Log Cabin Shop

[Gaeckle]

Over the last two weekends, I've poked my head into the Log Cabin in preperation of the upcomming classes held there. Over this period of time I have been tossing out some ideas to my partner and to Rick and Liza and together we realize that most, if not all, of our students come to class with a poor selection of tools, mainly chisels. The Log Cabin Shop is the only full service shop specializing in black powder guns and equipment in Ohio and a full range of services can be had, yet Dave and I constantly are supplying our tools and instruments in the classes being held.

Well, long story short, the Log Cabin will supply a basic tool set at a rental fee. I don't know what the cost will be, that's to be decided, but the set consists of 6 basic chisels, a small scraper set, a scraper that I make and perhaps a couple of odds and ends like some small allen wrench chisels. This should, we hope, take a lot of confusion as to what the students should have as basic tools, to accomplish their end results.

The reason why I am this post is twofold. The first is make it known to prospective class students that there is this option availalbe  and secondly to applaud the folks at the Log Cabin Shop for comming up with this idea and doing what it takes to make everyones experience a positive one.

[sghart3578]

If I am reading the schedule correctly the classes are on two different days, a week or two apart?

If so that is too bad.  I would consider travelling for that.

[Ian Pratt]

  Hey John - what a great idea! When it comes to classes, the folks at the Log Cabin have always been way more than accommodating to both students and instructors. This new program won't just save wear and tear on instructors' tools, it might make a class more "doable " for somebody on a tight budget. Good stuff. 

[Gaeckle]

  Hey John - what a great idea! When it comes to classes, the folks at the Log Cabin have always been way more than accommodating to both students and instructors. This new program won't just save wear and tear on instructors' tools, it might make a class more "doable " for somebody on a tight budget. Good stuff.

Thanks Ian.....hopefully, we can teach the basics: good inletting, the use of tools, solving mistakes that are often made, basic lock function, the basic steps in assembly, the subtle nuances of different school types (that's right up Dave's alley), have some fun and laughs but most importantly we want the people that attend to say to themselves: "I want to go back there, I had a great time." I'm hoping that this has a lot of appeal to those that are considering building a rifle, but aren't sure how to start with basic stuff like tools.

[Tim Crosby]

 John, I would think that a few of those "sets" for sale would not last long. Lots of folks buy/don't know what to buy the wrong tools. I would think something like that, a "Starter set" would go over good.

 Tim

[Acer Saccharum]

Brilliant idea.

[okieboy]

 Could you clarify for me what you mean by "small allen wrench chisels".
 I agree that the tool sets should have the option to buy and might even be offered on their website independent of attending a class.
 Great work.

[BillPac]

This is not John but, John makes all sorts of small chisels and scrapers from discarded allen wrenches.  He has given me several scrapers that are quite nice for getting around carving back grounds.
BillP

[Gaeckle]

Thanks Bill, I do make all sorts of small chisels from allen wrenches. They are small, work into tight spaces, easy to keep sharp and if I break one, I simply make another. The idea isn't mine, but originates from Dick Miller. Dick is always willing to share and if you ask you can handle his tools. One day I asked where did he get these nifty little chisels and he replied: "Make 'em. Can't buy half the stuff you need." Broken needle files: turn them into push scrapers, or a chisel. There isn't anything to loose, if it works, great, if not, then it's back to the drawing board.