Replies

1. 
   jackiechan | Feb 05, 2005 09:38am | #1

   There are a number of companies that offer the type of scorp you're looking for.  Here's a link to one from Highland Hardware.

   http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1066

    

   Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

2. 
   BrentS | Feb 05, 2005 10:55pm | #2

   Hi Bob

     Check out Barrtools.com, I have their scorp and it's great, holds an edge forever

3. 
   whoover | Feb 06, 2005 05:32am | #3

   I recently decided to purchase a scorp to hollow chair seats.  I have learned several things.  The difference between a scorp and an inshave is that the sorp is circular and the inshave has a flat section on the blade.  I have no idea which is best.

    

   I purchased one of the inshaves offered by one of the woodworking supply stores for about $40 and was really disappointed.  The handles were at 90 degrees to the blade so I could not use the inshave to dig into the wood without hitting the handles.  I have subsequently purchased the inshave frome  countryworkshops.org and have been very pleased with it.  It is expensive but the blade to handle angle is much greater than 90 degrees and it came very sharp and ready to go.

    

   I had considered buying the scorp from Barr tools but am concerned that the blade to handle angle is near 90 degrees...the photos are not clear.  Thats's why I went with the more expensive inshave from countryworkshops.org.

   I hope this helps@

   Bill

    

    

    

1. 
   tms | Feb 11, 2005 11:10pm | #10

   I'm a little confused,I had always thought that what you used to hollow chair seats was an "inshave" (sort of a curved draw knife), and that a "scorp" was a one handled cooper's tool for backing out barrel staves after the barrel was assembled.Tom

1. 
   whoover | Feb 12, 2005 05:25pm | #13

   Obviously the same terms are used for different tools.  I was told about the difference between an inshave and a scorp by an old tool maker who used to sell scorps.  I will not argue that I have also heard the term scorp applied to a one handed tool that would carve out spoons, etc.

    

   Bill

4. 
   bleubassplyr | Feb 06, 2005 05:49am | #4

   I have an old inshave that I carefully shaped into a horse shoe shape, like a scorp. It works great. You could probably find one at a local flea market. For me getting use out of this tool is special because I found out it was originally my Grandfather's.

   There are more old drunkards than old doctors.  Ben Franklin

1. 
   highfigh | Feb 06, 2005 08:03am | #5

   Do you know if he got it from someone of a previous generation in the family?
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

1. 
   bleubassplyr | Feb 06, 2005 10:51pm | #6

   I'm not sure where he got it. It holds an edge real well and cuts great. He was not a woodworker by trade but was from a generation when most people had to posess handy man skills. I have several hand tools that he owned which has nice sentimental value.There are more old drunkards than old doctors.  Ben Franklin

5. 
   TomS | Feb 06, 2005 11:23pm | #7

   http://www.windsorchairresources.com/

   There are a couple of toolmakers here that can help

   Tom

   Ps.  What type of Windsor are you going to make?  Is this on your own or are you taking a class?  It's great fun!

1. 
   bobblack | Feb 11, 2005 07:27pm | #8

   hello tom- this is my first attempt at a chair, it seems to be going fairly well so far.  I am trying to make the one that norm abram did on tv. At the present time, I am trying to make the bend in the crest but I can't figure out the amount of curve. All that norm gives for info is where to purchase a new crest but I want to make it by myself. A pride thing I guess. Thanks to everyone for the excellent advice. What would the correct angle be for the scorp or inshave.   bob

1. 
   WillGeorge | Feb 11, 2005 07:50pm | #9

   I am trying to make the one that norm abram did on tv.

   Norm has a 'STAFF' of woodworkers to do the hard stuff!

   NA!  I love NORN......

2. 
   TomHigby | Feb 12, 2005 04:02am | #11

   I watched with disappointmrnt, but no surprise, as Norm passed away all of the challenging parts of building  his chair.  I've done a few, and would recommend the following books:"The Chairmaker's Workshop" by Drew Langsner, "Make a Windsor Chair with Michael Dunbar" , and especially "The Book of American Windsor Furniture" by John Kassay.

   As for the curvature of the form for bending the crest rail,  you have to expect some spring-back, so just make it somewhat more curved than you want for the final.

   They are an interesting and fun project. Good luck.

   Tom

1. 
   TomS | Feb 12, 2005 06:55am | #12

   Tom,

   Those 3 books are all excellent resources.  For a bit of a historical perspective, the books by Charles Santore are interesting.  For a nice read on chairmaking in general, Kelly Pierce's book is a good overview, although not much at all on Windsors. 

   TomS