Mike
31-07-2009, 05:44 PM
As a sort of follow up to discussion elsewhere here on planes (I think it was on the relative merits of electric planes), I thought some of us could do with a few pointers when considering what brands of planes and of what type to buy.
I begin with a clip that speaks of the 'Top Five Planes' in terms of general use. Here is that one first. It's a biggy, so clicking on the link will take you to YouTube. Just close the window on your browser when it's done and you'll be returned here.
YouTube - Woodworking: Intro Five Top Plane Types. How To Select & Use
Next we have a video clip from the owner of the factory that produces my personal favourites, the Lie-Nielsen Toolworks. While watching this one, be careful you don't get lulled off to sleep listening to Tom Lie-Nielsen's voice. Boy, that is one laid back dude. No wonder he produces some great tools. It must take him forever - and he sounds like he couldn't care less. This clip is for those who would like to see how a plane is made. When you look at how labour-intensive it is then it's no wonder they cost a few quid to buy.
YouTube - Inside Lie-Nielsen Toolworks: Come Visit!
And now to what is perhaps the most important thing with respect to any hand tool with a blade or cutting edge - sharpening 'em up. Here is one of the Lie-Nielsen guys demonstrating how best to get a fine, polished, edge on your hand plane blades. This is good advice but it's none too easy seeing what the guy is doing. For some reason, the camera is set up just a bit too far away. There are four clips in this set. They all start the same but the content is different in each.
YouTube - Deneb Puchalski - Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Sharpening Part 1
YouTube - Deneb Puchalski - Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Sharpening Part 2
YouTube - Deneb Puchalski - Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Sharpening Part 3
YouTube - Deneb Puchalski - Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Sharpening Part 4
Hope that will help those of you who are new to boatbuilding or to the proper use of hand planes. Many people overlook the need to keep the back of the blade in as polished a state as the bevel edge. And some blokes I know hardly ever sharpen a blade until it's way beyond being next to useless. Note the fact that you should only need to work a blade back towards you about four or five times on an 8000 grit stone to have the edge you need.
One final word, if I may: the one plane you will treasure most in boatbuilding work is probably going to be the block plane. I have several, some cheap, and some expensive. Provided you set them up well and keep 'em nice and sharp, they will no doubt become your best friends on every boat you ever build, big or small.
Happy sharpening and have fun!
Best wishes
I begin with a clip that speaks of the 'Top Five Planes' in terms of general use. Here is that one first. It's a biggy, so clicking on the link will take you to YouTube. Just close the window on your browser when it's done and you'll be returned here.
YouTube - Woodworking: Intro Five Top Plane Types. How To Select & Use
Next we have a video clip from the owner of the factory that produces my personal favourites, the Lie-Nielsen Toolworks. While watching this one, be careful you don't get lulled off to sleep listening to Tom Lie-Nielsen's voice. Boy, that is one laid back dude. No wonder he produces some great tools. It must take him forever - and he sounds like he couldn't care less. This clip is for those who would like to see how a plane is made. When you look at how labour-intensive it is then it's no wonder they cost a few quid to buy.
YouTube - Inside Lie-Nielsen Toolworks: Come Visit!
And now to what is perhaps the most important thing with respect to any hand tool with a blade or cutting edge - sharpening 'em up. Here is one of the Lie-Nielsen guys demonstrating how best to get a fine, polished, edge on your hand plane blades. This is good advice but it's none too easy seeing what the guy is doing. For some reason, the camera is set up just a bit too far away. There are four clips in this set. They all start the same but the content is different in each.
YouTube - Deneb Puchalski - Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Sharpening Part 1
YouTube - Deneb Puchalski - Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Sharpening Part 2
YouTube - Deneb Puchalski - Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Sharpening Part 3
YouTube - Deneb Puchalski - Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Sharpening Part 4
Hope that will help those of you who are new to boatbuilding or to the proper use of hand planes. Many people overlook the need to keep the back of the blade in as polished a state as the bevel edge. And some blokes I know hardly ever sharpen a blade until it's way beyond being next to useless. Note the fact that you should only need to work a blade back towards you about four or five times on an 8000 grit stone to have the edge you need.
One final word, if I may: the one plane you will treasure most in boatbuilding work is probably going to be the block plane. I have several, some cheap, and some expensive. Provided you set them up well and keep 'em nice and sharp, they will no doubt become your best friends on every boat you ever build, big or small.
Happy sharpening and have fun!
Best wishes