Which is at fault

[AndyT]

Well, I think that's a good idea - the modern version of the tool I meant - though actually I think a rounding plane from them would be better, if you could afford one for each size http://www.ashemcrafts.com/products_rotary_planes.aspx - £72 each +p&p.

 

[xy mosian]

These http://www.japanwoodworker.com/Product/ ... Plane.aspx are not only less pricey, if you forget the Atlantic problem, but show just how simple they are.
Of course the snag is getting the right size, I would bet a shiny shilling that the 3/4" would be too big.
The tapering device I made for my windsor chair legs was basically the same except for the use of a plane iron.
Saves having to produce/find a blade, although a spokeshave blade would probably work just as well.
With a sharp 'exit' corner to the blade, a gentle, scratched line is left which might not be a problem, in this use, a radius to the corner would ease that.
xy

 

[AndyT]

Or just to cover all options, the commoner English style from Ray Iles http://www.oldtoolstore.co.uk/ - look under Rounding Planes.

Edit: Also have a look at this thread which shows that pattern and an interesting variant, very easily made from any really knackered old wooden jack plane

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/a-new-bristol-design-of-rounder-t82693.html

 

[Andy Kev.]

Or just to cover all options, the commoner English style from Ray Iles http://www.oldtoolstore.co.uk/ - look under Rounding Planes.

Edit: Also have a look at this thread which shows that pattern and an interesting variant, very easily made from any really knackered old wooden jack plane

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/a-new-bristol-design-of-rounder-t82693.html

Do you have an opinion as to which is the better tool: the Isles or the Ashem?

I ask because there is a huge difference in price.

 

[Sheffield Tony]

I have always wondered why these wooden rounders are not made with a skewed iron. So that the cutting action is like using a flat or skew chisel on the pole lathe, the centre part of the edge does the cutting, but the corners are clear of the workpiece. I would have expected it to produce a better finish as it is effectively cross-grain cuttting ?

 

[AndyT]

Or just to cover all options, the commoner English style from Ray Iles http://www.oldtoolstore.co.uk/ - look under Rounding Planes.

Edit: Also have a look at this thread which shows that pattern and an interesting variant, very easily made from any really knackered old wooden jack plane

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/a-new-bristol-design-of-rounder-t82693.html

Do you have an opinion as to which is the better tool: the Isles or the Ashem?

I ask because there is a huge difference in price.

Not really. I don't own any of either. I did use some Ashem rounders on a green woodworking course and they were nicely automatic.
But I've been ok with a homemade one in similar trad style to the Iles, or with a bought adjustable one for the little amount of threaded stuff I've made.

 

[AndyT]

I have always wondered why these wooden rounders are not made with a skewed iron. So that the cutting action is like using a flat or skew chisel on the pole lathe, the centre part of the edge does the cutting, but the corners are clear of the workpiece. I would have expected it to produce a better finish as it is effectively cross-grain cuttting ?

I thought the same when I made one. I used a metal spokeshave blade and put a heavy camber on it, which gave the same effect.

Like many apparently simple tools there are subtleties to get right.

 

[xy mosian]

Veritas agree with you Andy. Here :- http://www.veritastools.com/Products/Page.aspx?p=151 they offer both straight edged and cambered blades.
xy

 

[Jacob]

If the dowel doesn't fit it's the wrong size for the tool.
It's easy to reduce the diameter - just drop the dowel into a bit of a jig and use a plane.

 

[Dovetaildave]

When I used to restore furniture I made my own dowels by hammering oak pegs through (a dowel plate?) a flat piece of steel with incrementally sized holes that I had pillar-drilled through it.
It produced best results if the pegs were split from a larger piece as it reduced the amount that broke.

I'm sure someone could find and paste a link from Sir Roys TV show, he must have done it. :wink:


Good luck regards,
Dave