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This is just a small selection of the pieces I saw on my short visit. So many interesting furniture pieces to see at the V&A in almost all of the galleries. I'd highly recommend a visit.

It was interesting to look around some of the pieces. This one for example that look spectacular from the front But around the back you can see that in a time of hand tools, craftsmen didn't waste effort on making the unseen faces pretty

I was particularly interested in the chairs as I am currently building my first stick chair. I like the delicacy and simple lines of this chair. And the clean lines of this design

I then went up to the furniture hall on the top floor. It is not a huge hall but there is a lot of interesting items to see. A small chest caught my eye. The sides where dovetailed, but the top edge was mitred. To achieve this, the top dovetail peg was mitred. It was neatly done. An old chest...

I had a chance yesterday to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum. I only had a little over an hour before the museum closed, but I really enjoyed the chance to look round. I started in the 1600-1815 Gallery in the basement. There was some lovely furniture there. I particularly liked a dressing...

Shellac is often used as a sanding sealer, but other compounds are also used - for example Cellulose sealers that use a plant based compound. I believe when used as a sanding sealer, you'd tend to dilute the solution more - as you want penetration. Whereas when French polishing you use a more...

Controversal of course, but if you haven't got a band saw, this might be one of those jobs where a handsaw would be the best option. It's my tool of choice for doing rip cuts on large unweildy oak boards. I have a frame saw which is great for this sort of thing, but if you're on a tight budget...

I've been making my own too recently and likewise find a cheap coffee grinder helps a lot. It is easy to do and definitely recommended by me. However, the Smith & Rodgers Shellacs look interesting. I'll have to give them a try (can't stop fiddling)

I think this is key. There are a lot of old saws around. I bought a box full for a fiver. A great resource for learning to sharpen. I'm not great at it, but I am finding that each time I do it I get better. My best so far is a carcass saw I filed with flem for cross cuts. It has really brought...

I like listening to the radio in the workshop too. I recently bought a small DAB radio with bluetooth like this one. Mine also has an internet connect, but it's the DAB and bluetooth that I find most useful. As a Radio 4 listener, having DAB lets me switch to Radio 4 Extra when the current...

@pe2dave The web site has the information you're asking for. This is on the home page: TFSR Cymru aims to improve the lives of African artisans & families by providing them with quality refurbished recycled tools & training. Our charity collects old and unwanted hand tools and sewing machines...

I'd add Tools For Self Reliance Cymru to the suggestions

It looks really good

It looks to me like you are planing into the grain. That is, the grain is rising in the opposite direction to which you are planing. Is Fig2 a test piece? I think you'll get a better cut if you try the opposite side as then the plane will be cutting in the direction the grain is rising.

I tried using a 78 as a scrub plane before I got my ECE. It's may well be me, but I couldn't get the 78's to grip the blade firmly enough. I've got a couple of 78s and I don't use them - there are other planes that I find easier to use to cut rebates etc. (and yes - I have too many planes)

I agree - Stanley 40 aren't regulars on the market here and when they do appear seem to be expensive. My experience is that a new ECE is cheaper than any secondhand Stanley 40 that I've seen. And the ECE works fine for me.

Thank you - I was not aware of Josh Burrell. Really interesting tools there. Definitely more to add to the wish list.

I've just re-read your original posting. I note you have planed at 45degs. I'd keep at that until you've got everything roughly flat.

Agree with this. My ECE scrub plane is excellent for stuff like this.

Have you tried planing across the grain? I'd suggest trying it with the No.4 smoothing plane to start with (shorter sole). Plane diagonally (45degs) and work your way down the board. Then use a straight edge (as you say anything will do - long spirit level would be fine - but the longer the...