I'll be in London, UK over the winter holidays and I am looking for suggestions of turning related shops or tool suppliers worth visiting.
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Suggestions for a London visit?
- Thread starter Tom Albrecht
- Start date
If it were me, I would be curious if any of the usual suspects offered tours of their production facilities. But that's just my particular interest (and not necessarily that of the rest of my family!) 
“Usual suspects “?
I stand corrected. My knowledge of UK geography is clearly pretty lacking. I was thinking companies like Sorby, Crown, Henry Taylor (all in Sheffield which is really not near London). My apologies - once I looked at a map I see it's not very convenient.
I'll actually be in London next week, so I'm following this thread for suggestions, and if I stumble on anything good while I'm there I'll let you know. At the very least, I'll check out some hardware stores to see if any carry the Irish concrete/masonry nails (Rawlplug?) that David Ellsworth raves about for making small hollowing tools. AFAIK those nails aren't available in the US, but I've seen them listed on UK sites.
Hi Tom
How long are you planning on being over here? What part of London will you be visiting and how far out are you prepared to travel?
With a bit more information I'm sure the British members will be able to help you.
Regards
Mike
How long are you planning on being over here? What part of London will you be visiting and how far out are you prepared to travel?
With a bit more information I'm sure the British members will be able to help you.
Regards
Mike
We’ll be 10 days in Mottingham. Probably don’t want to spend more than a couple of hours each way
Thanks
Thanks
Back in 1982 I went to England for 3 weeks to start up a carburizing system in Coventry in the midlands. The only time I spent in London was at Victoria Station and Euston Station where I got a train to Covington. Arriving at Coventry I took a taxi to the Hertz agency got a car and immediately turned the wrong direction, but figured out how to get on the ring road /roundabout going clockwise and took about 4 revolutions before I got off on the road to my hotel. The people in the plant had a lot of ideas for my two week ends but when I asked about Sheffield they told me that was a dirty city and they didn't recommend it. I did find a store that sold woodworking tools and I bought my first HS Sorby Gouge and several other tools. The first weekend I toured Warwickshire Castle & Stratford on Avon and on the second weekend I drove down to Bath which was maybe a 1 hour drive on the M1.
Note to the natives over there please excuse me if I miss spelled any names.
The armory at Warwickshire Castle - a bombed church in Coventry as viewed from the steeple - and proof that I was in Coventry.
Note to the natives over there please excuse me if I miss spelled any names.
The armory at Warwickshire Castle - a bombed church in Coventry as viewed from the steeple - and proof that I was in Coventry.I live in the uk
The approach I would take is to shop on line The shops are no different to a small Craft Supplies and the time and cost of travel unless you are in that particular area would be a barrier
Suggestion
(1) Contact hotel and ask if they are happy to receive packages
(2) Order the items about 5 days before you arrive to allow for postage
(3) On the delivery label state your name and guest arriving date .... to inform hotel
Possible web sites
https://www.axminstertools.com
www.classichandtools.com
https://www.turners-retreat.co.uk ( this is the main outlet for Robert Sorby tools )
https://www.yandles.co.uk
https://hopewoodturning.co.uk
https://www.stilesandbates.co.uk
https://www.oliverswoodturning.co.uk (not sure if they have a shop)
Each of the above do have physical stores but I personally would shop on line
Other sites
www.flinn-garlick-saws.co.uk
The largest woodturning show will be Harrogate for 3 days starting 10th November
harrogatewoodworkingshow.co.uk
I have personally been inside the Crown factory and Henry Taylor but I think it is very unlikely they would allow you access it is not something they do
Ashley Illes did do tours at one point in time
A suggestion for a course
https://www.glennlucaswoodturning.com
If you have any other questions please contact me
The approach I would take is to shop on line The shops are no different to a small Craft Supplies and the time and cost of travel unless you are in that particular area would be a barrier
Suggestion
(1) Contact hotel and ask if they are happy to receive packages
(2) Order the items about 5 days before you arrive to allow for postage
(3) On the delivery label state your name and guest arriving date .... to inform hotel
Possible web sites
https://www.axminstertools.com
Classic Hand Tools Limited
Classic Hand Tools sells fine hand tools, books and accessories to woodworking enthusiasts and professionals since 2003.
www.classichandtools.com
https://www.yandles.co.uk
https://hopewoodturning.co.uk
https://www.stilesandbates.co.uk
https://www.oliverswoodturning.co.uk (not sure if they have a shop)
Each of the above do have physical stores but I personally would shop on line
Other sites
Home - Thomas Flinn & Co Ltd.
Manufacturing premium quality handsaws, wood tools and Clifton Hand planes for 100 years in Sheffield, England.
www.flinn-garlick-saws.co.uk
Ashley Iles Tool Store
Ashley Iles Tool Store offer a wide range of high quality wood carving and wood turning tools made in the UK, many designed by top carvers and turners. All products come with a full money back guarantee of satisfaction. Worldwide shipping.
www.ashleyilestoolstore.co.uk
The largest woodturning show will be Harrogate for 3 days starting 10th November
Home | The North of England Woodworking & Power Tool Show
I have personally been inside the Crown factory and Henry Taylor but I think it is very unlikely they would allow you access it is not something they do
Ashley Illes did do tours at one point in time
A suggestion for a course
https://www.glennlucaswoodturning.com
If you have any other questions please contact me
I live in the Uk I would suggest simply shopping on line
https://www.cromwell.co.uk (note if you go into a branch only a counter )
https://www.screwfix.com ( have a number of stores only a counter little on display but a good place to look)
Engineering Tools, Engineering Supplies lathe and workshop tools
Engineering tools and model engineering supplies. Lathe and workshop tools, Myford Boxford. Woodworking Tools. Clarke Tools and Draper Tools. Free UK delivery.
www.chronos.ltd.uk
Design Technology Supplies & Equipment - Tools For Schools | Tilgear
Over 50 years of supplying Tools, Materials &Equipment for STEM, Design &Technology, Art, Graphics &Vocational Studies, in Educational &Training Establishments.
www.tilgear.info
B&Q | DIY Products at Everyday Low Prices | DIY at B&Q
The Big you can do it sale has landed with unmissable deals online and in store. Shop for everything you need to complete your home and garden project. Order online for 1hr Click+Collect, or free home delivery on orders over £75.
www.diy.com
There are independant suppliers but it is probably impractical for you to use them
Amazon ?
