I am interested in making some handplanes and would love any insight on the subject. Books, tips, mistakes, whatever. Thanks for the info.

Bob

Bob,

Last year I made a Krenov-inspired smoother, using David Fink’s instructions in his book Mastering Wood Planes (http://www.davidfinck.com/book.htm). You will find how I went about making it at these two links, and the final two articles at these two. Note: Fixed both links – my bad!

I had a fun time, and learned a LOT about tuning wooden planes. I got the irons from Ron Brese, of Brese Plane fame (http://www.www.breseplane.com/). His irons are typically 1/4-inch thick – no chip-breaker required!

Although I used walnut, I glued a layer of quarter-sawn white oak on the base, to get better durability in use. I believe that Finck’s book is one of the best out there – you will enjoy it!

My next hand plane is a shooting plane – I will probably use Osage Orange for that one.

Bob,

Have you reached a decision point on the hand plane yet? Or books, etc.? It will be very interesting to follow along.

Curious only – not pushing at all

I would also like to see the process, if you don’t mind.

I have often wondered about it…

LOL!

I have decided that I am going to build a plane. I am going to search for the book you recomended locally first. But, in the mean time I have started on making a router plane. I will have some pics soon, hopefully.

Terrific, Bob!

A little router plane is something I have been wanting to do, as they come in so handy. What are you using to guide you in the build? Or are you using your own original design?

I have been looking at some online, but mostly I am going to be using my own guide. Mostly because my plane is to taylor it to fit my hands.

That will be a very nice build, Bob. I look forward to how you arrive at the dimensions to fit *your* hands. And the wood choice, too!

I too would love to see how you are coming along on your venture into handplane making please keep us informed, thanks.

My wood choice is walnut, That was the scrap wood I had around. the way I formed it was to hold the block of wood like I would use it and make some marks. From there I just used some round stock that fit closely to the marks I had and cut from there. The problem I am facing now is how do I want to hold the blade. And, what to use for a blade. I thought about just purchasing a blade off of ebay, but those go for as much as a router plane with a blade. I have been toying with the idea of making one from an old alan wrench, I read about someone doing that somewhere.

Walnut is a great choice of wood, Bob.

The Allen wrench will work fine – a little grinding, and you will be set. But, like you already said, holding it will be the key, as you don’t want it to move while in use.

If you wish, you can include photos as you make progress. Please let me know if you would like to know how to include photos with your posts.

I had forgotten about the wooden router plane that Christopher Schwarz wrote about in 2006. He mentions “…securing the iron with a metal collar…”, but I am not sure what it entails. The good thing about it: it uses an Allen wrench as the cutter. Link: http://www.wkfinetools.com/contrib/cSchwarz/z_art/routPlanes/rPlane1.asp .

You can see some pics here at flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkophotography/

I am using an eye hook to secure the iron. I drilled a hole through and then I made a mortse to accept the eye. Then I should just have to tighten the nut and hope it holds. I glued and screwed the bottom on. I just have to finish my iron and we will see how it works.

I think this router plane will be terrific, Bob! Are you getting any help from the little one? Precious! I may undertake a similar router plane project in the near future.

For the most part I am finished with the router plane. I did endup making my own iron out or an allen wrench. It worked out better then I thought it would. It is also way to big for the plane. But, know that I have made the one, it should be easier to make more. Everything seems to work out quit well. For my first attempt at a plane, I could not be happier. And the little one, Arcadia, helps me out all the time.