HReardon

I did indeed visit that link. However it appears to be for volume purchases.

Does anyone have an online source for the subject blades for use with the Byrnes Table Saw?

Bob, I have nothing against the "digital natives" in this wonderful craft. I will continue to take pleasure in hand-carving figureheads and decorative cherubs for my ship models. Far more satisfying that using a 3D Printer...LOL Regards, Hank

John, "Down Under" is perhaps one of my favorite places on planet. I have very dear friends I visit ever couple of years over in Moonee Ponds. What a wonderful country with some of the most friendly and welcoming people I've ever met. My "Aussie" friend and I have a running joke that the United States and Australia could trade politicians and nobody would notice. Regards, Hank

After a hiatus of over 25 years, I find myself longing for the peaceful tranquility and emotional satisfaction I once enjoyed in the craft of ship modeling. There is most certainly truth in the words "A time for every purpose under heaven." I'd been fascinated with the craft at a relatively early age. At the Maritime Museum in Beaufort, NC, I met the man who would introduce me to ship modeling - the late Frank Gaskill. To refer to Frank as a "Master" at the craft of ship modeling would be to belittle his extraordinary skill, knowledge, and artistry. He guided me in my first project, Harold Hahn's "Hannah," with a level of patience and sharing of his vast knowledge underlain by his often spoken desire, "...to teach the next generation..." During my "apprenticeship" years, I was blessed to earn the friendship of many of the "Old Guard." There was the late Charlie Files, producer of the Preac Table saw - the tool many spoke of with a degree of reverence. Clay Feldman, publisher of "Ships in Scale" magazine whose issues were read over and over until the paper was yellowed and brittle. There were so many others. Scottie Dayton of Manitowoc, WI, for example, as well as the great Portia Takajian. Next to Frank was another man, revered by all, who I would often drive 12 hours to visit for the simple pleasure of hearing his many stories, the late Abe Taubman. At the time, everyone's greatest fear was that with Abe's passing would also come the demise of what was considered the ship modeler's "Library of Alexandria" - Taubman Plans Service. Few knew that this vast storehouse of knowledge was little more than a small cubbyhole in the Jersey City, NJ apartment he and his wife raised their two daughters. I will be forever happy that I was able to play a part in finding a new owner of the plans service to meet the financial burden of Abe's care as his health deteriorated and he was ultimately able to rejoined his beloved wife. So perhaps it is now my time to reawaken my skills in this extraordinary craft and, the Lord willing, be a mentor for the next generation. Perhaps I feel no small obligation but to pass on the knowledge so generously given to me by those "Masters of the Craft" who are no longer with us. After I've dusted off my collection of tools from their long slumber and arranged a proper workstation (altar?), I'm certain to once again enjoy the wonderful obsession of ship modeling. My first project, you ask? Harold Hahn's "Hannah," of course. Sincerely, Hank Reardon