Replies

1. 
   pzgren | May 01, 2006 07:15pm | #1

   Malcolm,

     Don't know that I would quite classify the previous version as a "failure".... I thought it was quite a nice looking plane with comfortable-looking contours.

     Anyway, a very interesting alteration to your design. The tote looks somewhat like a scorpion's tail, so perhaps you could call this model "the Scorpion"...

     Regardless, it has a very sporty look to it. And, most importantly, it sounds like it works the way you want it to....

   Cheers!

   James

1. 
   Malcolm | May 02, 2006 12:07am | #2

   Considering the investment in these tools, James, if they're not the automatic first choice when you reach for a plane, then they fail, in my view! The Mack Truck version looked OK, and did the job well, but was a bit heavy for the grip ... a bit too 'hard work' to pick up.

   With a tote and a drop front, it's fun to use, and will be a tool of choice in my shop.

   Malcolm

   http://www.macpherson.co.nz

   Edited 5/1/2006 5:07 pm ET by Malcolm

1. 
   derekcohen | May 02, 2006 03:54pm | #3

   Hi Malcom

   I like the tote. It looks very functional, very business like. What I want to know is how you hold the plane - where do you place your front hand?

   Regards from Perth

   Derek

1. 
   Malcolm | May 03, 2006 04:00am | #4

   First, this was designed as a single-handed plane, Derek. One could argue that a front grip is unnecessary.

   However, I like a 2-handed grip, even with my little Bristol Design thumb plane. So ... left hand naturally sits on top of the sculpted lever cap screw, with the thumb hooked behind, and the fingers resting on the short drop nose and guiding the cut. It is surprisingly comfortable.

   The next version will be Deco-inspired, and I'm noodling with a front bun that is Deco-ish. The barrel-shaped handle used on my concept plane is one solution, and I'm also wondering about a horn that reflects the shape of the rear tote. Might look a bit like an angry Rhino, however! Perhaps I'm avoiding the obvious - a big balloon knob!

   Malcolm

    http://www.macpherson.co.nz

2. 
   AndyE | May 03, 2006 06:48pm | #5

   I think you got it right with the photo labels. Looks alot like a cat to me. Tail in the air. Aloof.

   Any way you can get the shavings to exit behind the tote?

   Andy

   "It seemed like a good idea at the time"

1. 
   Malcolm | May 04, 2006 12:14pm | #6

   > Any way you can get the shavings to exit behind the tote? <

   Ha! Well done. Meercat, I thought. Shavings curling out of the front do look a bit like whiskers.

   Malcolmhttp://www.macpherson.co.nz