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Santa left one of Ron Hock's beautiful Krenov style smoother kits in my stocking last month. I guess that means I was a good boy! Thanks Santa!!! I had been thinking about making one of these for a while now (not necessarily from a kit), and this was a great way to get my feet wet.

The wood is Jarrah - an Australian eucalyptus. Assembly was very straight forward, and after watching the videos on his web site, I dove in. It really IS as easy as he makes it look. It took me a little longer than it does in the video, but I took my time, intent on 'getting it right'. I was a little concerned about filing the mouth correctly, but I must be pretty close, because it works flawlessly.

I did have one question that led me to call Hock Tools, and I can tell you that Ron really does answer the phone. He was happy to answer my question, and it was a pleasure chatting with him for a couple of minutes.

I roughed the shape with a band saw, oscillating spindle sander, and belt sander. Final shaping was done with rasps and sandpaper. It fits my hand well, and cuts like a dream. Final size: 10 3/8" x 2 1/4" x 2 1/4".

I'm still debating whether to put a finish on it, or leave it natural. I'm open to suggestions…

Pics:
1 - side view
2 - oblique view
3 - the heel (Note that a little more material was removed from the upper left side, than from the upper right. That was intentional.)
4 - the mouth
5 - Mom, it followed me home and built a nest. Can I keep it, PLEASE???
6 - Flattening and squaring up the sides of an African mahogany stair rail fitting (bent lamination), in preparation for routing part of the profile. Like butter…

After using this for a couple of days, I know that I will be making more….without the training wheels. :) Next? Maybe a jack, or an 18" - 24" jointer…

Gallery

Comments

· Registered
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1,833 Posts
Great job, looks like it shaves some nice thin slices! I really need to make one of these. I think a finish would be great! Enjoy!
 

· Registered
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9 Posts
I say let the oils from your hands and elbow grease put the finish on it. If you must add a man made finish, I suggest BLO or tung oil.
 

· Registered
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19,753 Posts
A nice plane well done.
 

· Banned
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105 Posts
Sweet Plane. I'll be following your blog when you start the training wheel less version. Thanks for sharing!
 

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270 Posts
Looks like a comfortable plane to use.
 
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