Hollows and Rounds and Show News

Hi Folks

Got some pretty photo's of the recent Hollow and Round planes I've been building. I've really enjoyed building them - its a pleasure to work with Beech again.

I will be introducing two sizes of H+R's as a standard stock item soon - stay tuned for more details!

Other news - Show season is almost upon us. I will be at Yandles Woodworking show in Somerset on the third and fouth of April so do come by and say "Hello" if you are attending. I'll also be at the WL West show on eighth and ninth of May. After that we get to the larger events - more details on y website.

Cheers

Philly

Guitar Update

Hi Folks

Now some of you may remember that I used to do some woodworking back before I got caught up in making planes. And that I started an acoustic guitar project about a year ago? Well I came over a bit strange on the weekend and actually made a little progress....

The guitar is based on a Weissenborn slide guitar and has a hollow neck - the body goes all the way to the headstock. I had made the front, back, sides and fingerboard and was approaching the point where I glued it all together. So this weekend I made a start. Both side pieces are now glued in place and it looks like a guitar now, instead of a guitar kit ;)

Can't promise when I 'll have another update, but it is very satisfying to see the guitar take on a 3D shape :)

Cheers

Philly

P.S. I'm still trying to contact Folks who have ordered planes in the month of February - please get in touch if you have!

Computer Woes.........

Hi Folks
Been having problems in the computer department (cue pulling of hair, gnashing of teeth, etc...). My main hard drive has stopped responding (and yes, its only about three months old) so I cannot access certain emails, etc.
If you have placed an order for a plane by email in the last month please send me a reminder email so I have your address.
Cheers
Philly

Krenov Plane

Hi Folks
I've been collaborating with British Woodworking magazine on a project (yes, involving planes!). Here's a little pic - a somewhat familiar looking plane.
This one is made from a piece of Apple I've been hoarding for a few years. Sadly, upon breaking the plank down into smaller pieces I discovered it was full of worm :( Still, had enough for one plane. As you can see from the pic it has wonderful depth to it and lots of fine figuring.
I can totally understand why Krenov talks about fruitwoods so much in his books. I want more!!!
Cheers
Philly

Dunked!

Hi Folks
Took some more pics of the smoothing plane today - what do you think of the sapwood? Thumbs up or down?? I kinda like the way it echoes the colour of the brass. Bulb blew on my "studio light" so I'll take some better ones once I get a replacement.

Next, as promised, visual evidence on my haircut. No, there's none hiding on the back out of sight - I really do have a "sensible" haircut. What is the world coming to.............. ;)


And finally, todays big excitement. We have a large fishpond in the back garden with 18 Koi carp. Shopcat is very interested in said fish, especially around feeding time. I glanced out the workshop window and saw the cat excitedly trying hook some lunch. I ran outside to shoo her away and she had disappeared. Luckily I checked in the pond - one wet and scared little cat clinging to the underside of the bird nets! I hauled her out and dried her off, but she stank! So off for a cat bath........my forearms are scratched to hell!! She's spent some time drying off and sleeping under the radiator and is a little happier now. Hopefully she's learned her lesson - dont mess with the Koi!

Cheers

Philly

Smooth As A........

Hi Folks
Been busy in the workshop again - the hollows and rounds I'm making are coming along nicely (I'm at the boring "metalwork" part at the moment) and I've also made another brass soled smoother. I love how the extra weight of the brass makes this plane a dream to use - you just push the thing forward and let its own weight hold it on the work. And it took wonderful fine shavings first time I tested it - a good sign :)
I used Pau Rosa for the timber - its a very hard, tight grained timber (and called "Pau Rosa" by the Portuguese - literally "rose wood") and I left a little of the sapwood on the upper rear surface. I'll put some better pictures up tomorrow for you to see - I'd be interested in your opinions on the use of sapwood.

Other news - the Philly hair has officially been cut, big time. I'm still a little in shock, so you'll have to wait 'til tomorrow for a picture, but I now look vaguely normal. You've been warned......... ;)
Cheers
Philly

Aurious Rasps

Hi Folks
When woodworkers talk rasps one name goes straight to the top of the pile - Auriou. These tools are hand made, literally one tooth at a time, in France. Michel Auriou (whose family has made rasps for three generations) and his small team of craftsmen, make these wonderful tools using unique methods refined over 150 years of toolmaking.
There are a few different brands of rasps on the market, some "hand made", but it only takes a few strokes with an Auriou rasp to immediately see (and feel) the difference. They cut fast with good feedback, but leave a smooth surface which is easily refined. I have used them for years in my workshop and would not be without them. They may be a bit pricey, but the short discomfort when purchasing is soon forgotten with the years of pleasure they will give.
I have met Michel quite a few times over the last year (and we travelled together to the Woodworking In America conference last Novemeber) and have great respect for his skills. I was therefore very pleased to be asked if I would offer some of his rasps for sale on my website. So please take a moment to browse my new "Auriou Page" on the Philly Planes website.
Go on - you know you're worth it ;)
Cheers
Philly

New Floor

Hi Folks
Had a busy weekend fitting the new oak floor in out kitchen. I used a new method to lay it using a material called "Elastilon". It is basically a foam underlay but with an adhesive on one side. As you lay the planks you pull the backer sheet off the adhesive and it sticks to the planks. This keeps the planks tight together but allows for expansion and contraction due to the flexible nature of the foam. Hopefully it will be a good long-term solution.
The oak looks fantastic (apologies for the washed out flash photography!) and has completely transformed the room. Just need to finish the tiling and a little paintwork and the Wife can moan at me about the next item on my list....... ;)

The Hollows and Rounds I'm working on are coming along quite nicely. I have two pairs almost ready for their irons and look forward to another day working with a blond timber - so nice not to have "black hands" at the end of the day :)

Cheers

Philly