This plane is part of my weeks work. This 11s type small smoother is my part number 650-55. The iron is pitched at 55 degrees, which also allows one to flip the iron over and use it as a scraping plane with an effective cutting angle of 85 degrees (the iron is ground at 30 degrees). The infill is Gabon Ebony and the sole is 5/16 brass and the sides are 3/16 brass. The iron is 0-1 tool steel and the iron thickness is 1/4″. The mouth is set at .004.
The ebony is quite dense and is a bit of a pill to work and drill, besides the fact that it will turn your hands black. However the rewards are certainly worth the trouble as it polishes up quite nicely.
Ron Brese
If you’re too open minded your brains will fall out.
Replies
Hi Ron
That it just beautiful! (as always).
What are the dimensions?
I have been thinking of building one similar, having been given a chunk of Ebony. I love the idea of steel on steel with the ebony infill. Perhaps with a brass lever cap.
What are your thoughts on an adjuster with this plane? I am used to working without them but note that Mr Holtey has now added one to his copy of this plane.... :)
Regards from Perth
Derek
Derek,This planes uses an 1.5" wide iron, and is just under 2" wide overall. The length is 6.5".Like you I am used to adjusting without a mechanized adjuster and can do so quickly and accurately, and quite frankly it's easier than having to loosen the lever cap to avoid stretching the threads. I don't really understand the need for an adjuster on a plane of this type. One can just sit it on a flat piece of hardwood, slide the iron down and let it rest and tighten the lever cap and you are ready to go. If you want it a bit deeper just tap the iron lightly with a plane hammer and you're there. With a tight mouth you just aren't going to be moving it much, therefore I don't see the need for the adjuster.I think the steel will contrast wonderfully with the ebony.RonIf you're too open minded your brains will fall out.
Very nice
Troy
Ron, as always, great looking plane.
Please advise how the sides attached to the sole? I can see the ends of round pins but would like to know how they are made and the sides attached.
I appreciate the discussion on the necesssity for an adjuster. My first (and only) plane was a Kreonov style of cocobolo that does not have (no need) an adjuster.
Steve Pippins
That's a beautiful plane, without a doubt. I would be proud to have one. What is the brass button in the top of the iron for? Have you made a plane with holly before?
Chris @ flairwoodworks
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Chris,I've not made a plane with holly but I'm open to the idea, I just don't know where to source the holly. The button at the top of the iron is actually a safety device. With no cap iron the iron could possible slide all the way thru the throat and out of the plane when the lever cap is loosened, the brass button would prevent this from happening. Thanks for the compliment on the plane.RonIf you're too open minded your brains will fall out.
You where mentioning that you did not have a source for Holly. I believe that Macbeth hardwoods in Berkeley CA has it I am not sure if they have it in the thickness that you need. Anyway once again your new plane is a beut.
Troy
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