Development begins. The first thing is to make a template, then a blank. I enlarged the pic sent by Graham and used it as my template. I compared the new blank to the blanks for our two other models. Right away, I notice a bunch of differences. The handle is wider for a better grip and the hole is larger too (3/8" instead of 1/4"). The blade is far shorter. The transition from handle to blade is smoother. Only the head curve looks similar. I'm starting to think that ease of manufacture dictated the 1980s version of the spurtle. I'm also thinking more and more that the early 70s version was indeed just a marketing scheme. It looks blocky and unwieldy. |
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Bamboo also works well over time and is possibly a wiser use of renewable resources?
The shape was a change from the Scottish original which was a 12 inch ' dowel' that often had a thistle carved out of the top. It's use was to run around the pot sides when making porridge and other starches such as barley. The shape used in NZ came from the continued need for the scraping action for the long straight side to which was added a curved end to fit the modern saucepan shape. The other side had a swoop shape in order to use it to drain off water and leave solids, it's more pronounced curve end was for use in bowls. In 1970 I worked with another unnamed group in China to make a set out of bamboo (through Hasbro, the toy company) that had the longer version of the original and a short one and also new shapes for beating that had holes...none of which were as useful as the original..or as prized, just an attempt at modern marketing!!!!" Graham included a very detailed pic. The proportions look very close to the late 70s early 80s model available through Village Wood. It makes me wonder if the early 70s spurtle that was offered through Kellogg was not simply, as Graham put it, just an attempt at modern marketing, I will measure the photo carefully and see if I can replicate the exact original version of this treasured kitchen utensil. And I do mean treasuired. While I build many other wooden items from small toys to furniture items, I have built hundreds of these spurtles.
It's not because I don't like providing an online shopping experience, but it's crafting season. That means that the sawdust is flying as I create more and more items. But it also means that products are selling really fast. Frankly, I can't keep up with the inventory of the online store. Something that was available a few hours ago might be sold. So I'm asking you to please contact me directly if you're interested in anything. Since I'm in the workshop a lot these days, I can probably make what you're looking for rather quickly, adn we can determine the costs and shipping by email. The online shopping should be back in business by December 15.
My friends at the Alary sugar shack want a 3-inch thick cutting board. I've seen the cut marks on the 1-inch boards I made for them... they NEED the 3-inch board.
I've just added a new "Testimonials" section to the site. We get a lot of good feedback and we love to hear back from our clients. I love to hear the positive feedback, and I always learn from the constructive feedback as well.
It seems that spurtles are in high demand. I've received three separate requests from South of the border to re-stock soon. So I'm going back into the workshop to make about 20 or so of the spurtles. I don't expect them to last very long so let me know if you want one or a few. They should be back in stock by January 24. A lot had happened with this project since the last time I posted. I cut the sides and glued it all, added corner keys and fixed the worst blemishes in the wood. Then I suddenly realized that I made a boo-boo!! I had been communicating with my client's friend Ed who sent me measurements of his own flag box. I realized that I'd used the inside measurements from the front of Ed's box. The front has a lip which keeps in the glass. What I needed were the measurements for the opening in the back. That means that my box was at least an inch too small all around! I tested with my own flag and thankfully, it fits. The back of the flag had to be finagled a bit and won't look all that great, but that's hidden in the box. Today is final sanding and first coat of finish. About time I posted an update. This photo was taken yesterday and shows the three sides of the box planed to the right thickness. The spalted maple turned out to be very nice, but some pores need to be filled. Also, bottom right, are the three thin cherry pieces that will form the front molding of the box that will keep the glass in place. What you also can't see is the 3/16" groove that I've cut along the back side of all thee sides that will hold the back cover in place. Currently, the pieces are in the clamps again with the front molding being glued to the sides. The next step is figuring out how to cut the 22 1/2 degree angles that will form the bottom of the triangle. I'll have to do a lot of test cuts as the original pieces can only be cut once. |
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November 2016
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