OT, basket making

[CKain(MI)]

Just hoping an elderly tool guy here, can give me a name of a couple tools that my grandfather used to convert Black Ash logs into weaving splints. He made his living weaving many sizes of baskets and old style chair bottoms. I am 81 and spent much time with him in the '40's, I can also make splint baskets. I will attach a pic. the items are numbered. I know how to use them but a museum is asking me for 'names'. Number's 2 & 4 are my problems. I'll also attach a pic of me playing on his old 'shaving horse', (more recently).
img src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto158398.jpg>

 

[CKain(MI)]

not getting second picture to post. trying again..

 

[Richard G.]

I am about to attempt caning a rocking chair that my Grandma gave us in about 1974.
I have an 81 year old friend that is going to show me how.

 

[CKain(MI)]

Richard G, that sounds great. takes a little time. Several years ago, I re-bottomed a few chairs with a pre-made bottom I bought from some where. ordered by size and different styles were available. More fun to do it yourself !!! ;-)

 

[BlaineM]

Number 4 is a froe. Number 2 looks like wooden wedges.

 

[CKain(MI)]

Thanks, I thought it might be a froe. My GPa used that to split down his logs, and he always used about 12-14inch logs. quarter them, 1/8 them etc. The number '2' tool was homemade and he used it between his knees. inserted a splint of wood into the bottom and pulled it out at the top. After making a cut when starting to pull it up, He could separate that splint into two thinner splints. Bending & pulling one piece left and other to right. I think that tool was like a loose vice, putting pressure right where he wanted the splitting. Probably never had a real name.

 

[cwtech]

I've always known #1 and #3 as draw knives.

 

[kcm.MN]

Yep, you already have your answers - a froe and a wedge (sometimes known as a feather or feather wedge).

Say what you want, but those old hand tools are MUCH faster than modern tools when making one of a kind items. With a properly setup shop and the knowledge and skills to use the tools, all one had to do was grab a tool and get the job done. No messing with settings and such.

I still use my draw knife sometimes. Not for 'woodworking' really, but for removing the bark from smaller dried trees. It's wonderful not having the sound of a modern motor screaming in my ears.




Was just thinking, seems these same names were given to other tools in another form of work - splitting rock, such as granite. That process uses two parts, feathers and wedges.

This post was edited by kcm.MN on 07/13/2023 at 02:01 am.

 

[PJH]

My mom used to re-cane chairs for people. She didn't make the cane strips though. She bought it in big rolls. Seems like I remember her soaking it to make it pliable. When it dried they were tight like a banjo head. The process was hard on her hands. The chairs were beautiful when they were finished. A knee in a chair bottom would get your ears boxed.

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

My wife was into basket making and used to re-cane chairs and sometimes rush seats. #2 is a froe. Hard to tell but it looks like the blade is on backwards.

 

[CKain(MI)]

Mike, You are probably correct, for normal use. My grandfather would 'tap' it into the end of a log, then twist it using the handle to force it to spread the wood. repeating that as he moved it through the log, eventually the log was split in two pieces.

 

[CKain(MI)]

PJH, My grandfather also soaked his ready to use splints, for the baskets. Obviously they would be easier to form as he weaved. When done and dry, it made a strong wash basket, to carry clothes to the clothes line. When attempting to sell, he would often stand upon the basket, one foot on each edge.., He wasn't a heavy man !