Good day.
I am new to woodworking but, I hope, making good progress.
I made my first plane, a shoulder plane, and am getting good results cutting with the grain. However, as soon as I cut across the grain the cut quality goes way down hill, and it does not at all make a cut across the end grain.
Some details on the plane:
a 3/4″ iron from lie nielsen kept very sharp (bedded at 18 degrees, so about 45 degrees
THe mouth opening is too large.
the body is oak. (not sure what type ( it’s the hardest wood I had available- is that ok – it feels to be too light for a plane (and I am just assuming it will wear too quickly – that’s ok, the first plane-almost a test run)
I surprised myself with a really excellent wedge fit. The adjustment were no longer confusing after only about ten minutes .The sole is very close but not perfectly flat (I can adjust the depth of the cut by pressing down harder on different parts of the plane – is that Known to be be helfpful or just bad craftsmanship)
Anyway, that last paragraph is basically saying I didn’t do too bad of a job on the plane construction and with my only other plane (bailey #4) I’ve had many hours so far of practice and can cut a tight perpendicular across the end grain with it. I say this because I don’t believe I’m misusing my new plane too badly not to get even a bad cut.
oh yes. so my question is, why? ( I know maybe the angle might not be right, but, like the article says – my next shoulder i make will be at 60 degrees and I ecpect that to cut as well (gordon)
Oh yes, one more question – my #4 is convex in the sole and my boards usually end with a slight concavity. (without very annoying touch up work) – can this be due straight from the tool or must I work on technique?
Thanks so much for the trouble. Adam Streu
Edited 12/6/2007 2:09 am ET by Adamstr
Edited 12/6/2007 2:15 am ET by Adamstr
Replies
You made an all wood shoulder plane? I've never seen one and a quick search didn't turn up one. Off hand it would be hard to make an all wood shoulder plane the thin, cut away, body would lack strength. Could you send me a picture of the one you made or a link to an article on one?
John White
Ill try the picture but I'll have to figure out how and with what.
I have no article but, essentially, it models the gordon plane but at a lower angle.
The plane is made of three peices like the bench planes from your (tauntons) hand plane book. The middle section (the angles) being 3/8" thick giving 3/16 to both sides. Also, a small groove to both sides where they meet the iron was channeled for iron adjustments. I made the front cut out way to large. It took much needed strenth from the front piece, which is why I am able to adjust the cutting depth by pressing down on different parts of the body.
anyway. I thank you for your quick response - this is fun! I think that with a smaller front cut out and perhaps a harder wood and the plane would be strong enough, though what do I know. Im excited about posting a picture becaue I was happy with my first project and it looked really great before the hand oil of use dirtied it.
Adam
What do you think johnww?
Thanks to my friend adam for getting these online.
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