Over the years I have gradually increased my use of hand planes, as well as improved the quality of the tools in my chest. I have added several high quality planes, including a #5 low angle, #6 fore, several shoulder planes, a selection of good block planes, and a few specialty planes. Despite that I remained committed to the Stanley #4 smoother that I flattened, fastidiously sharpened and otherwise tuned.
I’ve never been satisfied with my ability to hand plane a board to finish ready state, despite learning what I think is good technique, understanding grain direction, and keeping my tools razor sharp. The ability to avoid tear out just eluded me.
I’ve been working with walnut lately and enjoy the way it planes, but still had problems with tear out. Today I reached the limit of my patience with the trusty #4, went out and bought a LN #4 1/2 smoother.
Got back to my shop, honed the blade and adjusted the mouth slightly. Wow, I finally get it… laying into that first board was like the clouds parting and a heavenly vision appearing.
Replies
I hear ya, (wood)man, way to go. I recently got the lv la smoother, and know what you mean.
jack
Congratulations!! That's a slippery slope that I haven't ventured onto as yet. I envy those of you who have "figured it out." Sometime next year I plan to take a class and start learning more about planes. It does sound like a lot of fun, but you have to understand that I'm one of those woodworkers who even likes to sand.
i hate sanding (dust), which is one reason i enjoy planes
Now that I have my sander hooked up to a ShopVac through a Dust Deputy dust from it has been drastically reduced. I'm sure if I enjoy sanding that using a plane would be even better and create far less dust.
This year I've concentrated in getting all my power tools bought and in place. Now, for the first time,I can actually process the wood that I bring into my shop. In the next few years my wife and I will be moving and I plan to have space for an actual woodworking work bench where I can learn to use hand tools, especially planes, correctly.
I've been pursuing a pre-finish surface that is just a little better than sanding will get me. On wood like mahogany and walnut it is evident that a plane exceeds what sanding can do.The dust angle is a benefit but I've always had good dust collection and air filtration in my shop so sanding never bothered me. I hear you on getting your shop going, it's a process that is part economics and part just getting things the way you want them. It's like living in a house before you remodel it to see how the light flows, what angles you enjoy, and how you end up using the spaces, which are quite often much different than you expect when you first move in.
I know what you mean. I had the same epiphany when I first ran a piece of curly maple through my new Jet drum sander. I thought to myself, "Wow, I may never pick up another hand plane again."
Peace, brother.
Wow, I finally get it... laying into that first board was like the clouds parting and a heavenly vision appearing.
LOL.. Just wait until you get another board! All will change!
Wow, I finally get it... laying into that first board was like the clouds parting and a heavenly vision appearing.
<chucklin...
and all this time you thought we were just being tool snobs.. ;)
welcome to the dark side...
Mike Wallace
Stay safe....Have fun
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