European vrs Japanese Planes query

[Corneel]

Yeah, like I said somewhere above. Even Mitutoyo sais their micrometer is "only" accurate to 4 micron. I think you need to go into a clean room with climate control and all that to really measure shavings to such a thin size.

But still, they are very very thin! And full width! As far as I know noone in the western world has ever come close. One of the secrets of the Japanes plane is the special sole preparation. Maybe you can do that too with a western tool and get close.

 

[Bedrock]

Corneel
Did some more work on the plane yesterday evening. Clearly a lot more difficult to get the sort of results you are achieving than would be the case for a Stanley type plane.
Most of the hardwood Japanese furniture I have seen -V&A-and antiques auctions, has very straight grain, with barely a knot. Is this typical, in your experience?
I'd still be interested to know whether you can achieve these results on a more difficult European hardwood.
It seems to me that these competitions are more about the shavings than what's left behind, which is fine if that's your hobby, but I am interested in the finish left on the timber. Hope you can advise.
Mike

 

[Corneel]

Wait a second! These results are not mine! My humble plane stable contains just a bunch of old Stanleys and western type woodies. My knowledge of Japanese stuff is purely theoretical and apologies if that wasn't clear,

Apart from the well know softwood stuff they do, Japanese woodworkers also work a lot with tropical hardwoods. And surface quality is everything in Japan. Many wooden items are not finished, so the wood surface left after the plane is what it's all about. Their classic style buildings are made with large softwood timbers, which are in plain view inside and not finished, other then meticulousy planed.

Of course, the competitions are just that: competitions. Like the Super G is not about winter travel in mountain forests, allthough they both use skis.