All,
Nearly every woodworking, professional or hobbyist, was inspired immensely by some relative or celebrity woodworker (Sam Maloof, James Krenov, Norm Abraham, et al.). For me, it was the British cabinetmaker Jim Kingshott.
I’ve read nearly every book he ever published, but have yet to see a single piece he made. It doesn’t surprise me that his work’s so elusive though, because his writing and videos were intended to communicate the method and technique of woodworking, likely an extension of his general enthusiasm for apprentices eagre to acquire the craft.
Has anyone seen his work, or know where some pictures can be found?
Regards,
TdB
Replies
Good question!
I wonder whether he made much?
We know he made a small number of tools (and at least some of them are presented in his book on making and modifying woodworking tools), but the impression I have is that he was mostly a teacher/trainer, and actually may not have made many objects for sale? Or at all.
I have a copy of his making and modifying tools book, and have found it a bit of a dissapointment. I know that will be a heresy to some poeple!
Malcolm
Malcolm, can you expand on the heretical statement please?
(Admittedly the book is from a bygone era, and British).Philip Marcou
Heretical because there seems to be a big cadre of the 'galoot' variety who have dogeared copies of Kingshott under their pillows, bringing him out at frequent intervals for solace and companionship. They won't like hearing a word said against him!
I got value from the book, and am pleased I bought a copy, but it has lots of omissions and errors, and frustratingly doesn't seem to deal with the things that are hardest to crack from first principles. Don't ask for examples!
Actually, here's an example of what I mean. One thing that's tricky to figure out for yourself if you're a real beginner is how to shape and polish metal to get professional-looking results. Will George attached a reference on this subject a couple of days ago that was only 3 pages long, and really usefull! Much better value than anything Kingshott.
Cheers
Malcolm
ps - I've rediscovered my allergy to Indian rosewood! Lovely stuff, but I feel like I'm getting the flu.http://www.macpherson.co.nz
In his book on designing a workshop, he states that for the past several years, he'd been building furniture, likely of the Victorian variety, using the original tools and methods. His dedication to the original techniques and tools is likely what garnered him so much attention from hand-tool enthusiasts.
Kingshott's career spanned over 40 years, so I highly doubt that he produced very little.
Fortunately, I've never had the misfortune to encounter someone who will not brook a single word of blasphemy against Kingshott. I admire the man for his enthusiasm and dedication both to the craft and to the people trying to learn it.
I've heard many criticisms of Kingshott's Making and Modifying Woodworking Tools, but few have set out in earnest to correct and clarify his work. Most, quite unfortunately, dismiss it out of hand. Fortunately, however, R. Callen's set up a website dedicated to discuss and correcting the text with the help of other users. When used as an appendix to Kingshott's text, it is very informative, and quality work can be done through it. It can be viewed here: R. Callen's Kingshott Shrine
Regarding your complaint that he doesn't spell out how to finish metal professionally, I seem to recall that he does. I recall reading in MMWT that one simply laps the surface with progressively finer grits of aluminum oxide paper and then buff it. I attained a mirror finish on a lever cap with little difficulty using this method.
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