I live in the uk
The approach I would take is to shop on line
(1) Contact hotel and ask if they are happy to receive packages
(2) Order the items about 5 days before you arrive to allow for postage
(3) On the delivery label state your name and guest arriving date to inform hotel
Possible websites
www.axminstertools.com
www.classichandtools.com
www.turners-retreat.co.uk
Each of the above do have physical stores but I persnally would shop on line
Other sites
www.flinn-garlick-saws.co.uk
The main woodturning show is in Harrogate for 3 days starting 10th November
harrogatewoodworkingshow.co.uk
I have personally been inside the crown factoery and Henry Taylor but I think it is very unlikly they would allow you access it is not somthing they do
Ashley Illes did do tours at one point in time
https://www.turners-retreat.co.uk.....36 miles fro Nottingham about 60 minutes by car
I would look at their web site to give you and idea of the store
https://charnwood.net 25 miles from Nottingham only a small store and limited selection
Turners retreat is the best option
The approach I would take is to shop on line
(1) Contact hotel and ask if they are happy to receive packages
(2) Order the items about 5 days before you arrive to allow for postage
(3) On the delivery label state your name and guest arriving date to inform hotel
Possible websites
Axminster Tools - Shop Woodworking Tools & Machinery
Axminster Tools offer an extensive range range of quality woodworking tools, machinery and workshop consumables. Free delivery over £75 and in-store Click & Collect.
www.axminstertools.com
Classic Hand Tools Limited
Classic Hand Tools sells fine hand tools, books and accessories to woodworking enthusiasts and professionals since 2003.
www.classichandtools.com
Turners Retreat - The Woodworkers Source
Your number one choice for timber and tools. Proud to offer the best known woodturning and woodworking tools and machinery on the market.
www.turners-retreat.co.uk
Other sites
Home - Thomas Flinn & Co Ltd.
Manufacturing premium quality handsaws, wood tools and Clifton Hand planes for 100 years in Sheffield, England.
www.flinn-garlick-saws.co.uk
Ashley Iles Tool Store
Ashley Iles Tool Store offer a wide range of high quality wood carving and wood turning tools made in the UK, many designed by top carvers and turners. All products come with a full money back guarantee of satisfaction. Worldwide shipping.
www.ashleyilestoolstore.co.uk
The main woodturning show is in Harrogate for 3 days starting 10th November
Home | The North of England Woodworking & Power Tool Show
I have personally been inside the crown factoery and Henry Taylor but I think it is very unlikly they would allow you access it is not somthing they do
Ashley Illes did do tours at one point in time
Nearest shops
https://www.turners-retreat.co.uk.....36 miles fro Nottingham about 60 minutes by car
I would look at their web site to give you and idea of the store
https://charnwood.net 25 miles from Nottingham only a small store and limited selection
Turners retreat is the best option
Don't count on a tool factory tour. I went in 2016, and the only way I was able to arrange for a tour was through a connection with the then head of the Sheffield Woodturners Club, who had contacts at various factories because of being a demonstrator, etc., and even she had a dicey time of arranging it. They don't offer general tours to the public (at least, they didn't then, and I tried Sorby, Crown, Hamlet, and Taylor). I don't know about Iles. Certainly not something you can just spontaneously hope to show up for. As I recall, Turner's Retreat was the rough equivalent of Craft Supplies or Packard. I don't know what would happen if you tried to contact the AWGB. Good luck.
link for Rawplug and stockistsI live in the Uk I would suggest simply shopping on line
https://www.cromwell.co.uk (note if you go into a branch only a counter )
https://www.screwfix.com ( have a number of stores only a counter little on display but a good place to look)
Engineering Tools, Engineering Supplies lathe and workshop tools
Engineering tools and model engineering supplies. Lathe and workshop tools, Myford Boxford. Woodworking Tools. Clarke Tools and Draper Tools. Free UK delivery.Design Technology Supplies & Equipment - Tools For Schools | Tilgear
Over 50 years of supplying Tools, Materials &Equipment for STEM, Design &Technology, Art, Graphics &Vocational Studies, in Educational &Training Establishments.B&Q | DIY Products at Everyday Low Prices | DIY at B&Q
The Big you can do it sale has landed with unmissable deals online and in store. Shop for everything you need to complete your home and garden project. Order online for 1hr Click+Collect, or free home delivery on orders over £75.www.diy.com
There are independant suppliers but it is probably impractical for you to use them
Amazon ?
Rawlplug (United Kingdom)
Rawlplug - Manufacturer of fixing systems, fastners & tools. Provider of onsite training, testing & consultancy. Globally recognised brand & market leader.
rawlplug.co.uk
If you want to see a good turner who was a production turner contact Gary Rance to see if he is doing any demonstrations
Thanks all.
I should have been more clear in my post.
I’m not so interested in retail shops as I am in turners shops.
I should have been more clear in my post.
I’m not so interested in retail shops as I am in turners shops.