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News
On this page you will find the latest news and photographs from Maurice Pyle (Woodsmith), including current and completed projects and any other interesting items. This page should be updated regularly so keep visiting!
In March 2011 completed a saxon style Bowl Turning Lathe for Bede's World at Jarrow. Over two Thursdays in March with 4 volunteers from the musem we completed the lathe from logs, mainly oak. Then gave it a test run at a Bowl Turning Demo Day at the museum 2nd May 2011
March 2011
Hazel and Birch cutting, March 2006
Shave horse commisions February 2006
Spilling constuction February 2006 
Patio Screens, Northumberland, Oct 2006
Last year as a result of the work we did on the Dunston South Staithes bin stores we were asked to make 7 oak box seats for the same development. An interesting experience collaborating with metalworkers resulting in something that was quite pleasing
For the Timber Framing Course completed in October 05 we prepared all the oak timbers for a timber framed workshop with this machine.The building was successfully raised end of January 06.
 
Hard hats and Hi-Viz vests
During most of August and September 2004, myself and colleague in the business James Bedingfield and I were invited to build 3 bin stores for George Wimpey (via Kendal Cross). The brief was to create structures out of willow that hid the resident's wheelie bins and.........they had to last 20 years, impossible you might say with willow. But all the willow used was pressure treated and despite the bark, accepted the preservative very well. The first 3 bin stores went down so well, we were asked to make another 3!

We were also asked to construct one of the courtyard features
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Courtyard 1 feature, South Staithes, Dunston |
Axe factory, Bergsjo Sweden
  
As part of our plans to develop tools and books sales for green woodworkers (The Woodsmith's Store) we visited the Gransfors Bruks axe factory in Sweden a few summers ago, what a tremendous experience it was. At the factory we were welcomed by Gabriel Branby, the owner at that time who agreed to let us buy their tools for selling in the uk. We saw a few of the ax-smiths working including Lennart Pettersson and Mattias Matsson. Highlights - Axe throwing outside the factory front door and staying in one of the Gransfors Bruks log cabins ( made as part of a previous course ). We left with a Land Rover full of axes and other tools and a head full of apprehension about getting through customs! We were very grateful to Gabriel for his help and exceptional hospitality.
  
Woodland Pioneers
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The next Woodland Pioneers event will be held September 2012, held at Staveley in Cartmel, South Cumbria, contact Rebecca Oaks (tel: 01524 781375) or myself for further details. Even if you are not contemplating an apprenticeship, there may be a place for you, learning inspiring woodcraft in the woods.
There are many people now who have attended all 9 previous events! |
The Bill Hogarth Memorials
Apprenticeship Trust (BHMAT) www.coppiceapprentice.co.uk
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