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.

The Hori Hori Knives are Back!

Those of you who have used the Hori Hori Knife can understand my excitement. And those of you who have not . . .well NOW is your chance. This is by far the best gardening tool, and I say that from personal gardening experience (despite my black thumb). Numerous master gardeners have verified and confirmed it, as well as the Wall Street Journal (March 26, 2012: Can You Dig It).

A Hori Hori knife is for dirt and roots. It allows you to really dig into the dirt and loosen it to remove thick heavy roots. We ran out of them just before the end of 2012, and now they are back in stock. I know many of you have been waiting for them, so I just wanted to let you know that they are here and ready for you to come and pick up or for us to ship to you. Of course, January and February are not the typical months for purchasing gardening supplies, but while the snow flies we are all dreaming of summer and the veggies and flowers we will grow. Get your supplies ready because spring is just around the corner.

Item Number: 02GA20001 Price $25.00

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.

Great New Tools

If you are like me you are still scrambling to get those last few gifts for loved ones. We just received a great new line of tools and projects for kids! As a mom of two little girls I am always looking for ways to get them building and to help them improve their dexterity. My parents had me out on the house building site at a very young age and it has always made me feel as though I could tackle any project . . . sometimes to a fault. But I would not trade it for anything.

Please visit our store on Route One in Woolwich or Online to see this collection. There is still time to get these to you by Friday. We have tool belts, gloves, bug barn kits, birdhouse kits, air hockey kits, tool sets and even a real cordless drill just for kids -- it comes with bits! What could be more exciting than your very own, properly sized tools?

Merry Holiday and Happy New Year
-Blueberry

New Marking and Carving Knives

Mora knife

The Shelter staff recently traveled to the Common Ground Fair in Unity, Maine, and two tools our customers frequently requested were carving knives and marking knives.

We now carry two new carving knives. The Mora knives by Eric Frost are made in Sweden with laminated steel. They have a Rockwell hardness of about 62 and they come razor sharp. The 2.5-inch blade model has an overall length of about 7 inches, and the 3-inch blade model has an overall length of about 7.5 inches.

Each knife has a rubbed oil birch handle and comes with a plastic sheath that can be attached to a belt. They're ideal for carving, marking, whittling and more. This is a knife to last a lifetime.

Gladstone knife

We're also carrying a marking knife made by Gladstone. This is a marking knife that we all like—no LOVE—including the price (just $11). This Gladstone knife has a double-beveled blade on one side so you can use it left or right handed as you layout your joints. The rosewood handle is nicely shaped, so it is easy to hold the knife like a knife or like a pencil. The overall length is 7inches, and the blade length is 1.5 inches.

Starting Today: Special Offer with Purchase of Tormek T-7 Sharpening System

Now there's added incentive to purchasing a Tormek T-7 Sharpening System. From November 1 through the end of December, Tormek is offering a free EKA Chef's knife (valued at $165) with the purchase of a T-7. The Tormek sharpening systems make great gifts for the holidays. And if you act now, you get a bonus gift for yourself or for someone else who likes to cook.

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