Here are some pictures of my planes. I was designing with a metal version in mind, and with a 20* bed (bevel up). To make a woodie prototype (a spur of the moment decision due to a conversation with a friend) I needed to redesign for a higher bed (wood would not provide a sufficient support @ 20*). I went with 50*, so that I could make ‘objective’ comparison with my 4 1/2 LN (york pitch). My #4 LN has a 45* bed.
The three (finished) planes are 9.5″ long. I flopped on the (that’s why) unfinished 8″ long one. I did not provide enough space (for my knuckles) between the rear knob and the iron.
This is my very first experience with wooden planes. I found what I was looking for in the ergonomics department. I am still a bit guarded if the design is as suitable for a wooden incarnation as, say, Krenov style plane. The section around the mouth would be stiffer, were it not for the low profile.
The planes behave on par (surface quality) with 4 1/2 LN but better than LN 4 (on more complicated grain). They do not have the ‘stoutness’ of a LN. Wooden lever caps (not a model of stiffness) might be some of the contributing factor.
Thanks for reading/looking.
Metod
Replies
Metod,
I am blown over by your spirit of adventure, your confidence in your experimentation, and your joie di vivre! You are my idol.
I have made a simple wooden block plane. Having seen your work, my sights are set higher.
Are you willing to take me on as an apprentice? :-)
Mel
Measure your output in smiles per board foot.
Mel,
Thank you for your compliment. Technically, the planes are rather 'simplistic', and that was one design motivation. The grub screws (internal on one, external on the other are 'new' (in this particular application). LV planes use them, so does Philip.
Most paper work was spent on the ergonomics and the looks. I would not brag about the actual craftsmanship, starting as prototypes, and made in a hurry.
If you wish any particular details, let me know. A few planes do not make me an expert. Well, I did become more of an expert in what I want for my personal use <g>.
Best wishes,
Metod
Metod,
I am yet to make a wooden plane. Would you mind if I just copied yours? (;)
What did you use for the blades and how did you make them? Is the metal working equipment we talked of still wrapped in the grease paper?
Philip,
Do not rush with a wooden version. Having your skills, it would be unbecoming (I am serious - unless it is for experimenting).
My real goal is to make me some crow stuff - wooden prototypes (and users until then) are simply to convince me that my ideas are worth to me to go crow. Woodies use scraps - inexpensive to experiment with. My time is presently pretty tight to (then why am I spending it here...:-).
Irons: Bought O-1 stock (1/4" thick) from Mcmaster-Carr. Hacksawn to 3.5" irons, and had them heat treated at a local professional facility.
There are sources for A-2 at less than I paid for O-1.
Grease paper: still there :(.
Best wishes,
Metod
Hi Metod
They are beautiful!
And they obviously work well if your results are anything to go by.
Will you say more about your experience of the handles/totes? What height is your bench (high/low - relative to yourself)?
Regards from Perth
Derek
Derek,
I am at work now - will give you the bench height later this evening (my time zone).
It is interesting that you asked - the ergonomics was definitely 'dictated' by how the plane(s) felt on my bench. There is a comfortable range of several inches - edge plane a board. I'd say (not much time for experimenting and comparing) that the range of comfortable working heights is wider than for my LN's (traditional totes). With my handles I can vary the grip and the the angle between the force and the sole.
Best wishes,
Metod
Hi Derek,
I am 6ft (I did not know it this morning... :-) ). I just measured the bench height: 35".
I am glad that you brought up the connection between the bench height and ergonomics.
Best wishes,
Metod
Outstanding work from a fellow charter member of the "Hell's Planers"
Seriously, Metod, fantastic work and a very good looking design. Not much new in the world of wooden hand planes until your design showed up.
Best of luck with the metal version - keep us posted on the progress.
Lee
Lee,
Thanks for such nice words. Maybe now I will not have to worry (as much) about Hell, ;-).The design is 'different', but it was driven a lot by ergonomics. I do like it - and is nice to hear that somebody else likes it too.Yes, I am longing for a crow version. Just tied down time-wise for a while. Making the woodies taught me few things - such as lack of skills needed for a metal version. I am planning on cobbling me a 45*-bed version, 9.5" long too, and a 14" jack. That should give me more smarts with the design itself.
Best wishes,
Metod
Metod,From another Hell's Planer, it's nice to see you posting around here again, and it's great that you're pursuing these plane ideas that you've been pondering for a while. How about emailing me, I tried your address but had no luck.Ron Bresehttp://www.breseplane.comIf you're too open minded your brains will fall out.
Ron,
What the Hell, here it is...<g>. Can't find my brain.
Best wishes,
Metod
Edit: PM sent
Edited 10/4/2008 11:44 am ET by Metod
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