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Adventures of an Imperfect Man In Search of a Handmade Life

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  • THE VARDO PROJECT: Begin here
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    • The Vardo: Finishing and fitting out.
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Tag: Mechanic's vise

From the Magazine “Work” March 1, 1890

Sunday, August 29, 2021Saturday, February 17, 2024 ~ George Crawford ~ Leave a comment

When setting up shop it is important to set your tools and surfaces to the optimal working height. Here is some advice for setting up your mechanic’s vise for best use.

Now, get to work…

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Building the Vardo Caravan

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Good Advice

A Gallery of Some Past Projects

DSC_0626
Or just click the image to get to the gallery.
Or just click the image to get to the gallery.
Arabic, 1762 (BnF Gallica, Paris).
Bags_4
DSC_0248
0003
0004
Wnter Count 2010 - 36
Bark - 2
awlinhand
dsc_0129-4
DSC_0178
0830
voila
The holdfasts in place, holding nothing in particular.
The holdfasts in place, holding nothing in particular.
DSC_0026 (2)
laptopcase1
DSC_0121 (10)
And I added a leather thong.
And I added a leather thong.
dsc_0130-1
DSC_0118 (17)
moreleather7
20210722_154658 (1)
Elk leg sinews dried and ready for processing.
Elk leg sinews dried and ready for processing.
Mountain dulcimer.
Mountain dulcimer.
0002
DSC_0030
bowyertools
20180219_143649_Film4_resized
DSC_0578
Low-resolution selfie from a morning hike.
Low-resolution selfie from a morning hike.
Wnter Count 2010 - 34
DSC_0124 (8)
The bench's small size will allow it to pack easily into the truck, even holding items in the tills.
The bench’s small size will allow it to pack easily into the truck, even holding items in the tills.
The author with his antler-fork walking stick and his dog begging for a walk.
The author with his antler-fork walking stick and his dog begging for a walk.
DSC_0012 (5)
20170906_101747
0568
Version 2 (11)
DSC_0003 (8)
0001
dsc_0127-5
DSC_0139 (1)
DSC_0258
DSC_0119 (7)
DSCN4033
1214
0582
The sacred connection.
The sacred connection.
DSC_0126 (10)
leather3
DSC_0256 (2)
Design was kept as short as possible for transport. The cross bolt where the arm hinges is a salvaged bolt from an old truck spare tire holder.
Design was kept as short as possible for transport. The cross bolt where the arm hinges is a salvaged bolt from an old truck spare tire holder.
Willow pack basket I made several years ago. The straps were obviously new then.
Willow pack basket I made several years ago. The straps were obviously new then.
DSC_0258 (1)
The small rucksack with the portmanteau attached.
The small rucksack with the portmanteau attached.
DSC_0116 (7)
An overview of traveling gear. I see this format on the web a lot so I'm stealing the style from far batter photographers than I.
An overview of traveling gear. I see this format on the web a lot so I’m stealing the style from far batter photographers than I.
Replicated woven sandals from the Southern High Plains and the greater Southwest. Produced from narrow-leaf yucca.
Replicated woven sandals from the Southern High Plains and the greater Southwest. Produced from narrow-leaf yucca.
Dopp kit and some leather working tools I use to create items like this.
Dopp kit and some leather working tools I use to create items like this.
Hickory02
DSCN1705
DSC_0471 (1)
sandalcommis
DSC_0128 (9)
DSC_0120 (9)
0582
0220-2
DSCN2530
DSC_0578
DSC_0075_2
My Portmanteau. 18th Century style, it has become my favorite overnight bag.
My Portmanteau. 18th Century style, it has become my favorite overnight bag.
DSCN1702
DSC_0117 (8)
DSC_0586
DSC_0390
DSC_0125 (7)
My personal favorite (at the moment).
My personal favorite (at the moment).
DSC_0399
DSC_0005
horses01
DSC_0121 (2)
bodger09
Paleotool at Rabbitstick, Rexburg, Idaho
Paleotool at Rabbitstick, Rexburg, Idaho
DSC_0127 (10)
moreleather6
Hickory07
Bodhrans.
Bodhrans.
0656
CoverWintercountV
DSC_0257 (1)
My traveling bucksaw.
My traveling bucksaw.
Bags_6
ghillie
candles01
Flame maple neck, walnut rim.
Flame maple neck, walnut rim.
DSC_0002 (16)
DSC_0239 (1)
dsc_0068
DSC_0309_2
lid80
DSC_0115 (1)
Bodhrans.
Bodhrans.
leather1
DSCN1703
DSC_0001 (9)
DSC_0131 (4)
The little table has many miles on it now and doesn't look this pretty at all. I'm actually in the midst of refinishing it and will post pictures sometime soon.
The little table has many miles on it now and doesn’t look this pretty at all. I’m actually in the midst of refinishing it and will post pictures sometime soon.
horses02
DSC_0117 (14)
dsc_0901
ShoesHD
bois darc 071
Higher, more ergonomic table.
Higher, more ergonomic table.
Handmade Shoes
20150204_105116
DSC_0004
A little walnut oil brings out the grain.
A little walnut oil brings out the grain.
DSC_0398
DSC_0001
Argh! A moment of distraction means the snap of a stone bit!
Argh! A moment of distraction means the snap of a stone bit!
DSC_0122 (9)
20180219_143544_Film4_resized
DSC_0024 (3)
Quiver
DSC_0247
DSC_0245
Tools, clockwise from lower left: large awl, sewing awl, rivercane needle case, bone toothpick, sewing needles in center.
Tools, clockwise from lower left: large awl, sewing awl, rivercane needle case, bone toothpick, sewing needles in center.
DSC_0037
0570
dsc_0117-3
DSC_0256 (1)
dsc_0128-3
DSC_0127 (9)
DSCN1704
Taking a break.
Taking a break.
dsc_0004-6
0006
Treadle lathe turned bowl and plate made by Mick Robins in spaleted alder (I think). The spoon is Osage orange carved by me.
Treadle lathe turned bowl and plate made by Mick Robins in spaleted alder (I think). The spoon is Osage orange carved by me.
DSC_0122 (11)
DSC_0249 (1)
moreleather8
DSC_0249 (5)
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