Basket Tools
| After weaving baskets for living I quickly developed as many shortcuts and aids to make the weaving process quick and easy. Below you will see a collection of hand tools that are all you need (aside from a little patience) to fully construct your lightship basket. Many of these tools are available at a hobby shop or hardware store. There are also a few items that I have invented myself. As with any project, the right tool for the right job can make the experience much more enjoyable!! |
 | Here you see all you need (except for the drill) to make your basket. I prefer the Stanley trimming plane (over scissors) for tapering staves but it does take some getting used to. The ball peen hammer (4oz.) can be found at Sears. The combination square comes in both 6 inch and 12 inch sizes and of course the complete hobbyist must have both! The pliers have been ground (by me) to cut flush (see photo) and may be hard to find. The 6 inch size shown is the most versatile size for most work. The other tools are specialty weaving tools that are described below. I can provide these items if you can't find them. |
 | These small cordless handrills (there are many brands) work really well for the small amount of drilling needed for putting on your handles. Try to find one with a chuck that easily works with different size drill bits. |
Tim's Basket Tools
| FLUSH CUTTING PLIERS: This close-up shows how the bevel has been
ground out of the pliers so that they can cut very flush. This is a key element in
attaching the handle hardware. These pliers also makes it easy to clip the tips of
the staves off flush to the rim during the rimming process, making the sanding of
the top of the rim go much faster. They also work as great stave clippers. $20.00 |  |
| TIMS' RIM NAILING TOOL©: I developed this tool to take the huge headache out of the process involved in putting the rim nails into the rim. The end of the dowel with the nail is to mark the nail placement, the other end has a hole that accepts the nail and allows you to start it without dropping it or without drilling a hole. The back of the tool has an insert with a hole that is used to ease the nail in, in a two step process. For wooden rims holes should be drilled first but Tim's Nail Tool© is still great for laying out and putting the nails in. Instructions included. $30.00 |  |
 | Timothy D. Parsons' Lapstand© weaving stand Find out convenient and comfortable it can be to weave with two free hands and the ability to recline to any angle. I invented this lap weaving stand after spending long hours of straining at a table to do my weaving. I realized the need for a tool that would allow me to weave while sitting in a reclining position. The stand will support up to a eight inch round or nine inch oval mold and is the perfect tool for doing miniatures. These stands can be custom ordered using a variety of hardwoods.Simply drill a 1/4 inch or 3/4 hole in the mold and drop it on top. (use small hole for small molds) Works great at the beach (my favorite spot to weave) or while you travel. Basic version $250.00 |
 |  |  | From left to right a miniature, a 3 inch, and an 8 inch mold mounted on the Lapstand© |  | The Lapstand© in use with a five inch mold. Reclining makes weaving much more fun and relaxing. |
 | TIMS TWEEZER TOOL: The perfect tool for pushing your
weaving into place is this tweezer tool that I put together. It
features a nice pair of round edged square tip tweezers and a
comfortable wooden knob on the end to cut down on the wear and
tear to the palms of your hands. $15.00 |
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