Blog | Sterling Tool Works – Fine Tools That Inspire!

Sterling Tool Works Depth and Angle Gauge

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Chris Kuehn

The Sterling Depth Gauge is finely manufactured in the USA from 316 Stainless Steel and tool steel, when properly used and taken care of it will provide many years of service.

The Sterling Depth Gauge comes with an English and Metric Rule with graduations of 32nds and mm. The gauge also comes with a depth rod. The rod can be used when the ruler will not fit in the opening that you are trying to determine its depth. To use the Depth Rod, you must extract the Ruler from the clamp screw slot and then rotate the clamp screw 90 degrees to the hole in the clamp screw. You can then insert the rod.

The Sterling Depth Gauge has many uses, the back side of the head has angle references of 30, 45 and 60 Degrees. to use as a bevel gauge, note that these are approximate and if critical angles are needed you should verify the angle with a high accuracy protractor or other precision angle devise.

The picture below shows two gauges one in each of the two configurations, both the rule and rod come with one head.

Posted in New Products | Tagged depth gage, Stainless Steel Depth Gage, Stainless Steel Depth Gauge, Sterling Tool Works | Leave a comment

Bern Billsberry – Father of the “Nutsaver” for Veritas Skew and Plow Planes

Posted on October 18, 2015 by Chris Kuehn

My Friend Kieran Binnie has a great interview with the father of the “Nutsaver”. The Nutsaver is a strap wrench that allows for proper tightening of the knurled brass screws on Lee Valley/Veritas brand Skew and Plow Planes.

I have been carrying the Nutsaver for North American woodworkers in the Artisan’s Toolchest section of the Sterling Tool Works website.

Check out the interview here. Great Job Kieran I am looking forward to enjoying a Beer with you and Bern sometime in the future!

Posted in Accessories, Tool Review | Tagged Lee Valley Plow Plane, Lee Valley Skew Plane, Nut Saver, Over the Wireless, Sterling Tool Works | Leave a comment

Mini Test of the Sterling Dovetail Square, Furniture & Cabinetmaking Magazine

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Chris Kuehn

Derek Jones the editor of Furniture and Cabinetmaking Magazine in the U.K. wrote a mini test on the Sterling Dovetailing Square in issue#236. Click here for the full review.

Posted in Double Square, Dovetailing Rule, Dovetailing Square, Dovetails, Publications, Reviews, Tool Review, Uncategorized | Tagged Classic Hand Tools UK, Double Square, Dovetail Blade, Dovetail Marker, Dovetailing Rule, Dovetailing Square, Furniture and Cabinetmaking | Leave a comment

Blue Spruce Tool Works now in the Artisan’s ToolChest!

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Chris Kuehn

I have used Blue Spruce Tool Works Mallets and Marking knives for many years, those that have been to a show where I demonstrate how I cut dovetails know I love them. Several customers have asked me when I might come out with a marking knife or a mallet. I told people I don’t think the world needs another marking knife and Dave Jeske has made my favorite mallet for chiseling so they are projects that are not on Sterling Tool Works drawing board!

I am happy to announce that Dave Jeske has agreed to have my favorite Blue Spruce tools available in the Artisan’s Tool Chest here on my website (click here).

The Blue Spruce Small Marking Knife is made from resin infused curly maple.The small marking knife is used for laying out precision joinery such as dovetails. The perfect accompaniment to the Sterling Saddle-Tail Dovetail Marker.

After you layout and cut your Dovetails you will need a nice mallet to help chop out the waste. My favorite is the 16oz Blue Spruce Mallet, features resin infused figured Maple head with an African Blackwood handle, with a fancy brass bead at the joint. So well balanced and HIGHLY durable and just beautiful – this is the last mallet you will ever need. $95 Plus Shipping

The blade is 1/32 inch (0.8mm) allowing marking between even the tightest tails. This knife is suitable for most marking tasks in stock up to 3/4 inch thick (20mm). $50 Plus shipping

Posted in Artisan Tool Chest, Dovetails, Shows and Demos, Tool Review | Tagged Blue Spruce Mallet, Blue Spruce Marking Knife, Blue Spruce Tool Works, Dovetail Marker, Saddle-Tail, Sterling Tool Works | Leave a comment

New Sterling Tool Works Long Sleeve T Shirts, and 2015 Show Schedule

Posted on September 6, 2015 by Chris Kuehn

Things are ramping up as fall comes upon us and we consider more time in the shop! I have been very busy this summer with the Roubo Curves and some other projects that will be announced soon!

I have restocked the T shirts and added a Long Sleeve version in Navy Blue to provide a little more warmth as the temperature drops this fall. They are the super comfy American Apparel brand and are available now in the store for an introductory price of $20 each. Available in Small, Medium, Large and Xtra Large.

I have had several followers ask about my Show schedule. I have many other things pulling at my “free” time this fall so I have only committed to the following shows in 2015.

Woodworking in America, Kansas City MO September 25-26

Hearne Hardwoods Open House (LN Handtool Event), Oxford PA October 2-3

If I happen to add another show I will post it here, I plan to do some shows in 2016 but have not made any firm commitments as of yet!

