Chamfers

Hi Folks
If you have lots of chamfers to make, and you want them consistent and clean, then you need a Chamfer Plane!
Since it's introduction back at the end of 2009 it has been one of our most popular models. This one is a customised version - made from Bubinga it is an additional two inches longer at the customers request. It works like a dream and I'm really taken with Bubinga - I can see more planes being made from this wonderful timber in the near future.

Cheers
Philly

Chipbreakers

Hi Folks
Had the pleasure of a phone call from David Charlesworth today. As most of you probably know, David is a leading woodwork teacher and at the forefront of tool use and techniques. I was pleased to hear from him for two reasons - first, to hear that he has finally recovered from a serious illness (he contracted pneumonia whilst teaching in Germany last year) and secondly to talk planes!
On various woodworking forums around the world there has been much discussion on a Japanese video showing planing on a microscopic level - and the effectiveness of a chipbreaker. It is quite interesting to watch and shows how a chipbreaker can work when set a precise distance from a cutting edge (in the video it is 1-2 tens of a millimetre). David called to discuss this as he has been experimenting and wondered if I had tried it yet.
Another aspect of the video is the front edge of the chipbreaker is ground at quite steep angles - I really want to spend some time playing with this. To be fair, the "plane" in the video is bedded at 40 degrees, lower than a regular bench plane, but if a tear free surface can be achieved at a lower angle then it has to be worth investigating.
I welcome any thoughts on this subject - do drop me a line.
Cheers
Philly

The Try Plane

Hi Folks
Things are busy here at the 'shop and there have been some wonderful planes heading off to customers. I've been a bit behind with blogging so here goes the first of a few entries!
Try Plane - the Try is an essential bench plane. For making quick work of flattening surfaces and jointing edges nothing can compare. This one is 24 inches long with a 2 1/4 inch iron and has a 50 degree pitch. The customer wanted a few custom touches - the tote is offset slightly to the right (I have built this customer planes previously with the tote offset hard to one side like early 18C planes). It also has a round ended iron, again like the early 18C planes, a detail I really like. And finally, the strike button (used to adjust the iron and loosen the wedge) is diamond shaped instead of my regular round button.

If you are interested in a Try plane drop me an email and don't forget, I can customise any plane to your needs as each plane is made by hand, one at a time.
Cheers
Philly