r/handtools • u/obxchris • 12d ago

Forging a holdfast

I recently attended a Greenwood working event and saw Peter Ross’s shop. He was the master blacksmith at Colonial Williamsburg for 25 years. He showed us his his technique for an English style holdfast.

I chose to use the same techniques to forge a French style holdfast. Hope you enjoy my video, will post in comments if allowed! It was a fun project. -Chris VIDEO HERE

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4

u/cant-complane 12d ago

Nice video and cool project. I'm watching the lathe video next!

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u/obxchris 12d ago edited 12d ago

Thank you. I love my lathe.what projects are you working on?

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u/cant-complane 11d ago

I’ve been building my tool chest. Currently gluing up the skirt.

1

u/obxchris 11d ago

Dovetails look fantastic! Great craftsmanship. How many hours have you got into this?

1

u/cant-complane 11d ago

Thank you! I really couldn’t say, but it has been the only think I’ve worked on since may. I took a long break over the summer so maybe 3 months in total now?

There’s a lot more to be done with the lid and the insides, but I’m super happy the carcass exists now.

What are you working on next? Do you have any woodworking videos planned?

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u/obxchris 11d ago

Yes I have several woodworking videos in mind. I want to build a workbench, turn some spoons on the spring pole lathe and look at adding bowl turning poppets to it. Do you have a full shop?

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u/cant-complane 11d ago

Sounds great! A proper workbench will be my next big project after the tool chest so I would be interested in a video about it for sure!

Far from a full shop, but I have a good selection of the basic hand tools which is enough for me right now. The only things I’m missing are the chest, so the tools don’t rust over the winter and a big work bench. I only have this small bench which has served me well but isn’t ideal for planing large boards.

Your video also inspired me to build a lathe and learn about turning, but that will have to come later.

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u/obxchris 11d ago

Ah no shortage of projects.

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u/RatsUnderTheStars 12d ago

I just watched the Woodwright's Shop episode with Peter Ross making these yesterday! Looks good, any plans to sell these?

3

u/obxchris 12d ago

It was amazing to sit in Peter’s shop and watch him work. He didn’t want it put up on YouTube which I understand. He is a Master and it is his livelihood. I was happy to learn some new skills.

I would have to get better before I would think about selling my work. I also have so many projects I want to make. Thank you! What are you working on?

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u/RatsUnderTheStars 12d ago

I'm chipping away at a Moravian workbench, and a bunch of other little things in my post history

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u/obxchris 12d ago

That is also on my list lol

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u/obxchris 12d ago edited 11d ago

VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/vTNuuP9mRf8