Okay, I know that it's been a while since I updated you on the progress on my smoother. I've ground the blade to a shorter angle which works much better. I installed the wedge, set the blade with light taps, then secured the wedge and blade with one knock to the top of the wedge. … Continue reading Making a Lignum Vitae Smoother (Plane), Part V
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Passion Is…
Passion is waking up because you're excited to start work. Passion is monitoring the industry trends and woodworking forums daily. Passion is missing the bus because you got caught up in reading a magazine. Passion is looking at trees and seeing potential in furniture form. Passion is always thinking about projects and figuring out how … Continue reading Passion Is…
Ah, Relativity
Six years ago, I made my first big woodworking purchase. By big, I mean over $100 - in fact, it was my first purchase over $65 (a circular saw). This expense was a brand-new, $300 table saw, nearly as expensive as all the tools I'd purchased together to that point. Gradually, the cost of the … Continue reading Ah, Relativity
Making a Lignum Vitae Smoother (Plane), Part IV
Today, I finally got back to working on my plane. I started by turning a dowel from lignum vitae. I cut out the billet (blank) from the straightest-grained stock I had available, then turned it round on the lathe. It ended up being 11/32" diameter. Then, I located a good position for the pin in … Continue reading Making a Lignum Vitae Smoother (Plane), Part IV
Making a Lignum Vitae Smoother (Plane), Part III
Well, I spent another few hours in the shop yesterday on the smoother and got a lot done. I am very happy with how it is coming.I started by fitting the blade. I wanted a good fit between the blade and sidewalls - not so tight that I'd have to strike the blade to get … Continue reading Making a Lignum Vitae Smoother (Plane), Part III
Making a Lignum Vitae Smoother (Plane), Part II
Today I trued up the body. I have never before been so glad to have my power jointer. I moved the fence all the way back to use the less-used blades and was rewarded with a much smoother cut. But it still required a little cleanup. I trued up the body with the table saw … Continue reading Making a Lignum Vitae Smoother (Plane), Part II
Making a Lignum Vitae Smoother (Plane), Part I
I have never worked with Lignum Vitae before, but have read about it and talked to other woodworkers who have. Nothing could have prepared me for actually working with it though. Let me tell you, it lives up to its nickname of Ironwood. I am building a smoother plane and started with a 4" wide … Continue reading Making a Lignum Vitae Smoother (Plane), Part I
My Current Position
This post was inspired by an e-mail I received from Ed, complimenting me on this website I maintain. He is impressed with my "passion for woodworking" and reflected on how he wishes that he had followed his dream of woodworking earlier on, as I have. So thank you, Ed, for the e-mail. The biggest recent … Continue reading My Current Position
The Problem with Hand Planes Today
Hand planes can be divided several ways. One of the more common ways is by length. There are of course block planes, which are the shortest, at around 6-7". Then come smooth planes, which typically measure 9-10". They are followed by jack (fore) planes at 14-15" and finally jointer (try) planes which are about 18-22" … Continue reading The Problem with Hand Planes Today
Sharpening a Card Scraper
Of all the techniques related to woodworking, this sharpening a card scraper tends to generate the most interest. This is my method: Remove the old burr if necessary by rubbing the face of the scraper on a stone. I use my diamond stone as not to scar my water stones. Clamp the scraper in a … Continue reading Sharpening a Card Scraper
