Let's see how many came name this tool...

[graham88]

Got asked to make a new handle for a tool I've never seen before. Original handle had cracked down the middle and was being held together with gaffa tape - quite valiantly I might add. Original was made from ash which is quite fortunate because I have a fair amount of it in stock. I initially found the centre line of the tenon that mates with the tool head and turned it on the lathe. I then traced the profile onto the square edges and cut it out roughly with the bandsaw and then rounded the shape down further with a belt sander before getting the end result using a spokeshave. Finish is tung oil. Not normally a project I would get involved in but I'm quite pleased with the result.

So the big question is, can anybody name the tool or even the trade that uses it? Was quite interesting to hear about it and it's use from the owner.

 

[Dee J]

Thatching, for tapping the ends of the reed into place. A Leggett.

 

[Droogs]

I shall call this tool Bob and it's a Malteser roller

 

[graham88]

Thatching, for tapping the ends of the reed into place. A Leggett.

Well that was quick.

I shall call this tool Bob and it's a Malteser roller

I like it. Might keep it and start my malteser rolling empire! Bob would like his new lifes purpose.

 

[Inspector]

It is pressed into hot plastic blocks to make big legos. A Legoett.

Pete

 

[ajs]

They use it to make bubble wrap, obviously.

 

[Ttrees]

It's clearly a toffy pop hod.
Though surely Brum to Poole is a bit far to go for a re-handle job.

 

[ScaredyCat]

A Tarmacer's street waffle maker.

 

[Fergie 307]

Thatching, for tapping the ends of the reed into place. A Leggett.

Out of interest why is it designed like that, I would have thought it would just be flat.

 

[graham88]

Out of interest why is it designed like that, I would have thought it would just be flat.

I think a lot of them are. I was given the job because the thatcher was struggling to find a replacement with the angle on the handle and decades of use meant that he just wasn't getting along with straight ones. I think it is also used in a combing action sometimes so a flat tool would probably be a pain. I'll ask today when he picks up.

 

[Dee J]

Out of interest why is it designed like that, I would have thought it would just be flat.

Because it's not applied square to the end of the reed, its used to a glancing blow following the roof profile - so needs something to catch the ends of the reeds. Traditional wooden versions have a serrated face (easier to make?), but the metal varients seem to have gone for a gridded or honeycomb pattern.

 

[Fergie 307]

Because it's not applied square to the end of the reed, its used to a glancing blow following the roof profile - so needs something to catch the ends of the reeds. Traditional wooden versions have a serrated face (easier to make?), but the metal varients seem to have gone for a gridded or honeycomb pattern.

That makes perfect sense, thank you.

 

[stuart little]

A Tarmacer's street waffle maker.

What's a 'Tar macer'?

 

[ScaredyCat]

What's a 'Tar macer'?

Someone who lays tarmac.

 

[mwinfrance]

stuart little said ..What's a 'Tar macer'?

A phrase used by polite Liverpudlians, in place of "thank you".