Brent asks about awls...

On 19 Dec 2014, at 21:18, Brent Kinsey wrote:

> If this was already addressed, my apologies.  For both the birdcage awl and
the brad awl, what are the historical dimensions regarding the size of the bit?
Both diameter and length?  My gut tells me 3-4" for length and probably not more
than 1/8" diameter, but I have never had an original to use as a model.
> 
> What are your thoughts and experiences?  The couple of birdcage awls I have
made recently I ended up putting a steeper secondary bevel at the tip because I
found my original long taper to be too weak to use without bending.  How do
y'all get around this problem?

but the answers are in your questoin!  'Couple of.. I made recently'  and 'I
found my... too weak..'

So there you have everything you need. 

Skill, and a growing fund of experience of the tools in your particular service
conditions.


I'm a big fan of the fancy in toolmaking, One day I'm going to start chasing
designs on the sides of No 4's (basic smoothers, Jeff) just because I have time
and inclination.
But until then, If I need an awl to do some work, then it will get 'made' and
'remade' until it does the job - my job - whether that mean a long shank, a
round handle, an oval handle, a ' feels good in the hand handle' or whataver.
Finally, maybe, I'd make up another as a 'Reet good job'  I could be proud to
say 'I made that' and know that it works the way I need it to as well.


SO - short story - make 'em as you think best after a glance in the tool
catalogues.  An Awl doesn't take too long, so make plenty.


Enjoy the ride!

Richard Wilson
Yorkshireman Galoot
anxious to get paint on an elf-made christmas present for the daughter.