Welcome to Kestrel Tool
Kestrel Catalog Update (January-June 2008)
Dear Friends,
There have been some changes at Kestrel Tool that you may need to know about. I have come to a point in my life when I need to slow things down somewhat. There are lots of fun things I enjoy that I wasn't finding much time for. For awhile I closed the business altogether, but I still need to make a little money so I am taking orders again. To simplify I am doing most all the work myself so I don't have to scramble to find work for others. I stopped taking Visa and I am making tools on my own time. That means you might have to wait a bit for your tools! We have mostly been getting orders out within two weeks, but we do not accept rush orders. You are welcome to tell me your deadline, but if you do be sure to include a ship by or cancel date.
To keep things as simple as possible, I am only accepting checks, money orders or cash. No credit cards, sorry. In addition I want to minimize the amount of time I spend on the phone. If you have a question or inquiry about your order please email me at kestrel@rockisland.com and I'll respond promptly. To speed your order, email it ahead of your check and I may be able to have it ready when your payment arrives. If you do this please include a copy of your order in the envelope.
The good news is the prices on my tools haven't changed (at least so far) since catalog #9 came out 3 years ago. I am paying more for my inputs so prices are subject to change without notice.
- I am no longer selling Flexcut. I still recommend them, but buy them from the regular tool suppliers.
- Honing oil in a 4 oz. squeeze top bottle is now $4.95
- Ultimate Edge is out of business. I have found a replacement for this valuable tool. The Kersahw Ultra-Tek is a 600 grit diamond in a slick aluminum tube. Nice toolbox tool. Cuts fast! Not cheap at $28, still very cool.
I have been carving on a regular basis and it has been a blast. I now understand what all you guys were doing while I was making tools! I am also finally really working on my tool making book. Everything seems to conspire to take me away from that effort, but I am making headway. In that process I have come up with a new set of Carving and Curing Green Wood sheets. Request a set with your order. I am at work on several other areas of the book and have thrown together a sheet of photographs to help guide the adze maker especially in the shaping of the adze haft. They have become part of the adze literature sent out with kits or irons. As I get more of the work done it is likely I'll include it in the general literature package.
The literature package is still $12, the DVD $22, and these items are postpaid. I try to throw in old literature for the photographs. Add tax of 7.7% if ordering in Washington. Request a catalog with your order if you would like one—the catalog by itself is $4. You can claim a $4 refund if you order. Canadians need to add extra postage, rates have gone up! Please remember to pay in US funds. Thanks!
I have eight 105"(8'9") x 1/2" x 3 tooth skip tooth band saw blades for sale. These will fit a Delta 14" band saw with riser block or any Delta knock off with a riser (Jet, Grizzly etc). The blades are Lenox, that's the best and the tooth configuration is the best I ever used in 25 years of work with that saw. I am now using the Delta for metal only and have a new 21" band saw in the shop. These are $20 blades—I'd like $10 each for them. Shipping: $5 for one, $6 for 2 to 4, $10 shipping for all eight.
I am very thankful to you all for being so sweet and understanding. I hope you have a great year!
Blessings to you and your families!