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PostPosted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 10:08 am 
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Most used planes are not found in tuned condition. In this world, also, power tools rule for many folks. So, many of what were well setup and maintained planes have deteriorated over time. I use power for rough dimensioning but do finish shaping, squaring, jointing,thicknessing, dovetailing with handtools. I do not have a production schedule to meet, nor waiting clients for commissioned work, so I have the luxury of time.Precise work with powertools takes care and concentration- and experience. So, I judge not. On the other hand, compare the glassy surface of a planed or scraped wood surface with the subtle fuzz of a sanded one-now there is a result difference.
      Because of this thread, I dared to count my planes-48, which among many of my friends makes me a minnow. I'm now too scared to count chisels/carving tools.
     There is a genuine value in a Veritas or LN as a first plane, if it can be managed. It is amazing the difference in the sound and feel of a well tuned and very sharp plane( I do final hone LV's and LN's but that is a function of my little "illness"). I wish I could stand next to you and hand you the average vintage Stanley and then a fettled one or a top flight new plane. I would get to see your eyes light up and hear the proverbial "AAhhh". Then we would scribble some beeswax on the soles and make it even better. Now, if you really want to throw fuel on the glowing embers, get me started on honing. I hone for the sheer pleasure I get from it, even before the edge touches wood. Like I said, "illness." MT


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PostPosted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 10:50 am 
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Nice summation, Mike T.
I was once in the "Power Tools are Better" category, but since have found the joy in using a freshly sharpened plane and/or chisel and properly burnished scrapers and I am now much more in the hand tool side of the fence.
Used planes surface on the market place for many reasons, with these 2 being the most popular, I think:
1) Someone bought decent tools, but never learned how to hone and sharpen them, how to tune them up, so once they came out of the box, they just sorta worked, but power tools and a sander were better, so they ended up on craigslist, eBay, or a garage sale
2) Grandfathers and Great Grandfathers handed down the tools to someone who did not see the value in those precious gifts and "got rid of them" (see also: mothers who threw out "old junky" boxes of sports cards)

Sometimes people just loose interest in woodworking, the wife says something has to go.....whatever. For one reason or another, they get sold. This is NOT indicative of a lack of value or performance.
I, for one, am glad they end up on the marketplace.
Don't get me wrong, power tools have their place in my shop (actually, most of my shop), but there really is nothing like using a plane as described above.

-j.

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PostPosted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 2:21 pm 
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yep...I didn't know how much work was involved in fettling and tuning my recently acquired planes back to usable condition.....
I went to a tool sale found an old bailey #5 and old record #4 ....started reading lie-nielson's book on sharpening .....and 2 weeks later and many nights of sore hands finally got them working great ....

In the end you have a far greater understanding of how to do it although I'm not in a hurry to buy any more old planes. But it saved me a pile of cash really and i learnt a lot


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PostPosted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 4:10 pm 
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Brazilian Rosewood
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You guys are giving TAS seriously here, most of my shop is pwer tools but i aimat going the Planes and chisel route too, Mike's description sounded so satisfying that i think the credit card will get it's last blow!

LN for starters Mike? Stanley? I also have a gift card for HD to use, what is good to buy there in terms of good planes?


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PostPosted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 4:28 pm 
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Brazilian Rosewood
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Hey Mike, where do you live. I've gotta see that plane collection!

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http://www.DonohueGuitars.com


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PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 12:02 am 
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If you want to see a plane collection, check out this thread I started several weeks ago.

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PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 1:20 am 
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Brazilian Rosewood
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Jon..I remember that thread well...very impressive!

I've developed a love for planes in the past 3 years and use them frequently. But I sure would love to get an in-person tutorial from one of our resident Planemeisters.

Any of you guys located near Indiana?

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PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 2:00 am 
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Cocobolo
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[QUOTE=ToddStock] Dude...anything over 20 planes (including all the specialty stuff) makes you a....I can't even say it...OK...I'll try...A COLLECTOR![/QUOTE]

Id say obsession but I have 600+ DVDs and 12 computers so I have no room to talk!


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PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 2:01 am 
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Cocobolo
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[QUOTE=gratay] yep...I didn't know how much work was involved in fettling and tuning my recently acquired planes back to usable condition.....
I went to a tool sale found an old bailey #5 and old record #4 ....started reading lie-nielson's book on sharpening .....and 2 weeks later and many nights of sore hands finally got them working great ....

In the end you have a far greater understanding of how to do it although I'm not in a hurry to buy any more old planes. But it saved me a pile of cash really and i learnt a lot [/QUOTE]

Does nielson's book on sharpening cover the scary sharp methiod?


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PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 2:02 am 
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Cocobolo
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[QUOTE=JJ Donohue] Hey Mike, where do you live. I've gotta see that plane collection![/QUOTE]

oh yeah we are going to need some pics on this one!!


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PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:20 am 
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Teasing? or do you really want some photographs? I may be photoing some users that will be for a special purpose, so I could snap some of my beautiful workhorses. Confirmation must be given by a member not afflicted with TAS, or is in such denial that he or she can pull it off. MT


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PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 1:00 pm 
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Cocobolo
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Location: Australia
[QUOTE=alambert] [QUOTE=gratay] yep...I didn't know how much work was involved in fettling and tuning my recently acquired planes back to usable condition.....
I went to a tool sale found an old bailey #5 and old record #4 ....started reading lie-nielson's book on sharpening .....and 2 weeks later and many nights of sore hands finally got them working great ....

In the end you have a far greater understanding of how to do it although I'm not in a hurry to buy any more old planes. But it saved me a pile of cash really and i learnt a lot [/QUOTE]

Does nielson's book on sharpening cover the scary sharp methiod?[/QUOTE]
not sure if it does...and the scary sharp method is one i have been hearing about but haven't looked it up as yet....but all i can say is that after sharpening from lie-nielsen book i can shave my arm easily....so its scarily sharp...
i use japanese waterstones 800,1200,6000,8 or 10000 with the veritas mkII ...seems to work well
but its a comprehensive book on lots of edge tools and methods of sharpening so for the 2 or 3 pages on plane blade may not be worth it....
the info you get with the veritas honing guide give you a fairly comprehensive guide on how to sharpen the blade.......fettling and tuning you can probably find on the forum gratay39058.8790972222


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PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 4:31 am 
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Brazilian Rosewood
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[QUOTE=Miketobey] Teasing? or do you really want some photographs? I may be photoing some users that will be for a special purpose, so I could snap some of my beautiful workhorses. Confirmation must be given by a member not afflicted with TAS, or is in such denial that he or she can pull it off. MT [/QUOTE]

Tempt us Mike, please do!!!


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PostPosted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:03 am 
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Cocobolo
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[QUOTE=Serge Poirier] [QUOTE=Miketobey] Teasing? or do you really want some photographs? I may be photoing some users that will be for a special purpose, so I could snap some of my beautiful workhorses. Confirmation must be given by a member not afflicted with TAS, or is in such denial that he or she can pull it off. MT [/QUOTE]

Tempt us Mike, please do!!! [/QUOTE]
He's ignoring us!


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PostPosted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 5:06 am 
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Cocobolo
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Wrong treadalambert39063.5476851852


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