Timeless Tools of the Trade, 100% AI: Authentic Ingenuity
The photo above shows a small sampling of authentic shipwright’s tools donated by the family of their last owner Bob Baker, a prolific boat rescuer, restorer and builder. (For more info read: Robert H. Baker: A Legacy of Small Craft by Anne Baker)
Many of the donated tools remain serviceable and are similar to those still used by IYRS’ boat building students. Old hand tools can connect us to the history and traditions of wood- working, allowing us to appreciate the skills and knowledge passed down through generations of craftspeople. While photographing some of Baker’s tools, I admired their utility, longevity and simple beauty.
Some old salts believe that wooden boats have souls; if that is case might the tools that crafted them also carry their own creative energy?
“Even the simplest tools can empower people to do great things.” ~ Biz Stone, Twitter Co-Founder
photo: Drawknife, used for making spars, late 19th or early 20th century; Chisel, late 19th or early 20th century; Cooper’s Adze marked “T.H.P.”, late 18th century; Wooden dividers, late 18th or early 19th century.
Throughout the centuries, shipwrights have used and adapted the common tools of cabinetmakers, coopers and other craftspeople to suit their needs. Simultaneously, they devised purpose-built implements specific to the myriad of processes –measuring, cutting, molding, scraping, shaping, smoothing, filing, fitting, joining, fastening, caulking, sealing, etc. – required to work the wood into the intricate forms that shape a watertight vessel.
“A tool is simply the extension of a man’s hand.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher
“We shape our tools, then our tools shape us.” ~ Marshall McLuhan
photo: 19th century caulking mallet and 20th century caulking irons.
Tools such as these were used and treasured by multiple craftspeople over hundreds of years; passing within family generations and from master to apprentice. Working wood with hand tools is one of the most ancient human practices.
“Each tool was made for an individual by an individual, and carefully crafted to fit a certain hand and grip… scarcely is there a more moving testament to human creativity.” ~ Eric Sloane
photo: Cooper’s adze, marked “T.H.P.,”, late 18th century; Plane, blade by Buck Brothers, engraved with initials of one- time owner, “N.L.G.”, craftsman-made custom wooden base.
The skilled craftsperson connects with the wood through his tools in a way that an automated machine cannot. Using hand tools emphasizes the process of creation, the resulting product is an authentic expression of human ingenuity.
“When holding old tools– the resulting workmanship seems to flow directly from the body of the maker and to carry something of himself into the work, a piece of art, as much as the work it fashioned. When holding an ancient tool you are near to another being in another life, and you are that much richer.” ~ Eric Sloane
photo: Smoothing plane and Plough plane, both made by J.E. Child, Providence, c1850-1880
As machines now learn artificial intelligence perhaps hand tools have always quietly absorbed the creative energy of their users? Being among the “old salts” that believe wooden boats have souls, I’d like to think so anyway. ~ SallyAnne Santos
photo: A collection of chisels, owned and treasured by IYRS’ own Senior Instructor, Warren Barker