I'm not refined either LOL, my teacher had a shop full of top line tools and still did almost everything with a hammer and file. It's the way I was taught. I do one blade every year with only hand tools (except for a drill press) to reinforce technique. I'll post a pic of the gladius when I get it presentable LOL right now it's not much to look at.
5 hours and a couple of bowls later in the shop cobs here we are. 1 gallon of elbow grease and 10 sheets of sandpaper the blade has a clean 800 grit finish.
Feel free to comment on my pipes or whatever. I know my stuff ain't fancy but it's what I like :)
http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/q...d%20Bowl-A.jpg