a workshop among the trees
A HAND-TOOL LEGACY
My Grandfather was a well known and colourful character of Hobart, affectionately referred to as ‘Jo the Junk’. From his humble abode on the edge of Cornellian Bay, he and my Grandmother operated their business. He may have been a junk trader, a steel merchant, or a second hand dealer but whatever he was, had a profound impact on me. Whilst he passed away before I was born, the remnants of his 1950’s dealings were as strong as ever and as a young boy, I immersed myself weekly for hours at a time. I would become blissfully lost among the steel pieces, mechanics, furniture, wooden wheels, engineering and architectural clutter and of course, tools. The back of yard lean-to had a random assortment of rusty gold including clamps, vises, hammers, chisels, axes, planes, and saws just to name the few I remember. I examined every piece over and over trying to understand it’s purpose, it’s construction, and it’s method.
This beginning stirred a deep interest in hand tools and in me, even as a boy. I got to express this further with my Father, allowing him, a sheet metal fabricator, to teach me the fundamentals of layout, fabrication, sharpening, and building using woodworking hand-tool practices.
At just 21 years of age a retiree and furniture maker became my mentor. For fourteen years he selflessly shared all manner of his extensive knowledge including the fine art of woodwork from green to seasoned, framing, construction, furniture particulars, joinery, and hand tools in use. This mentor introduced me to house building and together, we started building my first house!
As a full time professional furniture maker artisan woodwork is Johnny’s trade. He has over 40 years working in wood and working with all types of hand-tools including that experience as an owner-builder and 6 additional renovation projects. As an accredited vocational teacher he has taught a variety of subjects (including music, mental health, and photography) at Box Hill Tafe, Hobart Tafe, and a variety of community organisations across Victoria. His formal study in graphic design and professional work in the visual arts fields fits perfectly with his current furniture, design, and woodworking practice – for the benefit of customers and his own work alike.
The one thing Johnny loves more than hand tools themselves, is sharing them with others – their history, stories, purpose, and application. Plane and Chisel Tasmania offers a traditional (and new) hand-tool experience facilitating workshops in the serenity of a Woodland bush setting and, less than an hour from Hobart! Camping, caravan, or RV sites available for those wishing to stay over and continue the next day or accommodation is available in historic Oatlands 25 minutes north. (woodfired pizza is shared with stay overs – weather permitting). These workshops are for those who wish to learn a slower, more careful and meaningful way, not only to create, but to design, think, and be. Not unlike the experiences of our fore-bares, the tools are either vintage or new but always, in the traditional formats and with connection to the heritage of ‘the old ways’. Thanks to our Grandfathers!
Gift certificates are available on request as are custom person, couple, or small group sessions. Call or email anytime for more information:
0409425143 or johnny.mackay339@gmail.com
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