The Orcas Island Food Masters group invites interested islanders to attend a tool repair workshop, on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Deer Harbor.

Participants will have an opportunity for hands-on experience as well as viewing demonstrations of handle making and basic agricultural tool repair.

Instructor Dan Borman stresses that “a full on workshop is not necessary to fix most tools, but we will have the use of an enclosed workshop with multiple workbenches.”

The focus will be on making handles for those tools with eyes (such as axes, hatchets, hoes, mattocks, etc.) and for those with tangs that bolt on to the handle.  Tool sharpening, things to consider before picking a pre-made handle, and other miscellaneous repairs will also be covered.

Bring one or two tools that need attention and, if possible, their broken handles. Folks are encouraged to also bring rasps, drawknives and spokeshaves if they have them, as well as hand drills and a selection of small drill bits. It is advised to label any tools brought to the workshop.

Good reading and background material prior to the workshop are “Museum of Early American Tools” by Eric Sloane and John Seymour’s “The Forgotten Arts and Crafts.”  Participants are welcome to bring these and other tool books to share.

Due to limited space, pre-registration for this workshop is required.  Call  Marta Nielson at 376-2786 or email her at mamamarta1952@gmail.com to register.

The cost is $20 per person. Financial assistance and work trade is available with inquiry.  As with other Food Master workshops, the group will break for a potluck lunch. There is limited space for reheating, so bring items that do not need cooking.