on by the Northeastern Woodworker's Association, will feature lectures, demonstrations, and all kinds of examples of fine woodworking from across the region. Shelter will be displaying great woodworking tools including Japanese saws, Flexcut carving tools, woodturning tools, the Tormek Sharpening system, and an assortment of woodworking and building books.

You won't be able to miss our booth at the show, which will feature a gorgeous 8' by 8' timberframe in douglas fir. It demonstrates through tenons, trusses, wedges and birdsmouth joints.

Woodworker's Showcase hours:

Saturday the 31st - 10am to 5pm

Sunday the 1st - 10am to 5pm

Admission info, directions, and more information is available at the NWA website.

Shelter at the Woodworking and D.I.Y. Show in NJ this Weekend

Shelter will be one of the exhibitors at the Woodworking and D.I.Y. Show in Somerset, New Jersey this weekend, Friday February 24th through Sunday the 26th. (Directions.)

Tickets are $12 for adults and can be purchased online. Children under 15, active duty police, fire, and military with ID get in free.

The list of exhibitors includes Fine Woodworking, Lee Valley, Veritas tools, Kreg, Delta, Bosch, Bessey Tools (more clamps!), and many more. There will be lots of free stuff, tools on display, and discount buying opportunities.

The show also offers an impressive list of educational seminars (PDF).

We're very happy to be part of such an impressive lineup. If you can make your way there, please stop by and see us. Or follow us on Facebook or Twitter to read updates from the weekend.

Shelter at the New England Woodworking and DIY Show

Shelter will be one of the exhibitors at the New England Woodworking and D.I.Y. Show in West Springfield, MA, January 13-15. (Directions.)

Tickets are $12 for adults and can be purchased online. Children under 15, active duty police, fire, and military with ID get in free.

The list of exhibitors includes Fine Woodworking, Lee Valley, Veritas tools, Kreg, Delta, Bosch, Bessey Tools (more clamps!), and many more. There will be lots of free stuff, tools on display, and discount buying opportunities.

The show also offers an impressive list of educational seminars, including a seminar on tools offered by Shelter's very own Blueberry Beeton! Another seminar on making a hand plane and building cabinets is offered by Bob Settich, author of Built-Ins (in Taunton's Build Like a Pro series). He will talk about cabinetmaking details, plane techniques, and more. Maybe he'll get me motivated to start the built-in bookshelf/window seat I've promised my wife for years.

We're very happy to be part of such an impressive lineup. If you can make your way there, please stop by and see us.

January Purely Post & Beam Registeration Deadline Fast Approaching

You know you want to learn how to timber frame! Whether you build a dog house, barn or dream home this one-week long class will be a great way to help you prepare. It is also a fabulous way to unwind after the hectic holidays . . . not to mention getting you off the couch! Join us for five days of Purely Post and Beam January 22-27, 2012 Learn egnineering and beam sizing calculations, architecture and the craft of laying out and cutting the joints. Sign up today -- the deadline for registering is this coming up!

Register for the Purely Post & beam Class January 22-27, 2012

Friends of Shelter Tools - Tree Trunk Design

Exquisite turned bowl by
Ken Hatridge of Tree Trunk Design

The collection of new and gleaming tools in our store is impressive. Holding a brand-new Lie-Nielsen block plane in your hand, you see it both as a tool with great potential and as a thing of man-made beauty. But a tool is meant to be used, and some of the tools purchased at Shelter are in the hands of skilled master woodworkers who produce a variety of heirloom-quality work.

Ken Hatridge, a former timberwright at Shelter, is the talented proprietor of Tree Trunk Design, maker of fine wood-turned products. (The photos included here are examples of his work.) I contacted Ken to ask him about his process and wood turning.

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Father's Day is right around the corner . . .

Are you shopping for neckties this weekend for dad? Don't settle for a boring Father's Day gift. Get dad a tool to help him get the job done right. We've got a great selection of tools and products for every dad from woodworkers, builders, boaters, cooks, to dreamers.

The funny thing that happens as we get older is that the people in our life seem to multiply exponentially. Now, as I think about Father's day, I also think of my husband (the father of my two beautiful girls), and my brothers, and my cousins, and my uncles, and some of my great friends who are dads. My Dad is incredibly special to me, but all of those dad's out there who aren't mine are pretty amazing too. Sometimes I end up picking up a bunch of little things just for those other great dads. So if I don't get you on my list this year, type in DAD on your next order by June 20 and we'll take 15% off your online purchase. (We'll apply the discount when we process your order.) 

Here are a few of our favorite new items. Prices start at $8.95! If you don't see the perfect gift here, then please email or call us for ideas. We hand pick and use all of the products we sell, so we are bound to have something that will make your Dad's Day GREAT!

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Northeastern Woodworker's Show

Are you living or visiting the upstate New York area this weekend? Come check out Shelter at the 20th Annual Woodworker's Showcare in beautiful Saratoga Springs, New York!

The show, located at the Saratoga Springs City Center and put on by the Northeastern Woodworker's Association, will feature lectures, demonstrations, and all kinds of examples of fine woodworking from across the region. Shelter will be displaying great woodworking tools including Japanese saws, Flexcut carving tools, woodturning tools, Veto ProPacs, the Tormek Sharpening system, and an assortment of woodworking and building books.

You won't be able to miss our booth at the show, which will feature a gorgeous 8' by 8' timberframe in douglas fir. It demonstrates through tenons, trusses, wedges and birdsmouth joints.

