Beaten to a punch

[Derek Cohen (Perth Oz)]

Hi Philly

As I noted in an earlier post, it seems more natural to hold a shooting plane over the area of the frog, pressing the plane against the runway fence and the blade into the wood. This is how I do it with the LA Jack or LA Smoother or HNT Gordon Try Plane. It has always seemed that a front knob is irrelevant here - that is important for holding the plane flat when pushing with two hands. But a smooting plane is generally pushed with one hand, so it is more helpful to centralise the forces. I assume (since I have not used one) that planes like the Stanley/LN #9 are also used in a non-shooting capacity, hence the knob arrangement. I am sure that the hotdog option did not eventuate by chance. Perhaps Mike can say more about his experience here.

Regards from Perth

Derek

EDIT: Hi Paul, our posts appear to have crossed with the same message.

 

[MikeW]

In use, the #9 isn't the most comfortable plane to use on its side. One holds it much like Phil's, just with what appears to me from Phil's wonderful looking plane, less comfort.

The knob doesn't really come into play unless using a miter jack or donkey's ear. Though the end of my thumb would sometimes ride up against it. The mass of the #9 meant there really is not a lot of tight pressure needed for me to hold onto it, rather the pressure was more to keep it fully against the shoot board and against its edge.

It is a wonderful plane. I regret selling it once in a while. But then, perhaps I will have a go at a Philly Plane...

Take care, Mike

 

[Alf]

But if it was such a successful design (the hotdog) why is it that so many #9s have lost theirs?

Maybe as a grip it was a successful design, but the means to keep it with the plane was an unsuccessful design...? :lol:

Can't recall for certain, but doesn't Rob Cosman practically lay his forearm along the #9 and use the knob that way? :-k Dunno, never warmed to the #9 whenever I've picked one up at a show (worrying, ain't it? :shock: )

Cheers, Alf

 

[Paul Chapman]

I think the provision of additional knobs on planes designed for use on shooting boards may have been an attempt by manufacturers to recognise that some users have small hands and therefore cannot grip the plane around the body. Record used to make the Record T5 Technical Jack Plane which had high side wings and a detachable handle that could be screwed in either side. In "Planecraft" they talk about this plane being particularly useful for schoolboys when learning to plane (ah the Golden Days ). They write: "Boys are quick to appreciate the assistance this handle gives when the plane is used for shooting......" :wink:

Paul

 

[Ian Dalziel]

nice plane Philly, It looks like a possible badger style skew as well, could be the pictures though...very difficult to do and keep the bed flat and even..I do like a skew design for a shooting board. well done

not sure about handle designs, or hot dog handles, a plane is always going to be difficult to hold comfortably when used on its side and you will always naturally try and hold it centrally and close to the blade. never seen a perfect shooting board/mitre plane yet be it wood or metal.

keep it up

I

 

[bugbear]

By the way, the skew mouth is great-such an excellent cut. A good feature that is worth keeping.
Cheers

Nasty, impossible question: how MUCH skew do you think is needed to get the benefit?

I don't like making/designing skew blades, because the bodies end up "weird" and you have to grind away a lot of good steel from the blade.

I would like to design a shooting plane with the minimum amount of skew to reduce start/end "impact" and spelching.

But I don't know how much skew that is :?

Second question - how did you design the plane - skewed blades lead to some interesting maths.

BugBear (who needs to post the scan of the Preston shooting planes)

 

[Anonymous]

Show us a photo of it in use with you gripping it Phil.

Certainly looks nice :wink: