Swedish overlay tools
Stainless jack handles fitted with wooden spades and finishing tools, made for the Swedish overlay technique.
What it is
Swedish overlay tools are a set of adjustable stainless-steel handles that take interchangeable wooden inserts.[1] Fantlab, in Sweden, sells wooden overlay spades in three sizes, finishing tools that pair with them, and the stainless jack handles they fit, made by JK Overlay Tools.[2] Jakobsson also makes wooden overlay tongs to order.[3]
How it’s used
As the name says, they’re for Swedish overlay work, sized to the overlay: Glasstrapes sells a medium set for overlays up to 6 inches wide and a large set for wider ones.[1]
History
According to Glasstrapes, which distributes them in the US, the tools “were originally designed to execute the Swedish Overlay at Orrefors Glasbruk”, and only one workshop, in Sweden, still makes them.[1] Its inserts are carved from pear wood.[1]
Sources
Swedish overlay tools in the archive 5
| Photo | Tool | Maker | Sellers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finishing ToolA wooden finishing tool that pairs with the overlay spades, mounted in a jack handle. | Fantlab | 1 | |
| Overlay SpadeA wooden spade for overlay work, mounted in a jack handle. | Fantlab | 1 | |
| Overlay TongsWooden tongs for overlay work, made to order in Swedish alder. | Jakobsson Sweden | 1 | |
| Stainless Steel Jack HandlesStainless jack handles that hold wooden overlay spades and finishing tools. | JK Overlay Tools | 1 | |
| Swedish Overlay Tool SetTwo adjustable stainless handles and four pear-wood inserts for the Swedish overlay technique developed at Orrefors. | JK Overlay Tools | 2 |
