Replies

1. 
   RonK | Feb 11, 2008 02:58am | #1

   Steve Knight makes a panel raiser plane

   http://www.knight-toolworks.com/speciality.htm

    

   Clark and Williams make a panel raiser also:

   http://www.planemaker.com/products.html

2. 
   mwenz | Feb 11, 2008 04:50am | #2

   Hi Dan,

   I saw a (for lack of a better term) mini-panel plane, a molding plane style, at an MJD auction. I lost the bid but used the photo to have Phil Edwards in the UK make me one.

   Here's what we started with from MJD's picture (the one on the left):

   View Image

   Here's what he made:

   View Image

   Works very well. I asked him to make it for me to use on drawer bottoms, small panels and larger boxes. Chris Scwarz had Phil make one for him and it appeared in the last PopWood (along with a miter plane...which I also ordered--and a plane for long-grain sliding DTs):

   View Image

   I do have a nice oldie for larger panels:

   View Image

   Phil will make most any wood plane.
   http://www.phillyplanes.co.uk/home.htm

   Take care, Mike

1. 
   JeffHeath | Feb 11, 2008 05:06am | #3

   Mike

   I read that blurb in PW with great interest, and was waiting for the subject to come up here.  It sounds like the fella in England is making a very functional plane.  How's the fit and feel, and are you pleased.  It sounds like you are, as you ordered a second. 

   Does he have a line of planes like filletsters, side beads, etc... already made, or does he only make them to order? 

   Also, how was the waiting time?  I contacted C & W about replacing my filletster, and was quoted 2 years.  I appreciate your feedback on this, as I really want to get a few planes.  My sidebead planes are very worn, and are not a joy to use.  The boxing is loose, and the profile is worn, etc....just not crisp anymore.

   How's business for you going?  Are you getting caught up yet?

   Take care,

   Jeff

1. 
   mwenz | Feb 11, 2008 06:37am | #4

   Hi Jeff--very pleased. I have two of Phil's planes, waiting for the third.

   As for wait, you would need to contact him. He's getting busier. That would go for styles as well. I believe Chris' blog had something on the miter plane shown in the article.

   I do have plans on ordering some more. I have looked for some good users in a couple profiles to no avail. For instance, a thumbnail plane which cuts from the face and is skewed to handle end-grain cleanly. I will ask Phil to make me a couple sizes. I also have a wonderful Madox ogee I would like a larger size of. For that one, I will probably send my original because sizing isn't purely linear.

   The fit/feel is like any vintage plane...with the exception I get to add the character marks! His irons are well hardened. So yep, pleased as punch.

   Take care, Mikebiz is moving...just not sure we are gaining or loosing ground. The number is growing faster than we can get them out the door. We are taking steps to deal with it, but it seems slow. For the last several months I have been the only person working on custom orders. That's changing and I can see the difference just in these two weeks.

1. 
   JeffHeath | Feb 11, 2008 07:13pm | #5

   Thanks, Mike

   I'm gonna drop him an email and see where it takes me.  A month or two is no big deal.  2 years might as well be 20 years, to me. 

   The issue of quality hand tools is of growing importance to me.  In the last few years, my body has changed, and an intollerance to dust created by power tools is having its effects.  For a guy who makes a living in the shop, this is not a good development.  Wearing a respirator all day long comes with its own set of discomforts, so I try to do as much by hand as possible.   

   Good luck with the never ending expansion of your saw business.  In the near future, I intend to get on your list.  We'll talk about that at another time.

   Thanks for your input,

   Jeff