Another way to the slope
Matti Kuikka
>Couple of years ago I had the possibility to make a workshop in our home and thought that I'll start with handtools and specially japanese. I didn't want to invest in machines until I saw what I needed and didn't really have room for them. At the same time our daughters family bought a house near us. The children went to a day care center and became interested in drawing, painting etc. I had a new plane which made shavings and finishes that were a revelation and excitment to me. They needed a table and bench for two that they could use without worrying about dirtying or other damage and I made it out of construction spruce. I was even more of a beginner than now but lucked in finishing the top with my new japanese plane with see through shavings so that it shined. No sanding, I put only linseed oil on it.
When I went to their home with the table the 4-year old girl stroked the top and then put her cheek against it and looked at me with that secret smile females seem to acquire from somewhere very early in their life. That's all it took and now the plane isn't lonely any more.
Matti Kuikka
