St. James Bay - Shoulder Plane 1-in. Infill
This custom-made infill shoulder plane from St. James Bay features a cast bronze body and cocobolo infill and wedge, and Norris-type blade adjuster.Custom-made by a small company in Mesa, Ariz., this infill plane is cast from bronze and has a cocobolo infill and wedge. The Norris-type blade adjuster fit loosely in the body but still worked well. However, in some situations, the long blade and adjustment knob were right where I wanted my palm to rest. The blade is made from oil-hardened tool steel and really held an edge well when repeatedly punished on some white-oak end grain.
This is one of the heaviest planes I looked at, with consequent advantages and disadvantages. It was tiring to hold for long periods of time, especially with one hand. Conversely, its great heft made it absolutely solid in trimming end-grain shoulders and figured hardwood. Akin to a train, the tool was slow to get moving, but once set in motion, there wasn’t much to slow it down. This plane is finely crafted, aesthetically pleasing, and gave a solid performance.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure
Suizan Japanese Pull Saw
Veritas Wheel Marking Gauge
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