Making a Wooden Plane – Episode 3
Posted 22 January 2014
This is an episode in a free series. Want to watch it? It is free to do so, you just need to log into the site, and you can enjoy this video and many other videos we think you will love.
In this final episode, Paul finishes refining the shape of the plane, and then cuts and shapes the iron to the same radius as the bottom of the plane. He then finishes off by sharpening the iron. The hardening process will be in a separate free video.
great!
thanks Paul for another fantastic series covered in such great detail
I’ve ordered some 01 steel and can’t wait to make my first planes!
By the way, for anyone looking to order steel, the best price I’ve found is at http://www.amtektool.com. Half the price of many other suppliers. Customer service was very helpful and friendly.
Big help–thanks!
I enjoyed this alot. But I sure was hoping to see hardening and tempering as well. It may not be absolutely required, but it sure couldn’t hurt. I made an 1/8th inch chisel from a screw driver and although it works, it would benefit from hardening as well. Thanks.
Just heat with a brazing torch to straw yellow and quench in oil (for O1). Then temper to a blue or black color. That’s it! It’s very easy.
Thanks Paul and Crew, I enjoyed this series immensely and can’t wait to make a few. Now with the basic’s this will be a fun project. I can’t wait to see Paul’s method for hardening as I am sure it will be a great no nonsense approach without having to spend a small fortune on tools.
Steve
It says “Hardening will be a separate free video” in text at the end.
Superb!
Thanks a lot for this series.
–Óscar
I enjoyed that definitely on my projects to make list
Thanks Team
I never knew plane making could be that simple. But of course all credits to Paul. I think without him I would never try. Thank you so much.
I am really looking forward to the hardening process. I am certain Paul will show us everyone can do this.
Loved this series, great job as always.
Cheers
Paul, taping at the heal of the plane can mushroom the sole. It would be best to tape the top surface of the plane behind the iron to loosen the wedge. Thanks again.
I generally use the blue tape on mine.
Craig
Sorry, for the typo. I meant tapping.
German planes have an iron knob to tap on, I wonder if you can incorporate something like this. Also if you use a nylon hammer or a wooden one, it should go a long way before the sole is malformed. Also you can always straighten (or reshape) the sole if need be.
David
Paul thanks for making it look easy enough that I am willing and able to give it a go.
You mentioned that hardening is not actually all that necessary and that from this point we should now be ready to make any plane that we wanted. Would you comment briefly on how one would go about shaping a plane and iron for something a little more involved (for me at least) than a slight curve or round? How about one with a cove and bead for mouldings?
I am also very impressed with your “top of the head” conversion ability mm to inches and backward!
bob “mygrandsaw”
Enjoyed this little series a lot thanks you Paul and team.
I really enjoyed this series. Thank you so much. This has opened up another new path for me.
Is there a time frame for when the heat treat video will be available? I believe I understand how to do it but the videos always show subtle things that can make the process go much smoother.
Hi Greg,
The time frame is a little dependant on the weather, as we are waiting for a clear sunny day for filming in Paul’s garden (not that common here in North Wales in the winter!), but we are hoping to get it online in the next week or two.
Phil
Thanks for the update Phil.
Thanks Paul. Making tools is such a kick.
Loved this project, will be giving this a go thanks.
Thanks Paul! I like the look of that bow saw, did you make it? I’d be interested in making one if you show us how, ;).
Hi Joe,
The bow saw is on our to-do list, so will be filmed at some point in the near future.
Hope that helps.
What a great project. You are a natural teacher! Thanks
Thanks very much for this lesson it was inspiring, demystifying and practical all in one!
Great job as always Paul. I have planned to make a plane and would very much like to see you go through the hardening process.
Thanks for all the videos. Since taking your class last year, I have used much of what I learned and am continuing the improve as a hand tool woodworker though practice.
Bill Goodwin
“PERFECT”, I like that phrase, and ,as always; thank you so much for guiding us through to another level of fine craftsmanship.
I have so enjoyed learning how to do woodworking with you in your instruction. Looking forward to the next segment. The “how to” of simply accomplishing the many task which others have tried to complicate.
I believe you have surpassed James Kingshott in illustrating to us, the many alternative ways that reach back into those areas of woodworking. With only a bit thought, and “handwork”, can produce fine results and sometimes even better than expected .
Please continue with your great projects. I am eager to see more.
Great videos I am excited about making my own planes. Thank you
I have not been able to find video on tempering the plane irons. Where can I find this?
I think this is what you’re looking for…
https://woodworkingmasterclasses.com/2014/02/making-wooden-planes-hardening/
Using the plane as a scraper?
I was looking at the gorgeous wooden planes on the HNT Gordon website (Australian)
They sell this style of radius plane. in their description they state —
“This plane can also be converted to a scraper simply by reversing the blade so would be very useful if you are working in very hard canky woods”
(Great word — Canky)
Their plane iron is set at a 55 degree angle btw
Have you ever tried this??
Paul – what kind of Bahco Oberg file (type of cut, TPI, etc) was used to shape the blade?
That was a real eye opener to see how you shaped that blade with just a file. Thanks.
I am so glad this can be done without a grinding wheel.
I would say this one would work just fine
http://www.bahco.com/en/p/filemasterindustry-pack-ergo-handle/b3-11-f3-81-1d-7b-ca-f3-3c-25-c1-f4-9b-bb-0b-19/
Hi,
Anyone knows how to make those dimples on the sides and top of the plane without using a carving gouge?
Thanks!
Thinking of making a wooden jointer plane (22″). would this angle of blade work? Is there any reason this design, scaled up, and with a 2 3/8″ blade wouldn’t translate? Many thanks.
Thanks Paul! Made my plane today 🙂 ❤
You first shaped the iron to match the profile of the sole, then you filed off the heel to get a 30 degree bevel. If you file that bevel all the way to and form an edge before firing, isn’t there a risk of burning the edge during firing?
As an alternative, you could stop short of an edge, fire, then grind to the final edge. I do understand you were showing a grinder-free alternative, but it seems there is this risk?
Hello @ed,
You do have to be careful with a thinner edge. This is not as much of issue when applying an even het as in the BBQ. Once the edge has been hardened, and then tempered, it takes a lot more effort to file the iron to shape.
Not long had a 100 year old beech tree cut down in my front garden. I wonder how many hand tools can I make with this, it could be fun finding out. Thanks Paul for usual informative videos that instill confidence in us all.
Terry.
The best presant someone can give you is their time.
Absolutely Perfect,
Thank You
Hi team, if scaling up the design for a 2″ wide iron, should the iron be thicker than 1/8″? Thanks.