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...
From the Magazine “Work” March 1, 1890
Tag: tinsmith
“The Travelling Tinker” by John Burr
A painting by the Scottish artist John Burr (1831-1893). Tinkers were originally tinsmiths or "tinners". One of many itinerant jobs pursued by a class of casual laborers. These were mostly skilled and specialized crafts like basket making, shoe repair, leather work, and metal work but many poorer workers were migrant farm labor picking hops and … Continue reading “The Travelling Tinker” by John Burr
Itinerant Blacksmiths
I don't have much information about the image above but I like what it is depicting. Mom working the bellows while Dad heats up something he's working on while the kids all look on. Like most travelers in Europe, these (probably Roma) don't have fancy wagons or accommodations; just carts and some rough tents. We … Continue reading Itinerant Blacksmiths
Tinsmiths, a short film and a longer one…
A short film about a great craftsman. I like this one because the project documented here is so unusual. The almost forgotten art of the tinsmith. And a longer one that is really worth watching. It's a treat to see someone who knows his business so well. A dying breed of traditional artisan. "This … Continue reading Tinsmiths, a short film and a longer one…
The Tinsmiths, 1763
Stump anvils, stakes, hammers, lamps, mandrel, soldering iron, and other goodies galore. Diderot never missed a lick and this is as good as any. From Diderot and D’Alembert 1763 Encyclopedia of Sciences, Arts and Trades. One of my favorite resources.
Der Kesselflicker (The Tinker)
The Tinker
Medieval Tinsmith
Tinsmiths were the sheet metal workers of the preindustrial days in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This almost certainly includes Africa as well but I haven't been able to find any depictions yet. These craftsmen created many everyday objects and mended all sorts of metal. Here we see a smith creating a flask. I … Continue reading Medieval Tinsmith
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 