January 2006 - Page 2 of 2 - Handplane Central

DID YOU KNOW…

To some people, learning a new skill can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Handplane Central has information for beginner woodworkers on the many different types of planes and what they’re used for. Why are some planes longer than others, and why do the blades all have different angles? What hand plane is best for your needs and what are the essential planes you simply can’t work without?

Handplane Central also has information on how to set up your plane properly so that it works the best way possible. Want to know the correct way to use a plane, such as for shooting the end of a board or thicknessing down to a line, then Handplane Central can help with that as well. We also have information on blade sharpening, flattening a sole or repairing a handle.

Rali Planes – A New Generation Of Hand Plane?

It’s been about 10 years or so since Rali Planes burst on to the general woodworking scene. When they first appeared they were praised by home handymen and weekend do-it-yourselfers as the greatest thing since sliced bread due to their modern looks and innovative blade…

Remembering Thomas Norris & His Planes

I have been greatly interested to read over past months and years items referring to Norris tools, together with one of that firm’s logos reproduced. It is possible that a few reminiscences from one who knew Tom Norris well may be of interest to some…

Bridge City Tools – Innovation In High-End Hand Planes

Bridge City Tools have been around for quite a while now. The first Bridge City tool – a rosewood and brass try square – was produced in 1983 by John Economaki. Since then they’ve gone on to carve out a nice little niche market for…

Chester Toolworks – Hand Plane Adjustment Hammers

Chester Toolworks make a range of attractive and functional hammers designed specifically to help adjust and set the irons in woodworking planes. While primarily intended for those preferring all-wood or Japanese style planes rather than Stanleys or other iron makers, these hammers not only look…

Clark & Williams – New 18th Century Hand Planes

Clark & Williams approach to plane making is simple – make the best planes possible, using the best materials available, and adopting designs that have stood the test of time for a couple of centuries or so. After all the basic design for hand planes…

Knight Toolworks – Good Solid Hand Planes!

Steve Knight of Knight Toolworks has been making, modifying and perfecting his woodworking planes for almost five years. Like many contemporary makers he started out by improving on the planes he was already using before launching into building his own from scratch, This is a…

Stanley #72 Chamfer Plane

Classic Plane Review The Stanley Rule & Level Company introduced Its #72 Chamfer Plane in 1885, and continued to manufacture it until 1938. While it was by no means one of Stanley’s “big sellers”, it is reasonable to assume that it must have sold in…

Plane Handles & Totes

Handles are a very personal thing to come to grips with. They are the interface between you and the cutting edge of the tool. That all might sound a bit cheesy but it’s also a plain and simple fact. If the handle doesn’t feel right…

Through Much Tribulation

Through Much Tribulation: Stewart Spiers and the Planemakers of Ayr To call this book the definitive story of Stewart Spiers is somewhat of an understatement. Sure, by definition, the scope of information which resides within this 132 page work by author and longtime collector Nigel…

Stanley No. 78 Duplex Plane

Manufactured: 1884 to 1984 Length: 8-1/2 inches Blade Width: 1-1/2 inches Construction: Cast iron Finish: Japanned Features: Two blade positions, adjustable fence and depth Uses: Duplex rabbet and filletster plane Average Dealer Price: $35 to $75 Average eBay Price: $22 to $65 Type 1: $50…