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

Mini Panel Raiser Review

Hi Folks

One thing I've noticed (and it pleases me a lot!) over the last year or two is the large amount of repeat orders from customers. Customers that come back for another plane, or sometimes many.
I recently had an order for a Mini Panel Raiser and the customers name rang a bell - he'd had a plane from me a previously. His name also rang a bell because I read his blog (take a look over at "The Renaissance Woodworker") - he has kindly reviewed the Panel Raiser with a video on his site.

It's that time of year again - the Yandles Woodworking Show is nearly upon us. Come on down for a great day out on the 13th and 14th of April near Yeovil, Somerset. It's a very enjoyable show set in a real working sawmill - free entry and parking! I'll be on the Classic Hand Tools stall making shavings - do come by and say "Hi!"

Cheers
Philly

Turning Japanese...

HI Folks
I find Japanese tools (and Japanese woodworking) to be quite exciting - they are familiar and yet completely different at the same time! The subtle differences in the way they are made and the way they are used reveals a parallel history to the way Western tools and methods were created, yet from a freshly different viewpoint.
Japanese planes are a case in point - they have a stock, cutting iron and wedge. Yet you would never mistake a Japanese plane for a Western one even though on paper they are identical. I have watched Japanese woodworkers demonstrating at shows and it is thrilling to watch such skilled workers. But the differences in approach is what interests me most.
I will be at the Yandles Woodworking show with Classic Hand Tools next month on the 13th and 14th - also attending is Michael Huntley who has a special interest in Japanese tools. I aim to pick his brains a little more on planes as I have just made my first Japanese style smoother.
As this is my first attempt at this style of plane I was rather pleased with how well it works. I just need some more in-depth detail of the throat geometry and I may offer a small range of Japanese style planes if there is interest. Drop me a line if you have any thoughts on this.
Cheers
Philly

Twins..

HI Folks

Recently I've been making lots of "pairs" of planes. First up, chamfer planes. One in Beech and the other in Goncalo, giving a nice contrast.


Next are Mini Panel Raisers. I offer these in left hand as well as right hand versions, so you can have a matched pair if you desire. We are "lefty-friendly" here at Philly Planes - no extra charge for a left handed plane!

Back to the bench - just finishing off a special Coffin Smoother in Box!


Philly

P.s. - recently I've been using my mobile phone camera to take pics. Can you guess which ones are phone pics and which ones are taken with a normal camera?? Yes, thought so :)

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

Happy Anniversary!

Hi Folks
This month marks an important date for me - it is five years since I launched Philly Planes! It has been an exciting journey so far (especially in this finacially troubled world) but I'm pleased to say that we are busier than we've ever been! So I just wanted to thank all my customers past and present for their support and business over these past five years - I couldn't have done it without you!

This weekend I will be at the Yandles Woodworking Show near Yeovil - I'll be bringing along a new Toted Smoother for customers to try out. I really like this plane and I look forward to hearing peoples responses to it after they've had a go. So if you are attending do pop by and say "Hi" - I'll be on the Classic Hand Tools stand.


Finally, a couple of pictures of smoothers that have left the shop recently. One in Box (with some amazing figure!) and one in Blackwood.

Cheers
Philly

Website Back And Lefties...

Hi Folks
After a short absence the Phillyplanes Website is back up - we've had a small series of disasters (hacked site, broken server, holidays...) which meant the site was offline for over a week. I'm pleased to say we are back up and running and I've taken steps to ensure it should not happen again. Thanks for your patience!

The new "Toted Smoother" is available on the website and we also pleased to offer our "Moving Fillister" plane in a left-handed model at no additional charge. Please drop me an email if this interests you.

Cheers
Philly

Web Site Problem

Hi Folks

I'm having web site problems at the moment - they are being resolved as we speak and the site should be back ASAP. Otherwise things are business as usual and I am beavering away in the workshop on yet more planes - please email me if you have any questions while the web issue it sorted.

Cheers

Philly

New Plane - Toted Smoother

Hi Folks
A plane I get asked for a lot is a Smoother with a handle. Over the years I've made a few for customers and a few for myself, trying out different styles. I am pleased to say I am finally happy with the shape and feel of the plane, so let me introduce the new Philly Planes "Toted Smoother".

I am offering this plane in two timbers - Goncalo Alves (as in the pictures) and traditional quartersawn English Beech. It has a 50mm wide iron, a chunky 4mm thick from O1 high carbon steel. The plane has a 50 degree pitch and, combined with a tight mouth and that lovely thick iron, makes for effortless smoothing. The Tote is extremely comfortable to hold and makes planing for extended periods a cinch.

The plane also features a rosewood strike button. As well as looking extemely handsome, this button is essential for releasing the wedge and adjusting the plane - without it you would need to tap the rear of the tote with a hammer. Instead the strike button takes all the wear.


A wooden smoothing is a fairly rare beast and I hope this model will appeal to users who maybe are used to using metal planes - the grip will feel instantly familiar. The plane will be appearing on the website in the next day or so - you can email me direct if you are interested in purchasing one. The price will be £230.00 plus shipping.

Cheers
Philly

Small Planes

Hi Folks

I recently had a commission for a pretty unique plane - a Classic Smoother in African Blackwood. But half size! No big deal you may think, but it was quite a challenge. I have made a good selection of specialised tools for making planes but most were too big to use on this plane. So I ended up making yet more tools. And I often mutter to myself when working down in the throat of a plane how little space there is to work - with this plane there was even less!

But she came out well and the customer was very pleased - it now lives with in his collection of special planes.

Cheers

Philly

Long Planes....

Hi Folks
Bench planes work best as a team - using a smoother to do all your planing work is not the most efficient way to work. A Jack plane will bring a rough board quickly into a workable state, ready to be made "tried and true" with a Try plane. The Try plane (or Jointer) has the longest sole of all bech planes and excels at making surfaces and edges flat and straight. The longer the sole, the truer it will plane. Even if you use machines to prepare your timber you will be surprised just how far from true those boards can be - a quick swipe with a Try plane will reveal the truth!
We had a quite a few long planes leaving the workshop over the last few months, some 30 inches long. That's longer than a #8! We are also able to customise planes to your intended purpose, so high/low pitch angles, different blade widths, timber choices and even 18 Century features like offset totes are available - you have only to ask.

Back to the bench....
Philly

High Angle Planes

Hi Folks
When it comes to working timber with difficult grain (and it's always the pretty timbers that are the hardest to work!) a sharp iron and a tight mouth sometimes isn't enough. And that's when a high angle plane makes all the difference. My "Coffin Smoother" plane is bedded at 55 degrees - this is a great angle for a smoother as it has a positive effect on tear-out but is still pretty easy to push. But the toughest timbers sometimes need more and 60 degrees is what you need.
A customer asked for a pair of planes with 60 degree beds, a smoother and a Try plane. The smoother (above) is made from English Box, a very slow growing and dense timber. Box was used for the finest grade planes and tools in days past and I was pleased to be able to make this plane from this wonderful timber.
The second plane is an 18 inch Try plane in Goncalo Alves and this is an excellent tool to compliment the Smoother. The longer sole allows you to easily flatten boards, and, as the plane has the high angle bed, tear-out is not an issue.


Cheers
Philly