This is developing into somewhat of an addiction. Why? Because Spaniard woodworkers are creating items that I not only like, but are also beautiful. It might even become a series I feature on European woodworkers. And why not? I enjoy highlighting the work of fellow woodworkers overseas, as their important work might start, or even keep our creative juices flowing in the Americas.

The Flamingo bow saw

Julio Alonso Díaz is a woodworker and tool maker who lives in Toledo, Spain. He blogs about woodworking at ArtisanFlamingo (El Taller Dominical, or The Sunday Workshop). You can use the free Google Translate or, if you use the Chrome browser to read Julio’s blog; it will automatically detect the language, and will ask the reader if s/he wishes to have the blog translated into English.

Julio and I became good friends, and often consult back and forth on things of common interest. I knew Julio was working on a new bow saw, as I read the smoke signals he sent recently on one of the social networks. The final product was something not only pleasing to the eye, but also a beautiful form.

Meet the Flamingo bow saw:

More details

I have seen many other bow saws, including some that were part of a collection of saws at the Sloane-Stanley Museum in Kent, Connecticut. However, none of the saws from the past have included the curves that Julio has incorporated in his new bow saw design.

Julio uses mostly hand tools in his shop. Although I don’t know or have all the construction  details about this new saw, I am certain he flattened all the wood by hand, and then patiently shaped every curve, until happy with every single detail on the frame.

For Julio: I hope you will share the build of your beautiful bow saw on your blog very soon.  But I also hope you will share with everyone how well the saw works in the shop!

To my readers: I hope you will enjoy the Gallery I created using the following images, with Julio’s permission:

Now, your turn:

1. Do YOU use a bow saw in your shop?
2. If you do, what duties do you have for the bow saw?

Earlier relevant articles:

1. The bow saw in action

— Al Navas

I drafted a new article to post shortly, but abandoned that idea when I read Robert Lang’s article today. I urge you to read it, and to follow future articles, for he is looking at all sides of the issue with a very balanced eye and open mind.

The CPSC and the PTI

I hope the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) does not grant what will essentially be a monopoly to SawStop; they never have, and very likely never will. I am in the camp that WE, as woodworkers, are solely responsible for safety in the shop. We are charged with learning to operate the machines we operate, to maintain them, to know their limits and capabilities. And if we do not know know how to do it, we should ask for help.

I also hope that the PTI (Power Tool Institute) is able to fully document and track all developments in the future

What is YOUR take?

• Do YOU have an opinion on this?
• Do you do things in the shop that might violate safety and common sense?
• Have you ever had an accident in the shop?

— Al Navas