Wow. What an August we had here. The Museum opening was a blast, and thankfully the roof was dry, which is more than I can say about some of the Drivel Starved Nation who attended… I think everybody had a good time, I know I did – over 300 participated. (I proffer this in case you were wondering why this Totally Awesome and Worthless Blog has been sitting fallow since late July, now you know.) The museum staff did a great job on the installation and if you are looking for a fun reason to visit Portland the exhibition runs through the first week of February, 2014. Next stop is Colorado I am told.
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Hello Drivel Starved Nation!

As mentioned last week, we are opening the pre-order window for the following tools. Yes, I said tools.Why?

Well, if you haven’t noticed lately, shipping rates are getting crazy. Because a couple of these new tools are under $100, we are going to gang produce them so you save a few bucks. Cool eh?
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Drivel Starved Nation!

I know you are starving for some drivel, so hopefully this will tide you over for a bit. In a previous post I mentioned that we have radically changed the TB-2 and here is a sneak peek–
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A couple of weeks ago we closed the pre-order window on our new TS-2v2 Try Squares. The square was well received by Bridge Citizens across the globe, which should be good news. But it wasn’t.

Something was gnawing at me about this tool and that is never a good sign. On Monday, I realized what it was; I have never liked the squares I owned that had aluminum blades. I know it is a personal preference, but at the end of the day, every tool I design, I design for me. I really liked the way the aluminum square looked, but I realized that I would not buy it. So, what to do?
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Happy Memorial Day DSN!

Here’s a quiz for the Drivel Starved Nation; When was the last time we made our Flushing Chisel?

If you guessed 2003, you WIN! And if you guessed 2013 you would be correct as well.

Of all the tools we have made over the past 30 years, our flushing chisel was one of the most cherished if you believe our customers. Here at BCTW, we believe you! The new version is similar to the old blade-wise, but features a completely redesigned grip. After a ten year absence, it is time to bring it back.
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DSN: I am thrilled to be able to share this video with you. Here’s the back story…

 

The film below was part of the Portland Public School’s Film Depository in 1973. I ordered a copy to review for my woodworking students. I have seen this film over 50 times and watched two times today! Caveat, it is not about woodworking.
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“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.” — Grouch Marx

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Finally, the book we have all been so busy working on is now done and off to the printers. I think it is really beautiful, and is a very nice and fitting tribute to Bridge City followers across the globe.

This is a coffee table sized book; the cover is 12″ square (get it?). There are 287 stunning images distributed over the 204 pages and it weighs just under five pounds. It is being published by Museum of Contemporary Craft. Jay Maisel wrote the introduction and the editor was Christopher Schwarz. The book will be printed in Korea at a plant that specializes in art books.

We will offer two versions, the one you see below will be available for $95. There is a limited collectors edition, in a cloth bound box that will available for $140, and these are all signed by your favorite tool potentate. Unfortunately, there are no discounts for either version. I am traveling to Korea at the end of May as part of the press check team and the limited edition versions will be signed while I am there. All other versions will be shrink wrapped, boxed in self-mailers and sent directly to the Museum and our allotment to our fulfillment facility outside of Portland.

One of the difficulties of a project of this magnitude is the print quantity. Too few and too many are both problems. Some time today we will open pre-orders and a print run decision will be made on May 7th – you will receive an email when our website is updated and ready to receive orders. The pre-order deposit is $1.00 and all books will be shipped the second week of August coinciding with the opening of the exhibition of the same name. Here are a couple of images for you to ponder;


























I hope you like it! By the way, it is a little early to be thinking about holiday gifts, but this book should appeal to both woodworkers, photographers and anybody who believes in the value of quality.

Lastly, if you would like to donate a copy of this book to your local library, please call us for details. (800) 253 3332

-John