Timber Framers Guild Forums Tools Tool Forum Need advice on buying a slick...

Am getting ready to purchase a slick for use in raising a shed (and maybe a home) on my farm.

Have no idea what companies/brands are good and which are not. Would like advice from those out there who have more wisdom on the subject than I.

Thanks,

Chris B.

If you are looking for a new slick, then Barr Tools has a great reputation (www.barrtools.com). I don't own one myself, though.

There a lots of good slicks on the vintage tool market (see Jim Rogers' list on this board, for example). Names like Witherby, James Swan, PS&W, Douglass, etc. are usually of excellent quality.

Cheers,
Dan

I have several slicks for sale. When you are ready drop me a note and I will send you a current copy of my Timber Framing Tools list.

I'd suggest a slick about 3" wide, and with an edge that is already sharpened into a bowed (convex) shape. I bought a slick in an antique store ($85 - they're usually not cheap!) that was sharpened this way, and I prefer it to the new one that I bought from Barr ($120 or $140 I think). The one from Barr has a straight edge, which makes it tougher to control when cutting across the grain. (Although Barr makes awesome chisels, and I'd bet Barr Quarton would sharpen the slick with a bowed edge if you just asked him). The straight edge has its place (cutting with the grain as in finishing a housing) so I kept my Barr this way, but I just find the rounded edge a lot more versatile.

-Thomas

the japanese make an awesome slick...
http://japanwoodworker.com/dept.asp?dept_id=12801
http://www.japanesetools.com/tools/slicks/slick.php
I've had one of these(2 1/8 inch) for around 20 years, wouldn't be without it...

WOW! Those Japanese tools do look pretty nice. Looking at the price list, they are awful proud of those things! They sure are pretty, though!