Posted in Accessories, New Products, Shows and Demos, Uncategorized, WIA show | Tagged Sterling Tool Works, Woodworking in America 2015, Woodworking shows | Leave a comment

Sterling Roubo Curves tool review in October Popular Woodworking

Posted on August 8, 2015 by Chris Kuehn

Christopher Schwarz has written a tool review in the October issue of Popular Woodworking magazine for our new Roubo Curves. Roubo Curves are stainless steel french curves that are larger than traditional french curves. While traditional french curves are made from plastic and sized for drafting, Roubo Curves are scaled for larger full scale work and made from 304 Stainless Steel. The Largest curve is 18″ long, the whole set is tumbled to ease the edges and give a matte finish that is easy on the eyes.

The second production run of Roubo Curves will be completed next week, to read the whole review click here.

To Purchase Roubo Curves click here.

Posted in Reviews, Roubo Curves, Tool Review | Tagged christopher schwarz, Metal French Curves, Roubo Curves, Stainless Steel French Curves, Sterling Tool Works | 1 Comment

Sterling Tool Works 12 and 24 Inch Combination Square Rules

Posted on August 2, 2015 by Chris Kuehn

I am proud to announce that Sterling Tool Works is now offering replacement Rules for Most standard combination squares. Many owners have combination squares, they are usually second hand or heirlooms that have been passed down in the family. In many instances the rules are corroded and treatments to removed the rust leave them shiny and more difficult to read. Sterling Tool Works is now offering Premium replacement rules that are precision made in the USA. The rules are chemically etched, etchings blackened, tempered and satin chrome plated for excellent resolution that is easy on the eyes.

A 24″ rule can be extremely useful for larger tasks in the shop, but the cost (usually$125+ each) is usually prohibitive. Our introductory price is $40 for the 12″ and $80 for the 24″. These rules are a TREMENDOUS value at this indtroductory price. Give your vintage Combination Square an upgrade with a new rule! Available in 4R graduations; 64th, 32nd, 16th and 8th.

Note: We cannot guarantee that the rules will fit ALL vintage square heads, I have tested with several different makers and vintages that I have on hand and all have worked. The critical dimensions to verify if these will work are:

Thickness = Sterling Rules are .088″ Thick

Width Edge to Groove = .46″

Groove width = .093″

Posted in Accessories, New Products | Tagged Combination Square, Combination Square Ruler, Sterling Tool Works | Leave a comment

Announcing Sterling Tool Works Roubo Curves!

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Chris Kuehn

A couple of furniture makers were lamenting to me about why the majority of furniture is so straight with right angles; it is easier to make. Curves can be beautiful and french curves are used my many designers to bring curves into designs on paper in a scaled format.
These furniture makers said they try to use French curves for their work but there lacked a set that was large enough for full scale work and that were of a durable material to last in the shop.

I am happy to announce that Sterling Tool Works has stepped up to the challenge and is proud to announce its newest product to fill this need!

Sterling Roubo Curves

Roubo curves are french curves on steroids, the largest curve in the three piece set is 18 inches long! This set is scaled to a perfect size for full scale work. The set is made from 304 Stainless Steel precision cut with a laser and tumbled in media to debur all the flash and give a nice matte finish. This will be the most durable set of curves you ever own. Bring some beautiful curves into your next project! $70 for the three piece set plus shipping.

PLEASE NOTE: Roubo Curves from the first production run will be shipping in late July, they will ship the the order that purchases were made. To purchase click here.

Posted in New Products, Roubo Curves | Tagged French Curves, Metal French Curves, Roubo Curves, Stainless Steel French Curves, Steel French Curves, Sterling Tool Works | 1 Comment

Sterling Double Square Graduated Ruler Options

Posted on June 27, 2015 by Chris Kuehn

Customers has asked for a close up of the two graduated rule options that I offer with the Double Square Sets. I offer two graduation options for both the 4″ and 6″ Double Square sets. I also offer these rules individually for those that want both options in their tool kit (they are a button option in the store under 4″ and 6″ Double Squares).

These rules are made in the USA by a partner, are plated with Satin Chrome finish for excellent contrast that is easy on the eyes and very good corrosion resistance. The graduations are chemically etched and blackened.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Double Square, Dovetailing Square, Sterling Tool Works | Leave a comment

New “4R” Dovetail Square Set now available

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Chris Kuehn

Many customers have asked for an all english version of the popular 4″ Dovetail Square, so I am very pleased to say they are now available in the Store (click “store” above).

The 4 inch “4R” rule has 8th, 16th, 32nd and 64th graduations and is available three ways:

1) The entire Dovetail Square Kit pictured above, the Square, graduated rule, and Dovetail rule.

2) The Double Square Kit includes the Square and graduated rule, for customers that already own a dovetailing rule, this is your option.

3) The 4″ 4R graduated rule only, for those customers that want to add the all english 4″ rule to their existing kit.

Posted in Double Square, Dovetailing Rule, Dovetailing Square, New Products | Tagged Double Square, Dovetail Blade, Dovetail Doctor, Dovetailing Rule, Dovetailing Square | Leave a comment

Sterling Tool Works – Fine Tools That Inspire!