I am not absolutely sure what has happened to me since joining this forum. Very much a Normite, always thought this is the only way to go – I only came here originally looking for information on a SCMS (still not bought one – quality issues vs. price). I also had the idea of buying a jig for dovetails.
During a visit to the Hand Tool section asked a question relating to purchase of new chisels on a limited budget. Loads of replies helped me spend twice my budget – ByronBlack the ringleader here
– did end up with a very nice set of 2 Cherries though
Next I was fortunate enough :shock: to be loaned a couple of DVD’s from a friend in the USA featuring Frank Klaus using hand tools and another Mario Rodrequez (?) on using hand planes. I was amazed at both videos – the speed and accuracy of Mr Klaus and the demo of using hand planes for cutting dado and tongue and groove (looked to be quicker than setting up router for one off jobs). Since then I have purchased Rob Cosmans dovetail DVD. The penny was now beginning to drop with me – with some (a lot!) practice and the right hand tools I could possibly do the jobs that I thought needed to be undertaken by machine. :idea: Maybe slower, but certainly safer/quieter and without the need for so many jigs to be made!
Then I started to look at planes and visited Alf’s web site, found the articles on Combi Planes, read them and watched the demos. Alf’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject had the effect of making me want to buy one.
On Good Friday after a rather good meal and copious quantities of a nice Rioja I had a look on Ebay, mainly for a jointer plane, and spotted an old Record 050. Just a short time till end of auction, fuelled by the wine I made a bid and to my surprise won by a whisker (well 40p to be exact!). I knew that this was quite an old plane and my intention was to clean it up as best I could to look like a new plane. On Easter Sunday I arranged to collect the item from the seller. My meeting with the seller a gentleman (in the truest sense) in his 70’s changed my view. It appears that the plane had been in the possession of his father for many years, after his death his mother had kept it in store. The plane passed to the current owner on his mother’s death and he having no interest in woodwork had just left it in store – finally deciding to get rid of some old things to feed his interest in golf. Driving back home with my new purchase I had time to reflect on my conversation with this “gent” – my view on cleaning it up to look like new (or as near as possible) changed. I did not confirm this with the seller but I would like to believe that this plane was owned by a keen craftsman – in my opinion although obviously used and showing signs of aging it appears to have been well cared for. I know think that to try and clean it up to near to new state would be somehow disrespectful to the original owner – does this make sense to anyone?
Finally I get to the main point of this post !! The plane unfortunately has 2 parts missing – the seller was only aware of 1 missing blade for cutting tongues, but I also found that one of the spurs and holding screw was missing. Does anyone know of a source for these missing parts or have them and be prepared to sell them. Thought a picture might help to show what I have got and the part referred to.
The Kit
The spur & screw missing from other side
The missing blade
Last thing, I have once again visited Ebay and got a Stanley No 7 (thanks to all that offered advice). I am sure that I will have some questions to ask about this when I receive it but you will be relieved to know that as far as I am aware its history is unknown.
I am aware this has turned into a rather long post – if I have “gone on” too much Moderators please advise.
Cheers
Tony :shock:
During a visit to the Hand Tool section asked a question relating to purchase of new chisels on a limited budget. Loads of replies helped me spend twice my budget – ByronBlack the ringleader here
– did end up with a very nice set of 2 Cherries though Next I was fortunate enough :shock: to be loaned a couple of DVD’s from a friend in the USA featuring Frank Klaus using hand tools and another Mario Rodrequez (?) on using hand planes. I was amazed at both videos – the speed and accuracy of Mr Klaus and the demo of using hand planes for cutting dado and tongue and groove (looked to be quicker than setting up router for one off jobs). Since then I have purchased Rob Cosmans dovetail DVD. The penny was now beginning to drop with me – with some (a lot!) practice and the right hand tools I could possibly do the jobs that I thought needed to be undertaken by machine. :idea: Maybe slower, but certainly safer/quieter and without the need for so many jigs to be made!
Then I started to look at planes and visited Alf’s web site, found the articles on Combi Planes, read them and watched the demos. Alf’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject had the effect of making me want to buy one.
On Good Friday after a rather good meal and copious quantities of a nice Rioja I had a look on Ebay, mainly for a jointer plane, and spotted an old Record 050. Just a short time till end of auction, fuelled by the wine I made a bid and to my surprise won by a whisker (well 40p to be exact!). I knew that this was quite an old plane and my intention was to clean it up as best I could to look like a new plane. On Easter Sunday I arranged to collect the item from the seller. My meeting with the seller a gentleman (in the truest sense) in his 70’s changed my view. It appears that the plane had been in the possession of his father for many years, after his death his mother had kept it in store. The plane passed to the current owner on his mother’s death and he having no interest in woodwork had just left it in store – finally deciding to get rid of some old things to feed his interest in golf. Driving back home with my new purchase I had time to reflect on my conversation with this “gent” – my view on cleaning it up to look like new (or as near as possible) changed. I did not confirm this with the seller but I would like to believe that this plane was owned by a keen craftsman – in my opinion although obviously used and showing signs of aging it appears to have been well cared for. I know think that to try and clean it up to near to new state would be somehow disrespectful to the original owner – does this make sense to anyone?
Finally I get to the main point of this post !! The plane unfortunately has 2 parts missing – the seller was only aware of 1 missing blade for cutting tongues, but I also found that one of the spurs and holding screw was missing. Does anyone know of a source for these missing parts or have them and be prepared to sell them. Thought a picture might help to show what I have got and the part referred to.
The Kit
The spur & screw missing from other side
The missing blade
Last thing, I have once again visited Ebay and got a Stanley No 7 (thanks to all that offered advice). I am sure that I will have some questions to ask about this when I receive it but you will be relieved to know that as far as I am aware its history is unknown.
I am aware this has turned into a rather long post – if I have “gone on” too much Moderators please advise.
Cheers
Tony :shock:
