Birth of a Slick

1 MIN READ

Here’s how the folks at John Neeman Tools make hand-forged slicks. What’s a slick? It’s an oversize chisel that boat builders and timber framers use for paring and smoothing. I have two from my time as an apprentice boat builder; the first I made from the leaf spring of a car and the second I bought when I had more money. The slick in this video puts the one I made to shame – but then it was made by a master who knows his trade. It’s kind of ironic, though, that after all of that handwork he uses a laser to etch the label.

The Birth Of A Tool. Part II. Chisel Making (by John Neeman) from John Neeman Tools on Vimeo.

About the Author

David Frane

David Frane is a former foreman with Thoughtforms Corp., a construction company based in West Acton, Mass., and former editor of Tools of the Trade.

No recommended contents to display.