Plane and Simple......

Phil, don’t tease. Your “Pretty Pictures” link isn’t working!

Love the idea of the drawer bottom plane, although I can’t honestly say I’ve ever heard of that kind of specialty plane. Is that a common one in your area?

Might it also work well as a plane for inlaying banding?

Looking forward to seeing those pretty pictures!

-- Ethan, http://www.merganserwoodworks.com, http://greystonegreen.blogspot.com/

Darn – sorted now. Sorry, Ethan.
No, not a common plane but a very handy one!
Cheers
Phil

Phil,
Yes, working now. Much better! :) Does “steamed” translate into “kiln-dried” in Americanese?

What is the purpse of the metal plate in front and back of the iron?

-- Ethan, http://www.merganserwoodworks.com, http://greystonegreen.blogspot.com/

Ethan
Yes it is kiln dried and they also steam the timber during the process, much like black walnut.
The metal plate (or skate) is the sole of the plane. As the groove the plane makes can be quite deep the sole of the plane would prevent it cutting so the skate allows a deeper cut. It is similar to the metal combi planes like the #45 and #50.
Hope this helps
Phil

Awesome work. I love planes. Thanks for sharing.

-- Dave.

I agree with DaveC. Awesome work! Some day when I get time I’m going to try and make a plane like yours. I have bought a few wood planes from a company called http://www.knight-toolworks.com/ check his out. You might get some ideas. Thanks for sharing.

-- " All Things At First Appear Difficult"

Thanks Dave, Roger!
I do have one of Steve Knights smoothers, nice planes and great value.
Cheers
Phil

Roger, There is no try. There is do or do not. Make a plane. Even if it isnt as nice or as good, make it. That way you’ll know what a plane maker has to go through. I took the first step, I bought the steel. I’m wanting to make a smoother, but I’m plane dumb and I’m not sure what kind of wood to use and how long to make it.

But Phil is the man and I’m sure he’ll tell me all the stuff I need to know.

I also don’t have a grinder so I’m patiently waiting

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

Obi
Very kind – here goes!
You need a tough wood, something like beech or maple. Use whatever you have sat around the workshop, just to get the feel of making a plane. A great way to start is to try a “Krenov” style plane. There are some instructions here…..

Hope this helps
Phil