Bob Strawn hands with specialized tools to form or shape wood. From small carvings to ornate pieces of furniture, a wood work- er's patience and tools helped to turn wood into art. Wood workers designed and cre- ated each tool, no matter the size or shape, for a spe- cific purpose. After Bob Strawn, a local wood worker enthusiast, made a penny whistle for his wife, he started creat- ing his own wood working tools; in the process, he discovered a passion. His first tools used carving blades attached to small pieces of wood for a han- dle. From this, Bob soon realized the importance of a handle's shape. A good handle design conforms to the shape of the wood worker's hands. "The handle is our interface," Bob explains. "It must allow us safety, while reducing fatigue and giving us control." The octagonal shaped handle is one of Bob's favorites because it fits comfortably in his hand. tool's handle, another huge advantage that a good grip can give its user is aware- ness. Similar to how one uses a fork or knife when eating, humans extend their "awareness" when awareness to our tools," Bob states. "They really do become part of us." apprentice for assistance and to teach the art of tool mak- apprentice would craft and fill his tool box as train- ing and as one of his dem- onstrations of skill," Bob notes. with passion, enjoying the research and functionality of each one. "After mak- ing a few tools...it became clear that my love for learn- ing and research could combine with my love for artistic expression, classic lines, function and craft," Bob shares. "I fell in love ing, improving and improvising tools my whole life, but the act was always goal oriented and part of the task I was doing. Active tool making slowed me down to examine the tool itself. After I have the finished tool, my abilities are increased by that tool." Bob's passion for creating tools will inspire those interested to learn more about the historic trade. When asked if he a workshop, Bob notes, "I would love to arrange a tool making workshop. I know of a venue that would work really well, and I think it could be a lot of fun." |