Windy Smithy

I make Log Building Tools, Oak Framing Tools, Bodgers Tools, Knives and Bespoke Tools including axes, drawknives, chisels, draw pins and a multitude of other tools and devices for the discerning house carpenter and logbuilder.

I provide all that I can for a wide range of craftsmen, who have been having difficulty in finding the hand tool for the job, and I am happy to research a particular tool and to produce it, using either the traditional techniques, or modern methods, saving time and effort. I have travelled extensively in Scandinavia, learning relevant skills with a wide variety of toolsmiths, with many thanks to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for inspiration and support.
Laminated blades, where the Tool Steel cutting edge is supported in a sandwich of softer mild steel, are often used in my tools, as the toughness of the surrounding material ideally complements the perfectly tempered edge steel. The layers are Forge Welded in the fire, creating a uniquely crafted tool.

Below are some images and information on a selection of our tools, just click the tool to find out more...

AXES | MERKNIFE | HEWING DOGS | PUPPY DOGS | FRAMING PINS | TIMBER TROLLEYS
FROES | SCYTHE PEENING ANVILS | PEELING KNIVES | OFFSET PRICKERS | OTHER TOOLS

Coming Soon! : Small Bodgers Side Axe

Hand crafted axes, for hewing, shaping and planing. Several styles available, including the Broad Axe and Norfolk Axe. Most styles available in both double bevel and single bevel (side axe) forms. Axes available without handle if preferred Mortice (push) axes also available. From £120.00 (double bevel) & 130.00 (single bevel). All prices plus post & packaging on application. Payment by cheque to be made out to Jon Snow.

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Well-balanced, sturdy and essential tool, effectively a draw gouge, for cleaning up the hollow in the underside of the log. These come in three different widths, with a cutting edge of hardened and tempered carbon steel. £115 with leather sheath, £95.00 without. All prices plus post & packaging on application. Payment by cheque to be made out to Jon Snow.

How to Pay: Cash on Collection / Cheque to J. Snow / Bank transfer to my account
Paypal to albislug@hotmail.com (a 3.5% surcharge is payable for this service)
I do not take credit cards over the phone.
V.A.T. included in all prices at 17.5%. VAT no. Applied for.

For holding timber still while hewing (squaring up) and other operations. Length: 800mm or 500mm. £35.00/pair. All prices plus post & packaging on application. Payment by cheque to be made out to Jon Snow.

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For holding round logs absolutely fast while working on them. £15.00/pair. All prices plus post & packaging on application. Payment by cheque to be made out to Jon Snow.

A temporary pin for use in traditional pegged timber frame building. The pin is used in place of the oak peg during construction and assembly of the frame. Forged from solid stainless or mild steel bar, and ground to a smooth finish, with a T-handle (useful for knocking out wooden pegs !) Other sizes (eg 7/8") available on request.
£17.00 (3/4" mild steel), £22.00 (1" or 7/8" mild steel), £22 (3/4" stainless steel), £28 (1" or 7/8" stainless steel).
Exta long 1" to fit all sizes, £30 in stainless, £24 in mild steel. Discounts available for orders of 20 or more.
All prices plus post & packaging on application. Payment by cheque to be made out to Jon Snow.

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A solid, well built, yard trolley on pneumatic tyres , capable of single handed moving of extremely heavy pieces of timber. A must for the solo framer! Individually built to suit your own trestle height, and in the colour of your choice. From £360.00. All prices plus post & packaging on application. Payment by cheque to be made out to Jon Snow.

A sturdy tool for cleaving mostly green wood, used with a mallet. Supplied without handle. 8" - £35.00, 10" - £40.00,
12" - £40.00. All prices plus post & packaging on application. Payment by cheque to be made out to Jon Snow.

A traditional Alpine tool for sharpening your scythe by hammering the edge against this handy portable anvil, used between the legs. £35.00. All prices plus post & packaging on application. Payment by cheque to be made out to Jon Snow.

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A Norwegian style curved Drawknife used to remove the bark and to smooth logs prior to Logbuilding. Also suitable for other uses. Approx. 13” blade. £88 (£115 with cover). All prices plus post & packaging on application. Payment by cheque to be made out to Jon Snow.

Used to mark tenons through pre-drilled Mortice holes in Traditional Tmber Frame joints. The tenon is then removed, and drilled where the mark indicates, 3/16” closer to the shoulder than the centre of the peg hole in the mortice. When the joint is re assembled and the peg driven in, the offset holes will cause the shoulder to be forced snugly against the other timber, tightening the joint. ¾” offset pricker - £20, 7/8” - £23, 1” - £23. Or all 3 for £60. All prices plus post & packaging on application. Payment by cheque to be made out to Jon Snow.

My complete range of tools includes Socket Chisels, Gouges, Adzes, Froes, Mortice axes, Knives, Race Knives, DrawKnives, Wedges, Viking Axes and Yurt Makers Carrot.

Yurt Makers Carrot - an invaluable tool for burning out the square holes around the Wheel of the yurt. Simply heat one up in the fire and when red hot, push it into the pre-drilled holes around the wheel to give even tapered holes all around. £28 or £50/pair)

Splitting Wedges - for splitting large timbers. Made from soft iron. £25 each.

Just scroll down the page to see some of these tools...