A quick recap of my process. Started out with rough stock 1 inch thick. Traced original tote onto stock. Cut out the new tote on the bandsaw, and drilled the retaining screw bore. After those steps, I started shaping.
Here’s a shot after most of the rough shaping has been done with rasps. 
The shaping has taking me longer than expected. I did not have as much time yesterday to get much done, but today I continued shaping with 180 grit sandpaper. I am just a bout 99% done with the shaping. I’ll tune it up and smooth it out with 220 grit tomorrow, and add a finish.
One more order of business to take care of before applying the finish. Finish boring the hole for the retaining screw, and counter sink with a forstner bit on the top of the tote to allow the head of the retaining screw to sit inside of the tote. Any ideas as to what finish to apply to this thing? Should I stain to match the dark front knob or leave it bright?
-- Brian S. --- "If you’ve worked on the building of a boat, it belongs to you the rest of your life." -Bob Prothero
3 comments so far
tenontim
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844 posts in 195 days
posted 63 days ago
Why not make a new front knob to match? Looks like a nice job you’re doing. I’m not assuming anything, just going by the way you’ve written your blog, but be sure to counter sink with your forstner bit before drilling your bolt hole, other wise the bit will be all over the place.
-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com
thetimberkid
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1512 posts in 154 days
posted 63 days ago
Great job!
Thanks for the post
Callum
-- Look great, get your TTK merchandise now! http://www.printfection.com/thetimberkid/ Check out my site http://thetimberkid.blogspot.com/
stanley2
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183 posts in 246 days
posted 63 days ago
Nice job Brian. I agree with Tim since it will be hard to duplicate the knob color, why not make a knob as well then your plane will look super rather than look like it has a replacement tote.
-- Phil in British Columbia