ToolPost- great whilst it lasted

[Neil]

For those from further a field, The ToolPost is a shop in Didcot, Oxon that started out, I think, as an online outlet. I was searching for chestnut burnishing cream today anywhere online and with total dismay came across a post announcing the closing down sale due to the downturn.

Peter Hemsley used to run it and passed it to his son Felix. Never dealt with Felix, but his father was always helpful and appreciated that many people had travelled many miles to give him the business. Craft supplies, gone, Peter Child’s, gone, ToolPost, gone. Not alone I guess, very sad.

 

[Penpal]

Firms find it hard to flourish with forums all actively promoting how to save,applying pressure for dealers to act as repositories of millions of parts infrequently sought. The absolute proliferation of pen kits all with their needs,springs etc.Our attitude indeed does not engender confidence to outlay what can be a huge inventory. The days of the specialist answering the phone are diminishing. Loyalties are frail and not bonded.

Peter.

 

[flexi]

Tool post carried some hard to find and different bits too.... What a shame!
I wanted to try their small Hamlet chisels too, best get in quick I supose

 

[flexi]

Damn..... You snooze you loose..... Might have to go direct to Hamlet craft now..... Mind you Tool posts Web site is not the best to surf, never was really.... Real shame

 

[Neil]

Mark,

Let me tempt you elsewhere! I was never a fan of miniature tools until I stumbled across Tony Isles at a turning show in Scotland. I bought several Ashley Isles tools there and many since, in particular many H60M, 12mm miniature continental spindle gouges. I think they’re fantastic but Everyman to his own, £23,40 handled £19.20 blade only and about a fiver less if you buy them at a show, but little chance of that these days. I would thoroughly recommend these to anyone and if you tried it and didn’t like it I’d buy it off you! I’ve got six that i take to three day craft shows so I don’t have to take my sharpening kit so need more every couple of years.

12mm 1/2 Mini Continental Gouge [H60M] : Ashley Iles Tool Store

 

[flexi]

Cheers Neil, two ordered..... I trust your judgement

 

[wm460]

Shame when these stores close, they are getting fewer and fewer.

 

[Ratty]

Dam I forgot they existed - that post cost me, love their tools top quality.

Shame about tool post. Bad timing as well I have had to order a oneway insert from the US as Tool post was my go to for Oneway parts and they don't have the one I need in stock.

Mark,

Let me tempt you elsewhere! I was never a fan of miniature tools until I stumbled across Tony Isles at a turning show in Scotland. I bought several Ashley Isles tools there and many since, in particular many H60M, 12mm miniature continental spindle gouges. I think they’re fantastic but Everyman to his own, £23,40 handled £19.20 blade only and about a fiver less if you buy them at a show, but little chance of that these days. I would thoroughly recommend these to anyone and if you tried it and didn’t like it I’d buy it off you! I’ve got six that i take to three day craft shows so I don’t have to take my sharpening kit so need more every couple of years.

12mm 1/2 Mini Continental Gouge [H60M] : Ashley Iles Tool Store

 

[Phil Dart]

The closure of Toolpost will be a great loss the the turning industry I think. One of the last, great, truly independent houses.

 

[flexi]

Mark,

Let me tempt you elsewhere! I was never a fan of miniature tools until I stumbled across Tony Isles at a turning show in Scotland. I bought several Ashley Isles tools there and many since, in particular many H60M, 12mm miniature continental spindle gouges. I think they’re fantastic but Everyman to his own, £23,40 handled £19.20 blade only and about a fiver less if you buy them at a show, but little chance of that these days. I would thoroughly recommend these to anyone and if you tried it and didn’t like it I’d buy it off you! I’ve got six that i take to three day craft shows so I don’t have to take my sharpening kit so need more every couple of years.

12mm 1/2 Mini Continental Gouge [H60M] : Ashley Iles Tool Store

As from my previous response..... I was tempted and indeed parted with my cash.... But that's as far as it's gone.... Nothing..
I placed my order on the 12th and have heard nothing.... If you ring its an answer phone and no one has called me back, I have emailed and had no response either..... I know we have Covid19 but surely an answer to a telephone message is doable..... Not impressed!!

 

[Pierre]

Mark,

Let me tempt you elsewhere! I was never a fan of miniature tools until I stumbled across Tony Isles at a turning show in Scotland. I bought several Ashley Isles tools there and many since, in particular many H60M, 12mm miniature continental spindle gouges. I think they’re fantastic but Everyman to his own, £23,40 handled £19.20 blade only and about a fiver less if you buy them at a show, but little chance of that these days. I would thoroughly recommend these to anyone and if you tried it and didn’t like it I’d buy it off you! I’ve got six that i take to three day craft shows so I don’t have to take my sharpening kit so need more every couple of years.

12mm 1/2 Mini Continental Gouge [H60M] : Ashley Iles Tool Store

I Like Ashley Isles tools and I use one of these 12mm 1/2 Martin Pidgen All Rounder (Multi-purpose Gouge) [H68] : Ashley Iles Tool Store in fact I am now on my third I give them long side and they work like skews.

 

[Frederick]

For those from further a field, The ToolPost is a shop in Didcot, Oxon that started out, I think, as an online outlet. I was searching for chestnut burnishing cream today anywhere online and with total dismay came across a post announcing the closing down sale due to the downturn.

Peter Hemsley used to run it and passed it to his son Felix. Never dealt with Felix, but his father was always helpful and appreciated that many people had travelled many miles to give him the business. Craft supplies, gone, Peter Child’s, gone, ToolPost, gone. Not alone I guess, very sad.

Ed Oliver will never close; he will keep going as will stiles and Bates. Alas, Axminster have closed their Sittingbourne skill centre and their Devon Skill Centre has been seriously cut to the bone. This virus is a pain where the proctologist works.....however, I do feel that some major firms are turning this situation to their advantage by reducing staff etc. Only my thoughts on the matter and therefore possibly very wrong....I just don't know...

 

[Neil]

Ed Oliver will never close; he will keep going as will stiles and Bates. Alas, Axminster have closed their Sittingbourne skill centre and their Devon Skill Centre has been seriously cut to the bone. This virus is a pain where the proctologist works.....however, I do feel that some major firms are turning this situation to their advantage by reducing staff etc. Only my thoughts on the matter and therefore possibly very wrong....I just don't know...

I sincerely hope you’re right, I’ve never had business with Ed Oliver, but visited Stiles and Bates on a couple of occasions. They’ve survived despite being off the beaten track. Others have slowly and quietly drifted away without replacement over the last few years, Goodtimber at heyford off the M1 j16 closed down, a really odd place run up the Jesus Army, place festooned with hippy decorated buses announcing the next coming etc. Shame, it was always an enjoyable visit.

Didn’t realise that Axminster have scaled back their skill centre, hopefully only temporary I hope. It’s a reality in life that at the moment companies have to scale back on their outgoings so I don’t think they’re taking advantage of the situation, just going into survival mode. This virus has produced some of the most irrational nonsensical behaviour amongst politicians and the public alike and the sooner we accept its existence and get on with life the better.