Jack Planes....

Hi Folks

One option I offer on my traditional Jack Plane is to have it made as a "Panel Plane". Essentially this means the plane is a large smoother instead of a Jack - see the photo below for the obvious differences. A straight iron instead of cambered and a tight mouth - combine this with a high angle bed and you have a superlative smoothing plane with increased heft and a comfortable handle. The added length of the sole over a smaller smoothing plane can be a benefit if you are smoothing large pieces like a table top.



In other news I was saddened to read this article on fake infills that have been sold on Ebay - if you are ever offered a second hand "Philly Plane" please feel free to contact me to check its authenticity.

Goncalo Alves

Hi Folks

One of the most common questions I get is "why do you offer your planes in Goncalo Alves as an alternative to Beech?". So here's my reasons...

1: It's colour - the timber is an orangey brown when first worked and reminds me a lot of mahogany. Most planks also have some streaks of black through them, giving a striking individual look to each plane. And it darkens with age and exposure to light, giving it a deeper, handsome shade.
2: It's easily available in quartersawn planks. I spend way too much time searching for quality timber and it is especially difficult to find quartered Beech in the UK (which sounds crazy as Beech grows everywhere in these parts). So to be able to get hold of large (12/4) planks of decent quality quartersawn stock is a dream for me - and Goncalo is usually available in this form.
3: The timber is quite waxy. This varies from plank to plank, but I find on the whole Goncalo to be slightly waxy, which is great for a plane. In use I find the sole very quickly achieves a tough, slick patina, which is exactly what you want in a wooden plane.



It has interlocked grain like so many tropical timbers (and Goncalo reminds me of Mahogany a lot) and this varies from plank to plank. Some pieces plane easily, others require a high angle smoother and a fine cut to prevent deep tear-out. But I do enjoy working with it - it takes crisp detail and polishes up a treat.

So to summarise - it's a hard wearing, handsome timber that is perfect for wooden planes. It feels good in the hand, moves slickly over the work and looks good to the eye. What more could you ask for?

Cheers
Philly

New Plane #3

Hi Folks

And here's the last of the three new models - the Snipes Bill.
This is an interesting looking plane with its swoopy, pointed profile. They work hand in hand with moulding planes to start and refine profiles and can also be used to define a gauge line for a rebate plane. The planes come as a matched pair allowing you to work with the grain on any profile (i.e. linenfold panels).
The planes are available to order now on the Phillyplanes website.

New Model #2 - Side Rounds

Hi Folks
So here's the next model - the Side Round. This plane cuts a profile that is a quarter of a circle ( 90 degrees). You're probably thinking "well can't you do that with a moulding plane?". The Side Rounds secret weapon is it can cut right up to the edge of a corner - the side of the plane is vertical. So adding this plane to your arsenal of moulders will allow you to cut a much wider range of profiles.
The planes come as a matched left/right hand pair and are available to order now on the Phillyplanes website!

New Model #1 - Rebate Plane

Hi Folks

Introducing new model #1 - The Rebate Plane

This plane is one that we get asked for a lot so it's about time it made its way onto our list of standard production planes. Perfect for making rebates, trimming shoulders and all of those tasks where you need to get "right into the corner".


We are using a 55 degree pitch with a 4mm thick iron for good performance on a wide range of timbers. The iron is square not skewed as in some planes - this makes the plane much easier to use AND sharpen. To begin we are offering this plane in 1 inch and 1 1/4 inch widths - the price is £140 for either.



The plane will be on the website shortly. In the meantime feel free to contact me directly for more information.

Philly

New Stuff.......

Hi Folks

Got some exciting things cooking in the workshop at the moment. To get things started here's a photo of a "Philly Shave" I just completed in English Yew. I've not used Yew before and it was joy to use, revealing a lovely pattern to its growth rings as I shaped it. And a coat of oil really brought out the strong ornage colour of the wood - beautiful!

Email - I am finally giving up on Outlook and moving over to Googlemail. After yet another PC crash that has corrupted my email folders I am now using phillyplanes@googlemail.com as my main email address - please could you update your address books.

Facebook - yes, Philly Planes has finally got a Facebook page of its own. Please feel free to drop by and leave a comment - I shall endeavour to add lots of photo's and titbits that don't make it to the blog. The address is : www.facebook.com/phillyplanes


Finally, we have three new models to release. These will be up on the website (and premiered here first!) over the next week. Stay tuned - it's going to be a great 2012!!

Philly

Christmas is Coming.....

Hi Folks

Been crazy busy here at Philly Towers - lots or orders coming in and plenty on the go. Some times there really aren't enough hours in the day, but it sure beats being quiet! I realised I haven't updated the blog for a while and the guilt has been weighing me down ;)

I recently was demonstrating at the Harrogate "North Of England Woodworking Show" and shared the bench with woodworking teacher Paul Sellers. It was very enjoyable watching him work - he has a down-to-earth, honest approach to woodworking. No special tools or jigs, just straightforward time-honoured ways to work. I fully recommend you check out his website, especially his blog - he offers hands-on training courses and also books and dvd's.



I am putting the finishing touches on a half set of Hollow and Rounds at the moment - these planes are a blast to use and it's amazing the variety of shapes you can unlease with just a few sets. On my site I offer two sizes to get you started but I can build any size you desire - just email me for more information.



Finally - a chamfer plane made from English Box. This plane is so useful and remarkably easy to use. This is the only one I've made from Box, and it really suits it.

So - back to the bench.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas,

Philly

European Woodworking Show

Hi Folks

This weekend it's time for the European Woodworking Show, without doubt the best woodworking event in the UK (and Europe!). I'll be there showing my wares as well as demonstrating Lie-Nielsen tools so do make sure you pop by the bench and say "hi!".

The show is held in a wonderful setting at Cressing Temple, Braintree, Essex - there are two massive timber frame barns and beautiful surroundings. This is the third year of this show and there are some the best craftsmen and demonstrators from around the world attending - don't miss it!

Cheers

Philly