Sharp tools and signs of spring

We wanted to say a special thanks to some folks.
This season we are starting off with newly sharpened chisels , slicks and plane blades thanks to the amazing sharpening skills of Mike Illingworth of Cap Pele, NB. As much as we try not to, our tools take a terrible workout throughout the year and while we give them a cursory  filing and sharpening  our skills cannot even come close to Mike's.

These tools are anywhere from 10 to 100 years old and work just like new. Thank you, Mike. Also thank you to Art Keeble for picking up and delivering the tools. We appreciate it very much.

We read quite a bit throughout the cold winter  nights and we also appreciate the folks who pass on great maritime books for us, either on loan or just give them too us. We love to read about the history of our ancestors  and shipbuilding/sailing in general.  Actually, we read anything that has an interesting story and that relates to our history.

So, thank you to Charles Manthorne, Randolph Pope, Keith Knott and others who have been so kind as to share their love of books with us. Here's a small sample

We did manage to get in the shop one afternoon and got a little more decking laid but since then I have been held up with a nasty cold. Horrible stuff. We are looking forward to the better weather and the visitors that seem to come along with it.
Have a great spring.