Tobin Talks Shop: Collect Amish Hand Tools For Your Own Shop

April 16th, 2012

Opinions about hand tools are as many and varied as woodworkers themselves. But, by spending a little time in woodworking forums online where people were discussing which hand tools would be used to create the most authentic  old-world Amish furniture, here is a list I’ve compiled for anybody who wants to get started collecting on the advice of some more experienced carpenters:

 

...Read more




Amish Refrigeration

March 16th, 2012

 

Some Amish families have gas operated refrigeration, but that is rare. Keeping fresh produce, dairy products and eggs cool is generally handled the old-fashioned way, meaning with large blocks of ice. The ice is harvested by hand when ponds and lakes are frozen in the winter, and stored w...




Reflective Tape on Amish Buggies is Legal in Kentucky Now

March 9th, 2012

Several Amish men have spent time in jail in various states because they refused to post the required bright orange triangular sign that motorists recognize as indication of a slow-moving vehicle. Naturally, the departments of transportation have a problem respecting the religious views of the Amish over the safety of all highway travelers.

 




Amish Mashed Potato Soup

February 12th, 2012

This one is perfect for a quick, hot winter meal. 

2 T. butter

1 lb. hamburger

1 med. onion

4 C. mashed potatoes

Plus- add milk to preferred consistency

Directions:

Sauté onions in butter and add hamburger, brown. Stir in potatoes until creamy and slowly add milk, stirring constantly. Cover and heat thoroughly. Add cheese if desired.




Amish Schoolhouses For Amish Youngsters

February 6th, 2012

Curious about how Amish children are educated? Well, you’re not alone. Customers often ask me, so I’m sharing a few things I’ve learned about Amish education.

 

In some states, Amish children attend regular, rural public schools, but that is not common. More often, Amish children attend one or two-room schoolhouses run by Amish parents. Local school boards of three to five fathers are responsible for overseeing the school, meaning hiring a teacher, approving a cu...




Perfect Shelf For A Pewter Collection

January 18th, 2012

 

Amish Solid Oak Shelf

 

Hi Toby – We enjoy the custom shelf you made for us. My wife, Deb, is using it to display her pewter collection. 
...




May I please do the dishes tonight?

January 15th, 2012



I ordered this ladder/stool so my cat could more easily climb up on the counter to eat.  (I know that will sound strange to many of you! But he's family.)



The Amish Furniture Factor...




Sheltons Love Their Solid Wood Amish-Made Hutch

January 12th, 2012

Amish Furniture Factory Hutch


We are so happy with our hutch, the quality is superb.  We highly recommend your company to our friends and family. We will order again from your...




An Amish Thanksgiving Innovation

November 20th, 2011

If you want try something new year,  serve the potatoes and turkey dressing baked together in one dish. This recipe serves six people, so you may need to double it for a larger group. Save room for pie! Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Amish Furniture Factory!

AMISH POTATO BREAD STUFFING

5 medium potatoes; cooked in their skins
1 cup whole milk
4 average slices whole-grain bread
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup finely chopped fresh par...




Chisels, Planers and Augers

November 13th, 2011

While there are many uses for power tools in Amish furniture-making shops, there are some hand tools that simply cannot be replaced. Three good examples of these hand tools are: chisels, planers and augers.

 

Chisels are used to chip away portions of wood, planers are used to smooth the surface of boards and augers are hand drills. It’s easy to see how each of these old-fashioned tools might come in handy for the more intricate, delicate aspects of furniture making, even th...