Not Awl Together

Not to worry, the two toughest teachers I still have go by the names of Trial and Error. After 30+ years at my craft, I'm still on the their short list of periodic visits when I think I have figured everything out.... and don't. ; > ) Since intuition comes from some form or level of prior experience with something, I thought it may be appropriate to share an old Pryce-Tannant quote, " I don't view myself as an expert rather, an expert amateur " I feel that we are all still refining our skills regardless of how long we have been practicing them. The earlier comments made by many others are well stated, I also believe that patience and perfect practice at any craft is crucial. It Is after all, not a race to the end, their isn't one. Now, how about those pricking wheels????.......... Best Regards, N.A.T.

Macca, Thanks for the clarification and your valued insight to the conversation, we are all here to share and learn, I wasn't offended in the least and appreciate your kindness. David, Not to worry, I'm not in the least offended by "hijacking", I'm to old to get wound up by such things and find many kernels of wisdom on the pathways of broader conversations with several participants. To answer your question with respect to the irons, they work quite well now. If I might leave a thought or a comment based on personal experience that may be relevant and is not in any way meant to offend anyone. I went through a formal 8 year, 16,000 hr. apprenticeship in another craft. Upon completion, I had the idea that I had all of the technical skills necessary to work within my craft, I was sorely mistaken. My education really began after apprenticeship working on many things that never crossed my path while in school. I have since then over the years taken away much more information and problem solving skills from many other craftspeople that I've had the pleasure working with than I could have ever hoped for. In my own personal experience, I have witnessed many highly talented individuals perform and execute extraordinary work with rudimentary tools. Having said that, high quality tools can make difficult processes of a project much easier to perform but,.... not always. The ease and quality of craftwork lies solely on the individual using the tools and materials at hand and developing what one of my former masters that I apprenticed under used to say, "doing everything with feeling" Apologies for being so long winded, Regards, N.A.T.

Thank you for the responses, Macca, I'm unsure whether you were addressing David or myself, in response to your reply I do have and use a set of Osborne pricking irons in 6,7,8 spi. They were not of a ready to use high finish condition when received however, I did put in some considerable time with jewelers files leveling, and sharpening the teeth and side dressing them on a waterwheel to even up the height of the pricks from end to end. They now work considerably better than when received. I would rather invest time and funds in the pricking wheels I'm after to complete my kit in lieu of spending more funds at the moment on expensive additional irons, I'm trying to set aside the difference in funds for a Keystone splitter/ skiver and a likely a Chase splitter as well. I'm hopeful and optimistic that the wheels I'm looking for will eventually turn up. Thanks again for your time and responses, N.A.T.

Thanks for the reply David, I have spoken to Bruce about it since he has them and was informed that the Blanchard wheels are larger in diameter and unfortunately won't fit in the frame. The Osborne wheels are smaller...... approximately 11/16 outside diameter. The hunt continues.......... N.A.T.

Update: Unfortunately, Bruce does not have any carriage style pricking wheels at this time..... Any assistance is still very much appreciated

Thanks J Hayes, I've been in touch with Bruce and he is checking out what he may have. I realize that trying to just acquire the pricking wheels I'm after sans the carriage handle is a long shot consequently, I'm also willing to purchase additional handles as long as the pricking wheels I'm looking for are in them to complete what I need. Best Regards, N.A.T

I have an earlier C.S. Osborne carriage style pricking wheel handle with a few pricking wheels, I would like to acquire a few more wheels namely the #'s 5, 6, 9, 11 and 12. Any help in locating and/or acquiring any of them is gratefully appreciated !!!! Best Regards, N.A.T