Old Marples or Other Catalog?

[AndyT]

I think the reason for parallel irons costing more is that they needed more grinding than the normal, default tapered irons, but I don't know where I learned that, so it could just be speculation.

I think you are right about parallel irons being a good choice for iron planes.

 

[Andy Kev.]

And don't forget the 10/- note, known as a ten bob note, which also gave rise to the expression "as bent as a nine bob note" for anything of a highly dubious nature (an expression which I still use).

 

[Bm101]

Just out of interest is there a way to support Taths Andy? I feel like like I'd like to do my bit even if it's just a few pennies/groats/ guinnesses / pieces of eight in the scheme of things. If we all pledged a small amount it might do the world of good when taken as one. Anyone fancy being a donor? pound here. pound there. its nothing till you add it up.

 

[D_W]

I think the reason for parallel irons costing more is that they needed more grinding than the normal, default tapered irons, but I don't know where I learned that, so it could just be speculation.

I think you are right about parallel irons being a good choice for iron planes.

Not that we haven't all seen tapered irons in iron planes here or there, or straight irons in wedge planes. My opinion of using a parallel iron with a cap iron, though, is that the plane doesn't adjust (or release the iron) as well, and the wedge can push the cap iron along the iron, whereas the taper prevents the cap iron from moving forward much if the iron is made reasonably accurately.

I would assume the original irons were made tapered because it put the bias in favor of the blacksmith and the planemaker, an iron that was even a little thinner along its length as you got toward the business end would be positively toxic with a cap iron, among other problems.

 

[AndyT]

Just out of interest is there a way to support Taths Andy? I feel like like I'd like to do my bit even if it's just a few pennies/groats/ guinnesses / pieces of eight in the scheme of things. If we all pledged a small amount it might do the world of good when taken as one. Anyone fancy being a donor? pound here. pound there. its nothing till you add it up.

Well, as you ask...
The best thing is to join. Next best is to buy publications from the online shop.
And if you do want to make a donation, there's a PayPal button to do so here

http://taths.org.uk/about/pay-renew-donate

 

[Phil Pascoe]

And don't forget the 10/- note, known as a ten bob note, which also gave rise to the expression "as bent as a nine bob note" for anything of a highly dubious nature (an expression which I still use).

Queer as a nine bob note, where I come from.

 

[Biliphuster]

I bought the Seaton Tool Chest book and was most impressed, buy that and help both of you out.

I had always assumed there was some special reason for tapered irons involving a wedging action resisting being de-set when taking a heavy cut or some such. Interesting to learn that it was mostly just a matter of cost.