Hand plane tote replacement #3: My finished product

Looks good as new, probably better!

Thanks for the post

Callum

-- There is no such thing as a mistake....just a design modification Check out my site http://thetimberkid.blogspot.com/

I found it useful….I didn’t know plane handles were called TOTES! Thanks!

-- Tony, Ohio

Super job! Should wear and age very well indeed.

always,
J.C.

-- "Imagination is more important than knowledge" -- Albert Einstein

Hi All,

Didn’t know that either! :-)

I have recently purchased a Stanley # 3 new. It came with a plastic tote and knob. For my needs (I am a hobbyist, a new one at that), it foots the bill perfectly. As a Lumberjock (pardon me for taking the liberty to pin that title on myself), I just can’t stand the plastic knob and tote. Kinda irritating. I have thought of replacing it with a wooden knob and tote that I have made myself. It is the rainy season here in the Philippines, probably the right time to take on a small project like this. One that I can do exclusively inside my small 10’X10’X10’ shop.

Which part of the fabrication process would you say that I have to be extra careful of aside from the drilling of the bore? Nice job just the same.

Rico

-- "Real jocks do it on a bench"

Rico,

I would say that getting the hole for the long retaining screw accurate, is the one aspect that to be careful on. The rest is a matter of shaping with small hand tools like files, rasps and sandpaper. I imagine, if you wanted to get the tight radius at the top and bottom of the tote, you could always take it to the drill press with the appropriate size Forstner bit to take care of those quickly. I used the bandsaw to cut the entire shape out.
You might be able to utilize a spindle sander for some of the shaping. I did not have access to one.
Also from looking at all my other planes, get the grain orientation correct. If not, your likely going to be in the shop sooner making another one.

Another LJ’s member, Dorje, passed on this link which has some good info on tote making. I looked at it after completing most of my rough shaping. Wish I would have seen it sooner.

Have fun. It’s a project well worth the time and effort. It’s not only a way to fix something, but also a great way to personalize your tools!

-- Brian S. --- "A man without tools is just a monkey." -Bob Prothero

Nice work. Now go make some shavings not saw dust! :)

-- Brian (Woodworking n00b)

Yeah, that is an awesome handle! It is a good contrast to the black iron of the plane! You should work on a front knob to set it right off! Great job!! Personalized handles, and knobs make an ordinary piece, an extaordinary piece!!

-- Matt, Houston Texas

Thanks everyone! LOL, go make shavings indeed. You got me there.
I’d love to turn a front knob to match….I’ll have to see if I can find some maple stock thick enough.
It would look cool with the matching wood toe and knob!

-- Brian S. --- "A man without tools is just a monkey." -Bob Prothero