August Newsletter 2025 Part Two

4. Projects continue to be worked on in the workshops and Phil Griffiths continues to make what I can only call, works of art. This is his latest creation. It’s entitled ‘The Cat’ A real artist Phil. If you are creating something let me know and we can share it via the Newsletter. I know a cart has receintly been completed and hope to put an article about it in next month’s edition.

5. Received this article from John Williams recently and reading the article you must agree that this was a ‘special’ day for model yachting. Thanks John……….

My visit to London Model Yacht Club, invited as a member of the Vintage Model Yacht Group. The Clubhouse is located just off The Bayswater Road Kensington. The Members made us most welcome with refreshments on our arrival. Yachts and associated equipment were transported by the Buggy and assorted trailers to the round pond in front of Kensington Palace, to their regular launch site. The grass was parched, and many people were walking around the park. Several people asked what we were doing and how it all worked. The weather started to change, a few short showers, wind getting up making sailing difficult, hence only 3 boats made it to the water, mine included. However as is case in these circumstances, information was exchanged and help offered. As the wind increased, we adjourned to the Clubhouse for Tea and Cake enjoyed by all. The Clubhouse is an Aladdin's cave of Model Yachts, of many classes 1m, 36R 10R Marblehead and A class old and new.

A very good day was had by all, and I look forward to next year.

I don’t know if anyone was in Southsea 19th/20thJuly for the SAIL GP racing, but there was plenty of extreme speed racing on the Solent water there. John’s sailing yachts were not as fast but am sure just as challenging and exciting.

6. The history in your tool box:- (6) Chisels and gouges

Stone Age chisels made of flint were succeeded by copper and bronze examples. From the earliest metal working period they were made in two basic forms, one to fit into a socketed handle, the other. With a spike or tongue, allowing a handle to be attached. For centuries there have been four basic patterns of chisel

a. Firmer chisel: - general purpose tool with a flat blade and parallel sides made to be worked with a mallet.

b. Paring chisel: - lighter, long and thin blade for finer work, not suitable for use with a mallet.

c. Mortise chisel: - thick stout blade and substantial handle for use with a mallet. Used for cutting mortises in woodworking joints.

d. Special purpose chisels: - variety of forms, used by carvers, turners, millwrights and wheelwrights for specialist jobs.

Leonardo da Vinci, who expertise spanned a wide range of different skills, was not only a painter and inventor but also a skilled craftsman. His notebooks are filled with designs for innovative tools, including chisels, showcasing his commitment to craftsmanship and the pursuit of perfection in every detail of his work. The Stradivari family, known for their legendary violins, were master craftsmen of wood during the Renaissance. Giuseppe Stradivari and his son Pietro meticulously carved and shaped wood using chisels to create instruments that are still considered the finest in the world today. Their dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail elevated their work to an art form.

Gouges and V chisels are specialised chisels used primarily in woodcarving and sculpting. They come in various shapes, including U shaped gouges and V shaped chisels, with different sizes and sweeps to accommodate different carving techniques. In woodcarving, gouges and V chisels are essential tools for carving wood, creating contours and removing material to shape intricate designs. With sculpting, sculptors use these chisels to achieve the desired textures and forms in their sculptures, ranging from fine details to broad strokes.

As you can see there are a large variety of chisels and gouges for the artisan and craftsman to select. I took these photos at the Tilford Country Life Museum and is well worth a visit.