Aled's Plane Kit WIP - Finished

[dannykaye]

Nice work Jim, can't wait to see it finished.

What you said about new files is so true, I don't understand people that use blunt files. Files are cutting tools, and therefore will, by default, get blunt with use. Nobody in their right mind would use the same blunt plane for years on end, so why do it with files??? A good, sharp file is a pleasure to use, a blunt file isn't!!!

Sorry, rant over.

Cheers

Aled

I used to work with a watchmaker, most precise man I ever met, he was a fellow of the chemists because of what he did for a hobby. One day he snapped a watchmakers file and said "that always happens when you have worn enough of the teeth off for it to be useable"

Danny

 

[Aled Dafis]

I am all there but the final finishing....

Guys this is a NICE plane. :shock:

I honed the blade to that scary stage even used some new Micromesh in honour of the occasion...it shaves like a cut-throat now.

I love the weight...it is really deceptively heavy...but the balance is perfect...it fits perfectly in my hand and the added design bit with the back tab on the wedge allows me to simply flip it off with my thumb...I like that!

I haven't had time tonight to try it on end grain but I will tomorrow before I have to go back to work again...

I decided not to polish but to cut with abrasive pads....almost to the white one and that gives a nice satin sheen which does not show fingerprints.

I quite like the rings around the rivets when polished...(well I have to excuse my useless peining SOMEHOW)....

It was not an easy project by any definition but if you follow the steps closely and take your time (I didn't quite do this!) then it is achieveable....

Thanks again Aled...I SHALL be picking it up A LOT!!

Jim

Nice work Jim. I quite like the "design opportunity" you arrived at there, the little rings around each rivet actually look quit enice.

Unfortunately, the problem with the internet is that people can't hold/fondle these planes, as you said this plane is surprisingly hefty for such a small tool, I'm sure that you'll find yourself using it far more often than you expected. It's such a nice tool, that almost everyone that has held one has said how good it feels in the hand.

I can also sense the excitement/pride in your posts, it really feels great to have made a tool that you'll use for years to come, there's a little bit of you in that plane, and I hope that it will be passed down the generations for others to use and cherish as well.

Cheers

Aled

 

[jimi43]

Nice work Jim. I quite like the "design opportunity" you arrived at there, the little rings around each rivet actually look quit enice.

HA! You are really too kind there Aled...the words I would have used would have been...."you need to hit the rivet harder you wimpy git!" but then I am very self-critical! If you could guarantee the symmetry of the rings I might agree with you but that was just "luck"...the other side has only one like that and three near perfect ones...hence the side photographed!!

I am going to work on that additional refinement this week...I want to put a skirted knob below the blade at the back to wind her in and out...I think this would work....any reason why not? I would hate to screw it up now (no pun intended!)

Jim

 

[jimi43]

Needed a box Aled...this old Manakin box will do for now...with a bit of leather and padding...

Some more Button Polish and we are done....


Jim

 

[lurker]

Very Nice Jim

Much better than mine!

As you say, its a lovely size & balance

When my kit arrived I was a little disappointed that it was "so small" but actually I now know its exactly the right size.

I do however have one very serious complaint - Aled is taking far too long in releasing further kits.

 

[bugbear]

I can also sense the excitement/pride in your posts, it really feels great to have made a tool that you'll use for years to come, there's a little bit of you in that plane, and I hope that it will be passed down the generations for others to use and cherish as well.

Cheers

Aled

Aled - looking around "other makers" it seems that your DT's are a good deal steeper than anyone else's. Is there a reason for this?

BugBear

 

[LuptonM]

I've just found this thread and was wondering if a slightly larger shoulder plane kit available, though wouldn't mind the smaller one either way

I have to say that them metal dovetails look damn hard to do (can I get the pdf instructions so I can have a look see), though I think that u might be able to cheat on one half of them and use a similar set up as u would with a shooting board if u wanted 45 degree edges on wood but u would use a square block of wood with sandpaper on it rather then a plane

Oh and how much does it cost for a replacement steel base if u mess up?

 

[jimi43]

I think Lupton that you will find that if you take it slowly...the dovetails are relatively easy but three tips:

1) Get a really good hacksaw blade...not a cheap one...fine tpi

2) Get new files...again Swiss or equivalent ones...they are essential over used or cheap ones.

3) Measure...check...measure again...check again...measu........ :mrgreen:

I said when I last posted ages ago that I would use this plane a lot and indeed, I have. I use it every time I restore almost anything, from planes to furniture...a wonderful size, quality and overall brilliant bit of kit!

Jim