A few months ago on ebay, I picked up a couple planes. I’m a “power tool guy” (and frankly, what I see you guys do with hand tools looks like black magic to me!), but I figured I should see what all the fuss is about. Having never used a SHARP plane before, I was certain I didn’t need them!
In the intervening months, I quit my job, moved to another state, and—perhaps most importantly—acquired a honing guide and a working knowledge of Scary Sharp.
The first plane is a Stanley Bailey #4 in pretty good shape. I spent the late afternoon today flattening its (almost flat) sole plate and sharpening the blade. Now, it cuts like butter. I can already see myself reaching for this instead of firing up a power tool (occasionally).
The second plane is a tiny block plane just 3 and 5/8” long. I had assumed that it was just some cheapie, but when I tried to flatten the sole I found the steel to be a bit stronger than I expected. Once tuned, this little plane cut like butter and its fits in my pocket.
Anybody know anything about this little number? The only marking is a cast “FJ” under the frog. The iron is 1” wide.
-- Laziness - Apathy = Efficiency
4 comments so far
chuck24
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9 posts in 152 days
posted 125 days ago
I have always been a “power guy” as well, I want to try and incorporate some hand planes into my stuff as well. Jusat cant justify the money right now. It always looks fun to me when I watch the videos of guys using them. so let meknow if its the same in real life.
FlWoodRat
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575 posts in 787 days
posted 124 days ago
Thiel,
Looks to me like a ‘Model Maker’s” or “Violin Maker’s’ style plane. Nice find.
Rat
-- I love the smell of sawdust in the morning....
Craftsman on the lake
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768 posts in 315 days
posted 124 days ago
First time I spent time cleaning up a #6 and getting it just right I put a pine board in the vise and took a shaving. About 2 inches of pine board gone later I thought…. boy this is slick but I’ve got to stop planing this board for nothing. It just felt so satisfying to make shavings.
-- The smell of wood, coffee in the cup, the wife let's me do my thing, the lake is peaceful. http://web.me.com/deceiver6/Deceiver/Craftsman_on_the_lake/Craftsman_on_the_lake.html
Russel
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2030 posts in 817 days
posted 124 days ago
For those of us who use power tools, hand tools are a bit of a curiosity. However, after watching Roy Underhill for a while I, too, started to wonder what all the fuss was about. It’s quite interesting and satisfying. At the moment, I’m still working on the patience to really develop any skill.
Enjoy your adventure into the world without electricity.
-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.