My Veritas #4 is currently my favourite plane, but since acquiring a Stanley #6, I’ve realized that the angle of the tote left something to be desired. So I found a nice piece of Pacific dogwood and fashioned a handle. In doing so, I realized that Veritas bench planes are among the hardest planes to make a tote for because there are angled, routed recesses at each end. I opted to cut the recesses by hand with bench and carving chisels, test fitting frequently. It worked out well, but took a while. I shaped the handle with rasps, then refined the surface with scrapers. I applied a oil/varnish blend to enhance the colours.
But there was no way I could leave the bubinga knob on the front, with a dogwood tote on the back. So I turned a knob to match. How’s this for unique?
Replies
Nice job Chris! Wonderful example.
I've done this for BU planes and understand the complications.
Regards from Perth
Derek
It works better now!
At least I want to think that it works better. The tote is certainly more comfortable now. The knob is a replica, and I impressed myself with how closely I was able to reproduce it.
This dogwood is certainly not your run-of-the-mill dogwood. I'm not sure if it makes a difference, but it's from the West coast. What would make a difference though, is the age of the tree (this tree was upwards of 2' diameter) and exhibits spalting, which caused the lighter streakings. For those not in the know, most commercially dogwood has a very consistent soft maple-ish colour.
Next up will be converting my Stanley #6 into a Flanley #9 (Flair + Stanley, and 50% better than a #6). I find the Stanley's tote too small for even my smallish hands - they cramp up after using for a short period of time.
Mmmmm, looks like Jamocha Almond Fudge. Tasty. ;-)
RE: Jamocha Almond Fudge
Jamaican me hungry.
Chris:
Look for the package in the mail as I'll be sending my Veritas #4 for modification, as soon as I get it.
Beautiful job, great looking plane.
Jim
Send me your plane and I'll make new handles for it
... just don't send me your #4 because I already have one. I don't have a #8 though.
Thanks for the comments Jim. It feels great in the hand.
Handles for a new #8 might take a couple of years to make, right? ;-)
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