Woodworker's Showcase hours:
Saturday the 26th - 10am to 5pm
Sunday the 27th - 10am to 5pm

Admission:
Adults - $10
Children under 12 - Free

Friends of Shelter Tools - Margonelli Fine Furniture

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever.
- from "Endymion" by John Keats

The collection of new and gleaming tools in our store is impressive. Hold a brand-new Lie-Nielsen block plane in your hand, and you see it both as a tool with great potential and as a thing of man-made beauty. But a tool is meant to be used, and many of the tools purchased at Shelter are in the hands of talented woodworkers who produce a variety of heirloom-quality work.

David Margonelli began making furniture on his farm in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine in 1971, and he now operates Margonelli Fine Furniture, a three-person shop in Edgecomb, Maine.

The Margonelli website describes the serpentine bench (pictured at right):

The flexure furniture idea was conceived in 1994 when commissioned to build a bench on which to sit and hold a drink. Out of this need to combine seat and surface came two small curved tables that would fit together as one; one with a cushion, one with a glass top. Over the years, while working with this concept other pieces were designed; a dining table that could seat as few as two or as many as ten, chairs designed to serve as individual seating or when combined can become a bench. Three years ago these ideas formalized into a line of furniture that would be extremely functional and accommodate open format and smaller spaces with fluid lines and figured woods.

Take a look at the beautiful pieces David and his team have conceived on the flexure theme. Contact them, or, even better, visit their showroom in Edgecomb, Maine, Monday through Saturday, 10-5.

From time to time, we'll feature more Friends of Shelter Tools here on the blog. It's our small way of saying thanks for sharing with us your quality work and being a patron of Shelter.

New England Woodworking and D.I.Y. Show

Shelter will be one of the exhibitors at the New England Woodworking and D.I.Y. Show in West Springfield, MA, January 14-16.

Tickets are $10 for adults and can be purchased online. Children under 15, active duty police, fire, and military get in free.

The list of exhibitors includes Lee Valley & Veritas tools, Kreg, Delta, Bosch, Bessey Tools (more clamps!), and many more. There will be lots of free stuff, tools on display, and discount buying opportunities.

The show also offers an impressive list of educational seminars. One of the seminars, "Woodworking in High Definition," is offered by Bob Settich, author of Built-Ins (in Taunton's Build Like a Pro series). He will talk about cabinetmaking details, shop tricks, and jigs. Maybe he'll get me motivated to start the built-in bookshelf/window seat I've promised my wife for years.

We're very happy to be part of such an impressive lineup. If you can make your way there, please stop by and see us.

Our Favorite New Products

Our staff has been hard at work, adding inventory to our web store. Those of you who have visited our store know the breadth and depth of our products. As you check out these items new to our online store, please remember that we have a tremendous variety of chisels, gouges, hand saws, planes, drill bits, books gardening tools and the list goes on and on! Call or email if you are looking for a specific product and our staff will be happy to help you find what you need! In the meantime these items are all 15% off for the next week.

Pocket Boy Coarse Tooth

Terra Kids Carving Set

Big Boy Multi-Purpose

Terra Kids Whistle

Terra Kids Sundial

Terra Kids Telescope

Purely Post & Beam

Mortise and tenon, dovetail, lap joint, through-tenon, birdsmouth notch -- posts, beams, braces, roof rafters . . . spend five days with the Shelter Institute staff and learn how to design, layout, cut and assemble a timber frame structure. At the end of the week you will leave with detailed cut sheets for a 24x24 timber frame structure and the knowledge of how to hand-craft a timber frame structure yourself. The next Purely Post and Beam Class begins on Sunday January 24 and runs through Friday January 29, 2010 and there are still a few spaces available. Don’t worry about January weather in Maine because the class is held in a 10,000 square foot heated workshop. You will need a few tools for the class -- you probably have at least some of them but you may need to pick up a few items from our tool list -- the good news is that we have a great selection of timber framing tools in our specialty tools store and the really good news is that we offer a LIFETIME 10 percent discount to our students on top of our already very competitive prices. Below is a slideshow of photos from a recent timber framing class – take a peek and see if this is something that you would enjoy, that you could learn from, that you could apply in the field. If you are a grad -- please post a comment on your experience in our class!

Woodbutcher of the Month

Over the years our tool store has had the honor of being visited by a great many fine woodworkers and builders. They have helped us build our inventory and learn about tools. Once each month we'll feature one of our favorite customers, some of their best work, and some of their favorite finds in our tool store.

Neil Knecht, of Monroe Connecticut, was in a few weeks ago during one of his annual trips to Maine. As a fourth-generation woodworker, he creates custom furniture, built-ins, cabinets and architectural details for both residential and commercial clients.

Featured here is a Greene-and-Greene- inspired mahogany media cabinet. He was sure to let us know that he makes a point of stopping by Shelter Tools (formerly Woodbutcher Tools) to pick up a few hard to find pieces.

During his visit he picked up a number of hand tools including skew chisels, a flush cutting saw, and a hammer. But his favorite item . . . the one he really sought out is the Japanese Nail Set—a hard to find tool that is indespensible in the workshop and on site when doing any kind of fine woodworking.

Check back with us next month to see another real woodworker and to see their favorite tools.

Annual Open House and Sale

Join us for our Annual Sale and Open House on Saturday December 12, 2009 from 9:00-3:00. We'll have tool demonstrations, refreshments, workshop tours and a free tool drawing.

873 US Route One, Woolwich, Maine ph. 207-442-7938

If you cannot make it into the store on Saturday the sale is available online through midnight on December 14th, 2009.

Sale applies to in-stock items only. This offer cannot be combined with other discount.