Hot Shop II

Author: Gene Chapman
Publisher: Oak and Iron Publishing, Kingston WA, 2007
22 pages with many photographs

This is the next in a continuing series of booklets by Gene Chapman (see below). This one covers a number of small projects with step by step instructions and how to make the tooling needed for each project. In addition, this particular publication includes 7 pages with examples of flypress tooling and how to incorporate them into the projects.

Frequent topics in most of his booklets are small bench knives. The ones here are made from 1/16” clock spring steel, 1095. He shows a variety of different versions including folders.

What I especially like is that the projects and pictures that Gene presents are jumping off points for creating your own designs. The important thing here is not to just copy the projects presented, but to modify them and make them your own. For example on the back cover there are a number of hooks riveted to backing plates. These suggest lots of different ideas along the same lines, but they will be your designs instead of Gene’s.

The material presented here is perfect for the advanced beginner looking to expand their repertoire. Also, Gene provides inexpensive solutions to building up your tooling. For example he likes to use automobile lug wrenches as the raw material for the flypress stamps and punches. The tapered winder featured on page 11 is made up of scraps from around the shop.

The previous booklets were:

• ANTLER AND IRON II
• PENNY KNIFE
• LITTLE UGLIES
• NOSE TO THE GRINDSTONE
• IRON AGE PRIMITIVES
• COUNTRY KNIVES
• COOPER CANDLE CUPS II
• HOT SHOP

I have most of these booklets and have been pleased with each one. I can unreservedly recommend any of Gene’s booklets.

HOT SHOP II is available for 10.95 (plus S&H) from:
Oak and Iron Publishing
PO Box 1038
Kingston, WA 98346
360-297-2495
oakniron@centurytel.net
http://www.oakandiron.com

Book review by Albin Drzewianowski

-- AlbinDrzewianowski - 08 Jan 2008