Rapier Plow Plane (and a ? about irons)
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Finally got a plow plane. 🙂
I bought this one from a UK seller. There wasn’t much out there on this manufacturer, but it looks like an exact copy of the Record 043. Plow planes are pretty neat! Fun to use. I had to replace one of the thumb screws which was bent. Luckily I discovered they’re a common size (10-24 thread). I paid just under 45 USD including shipping from the UK, which was STILL cheaper than any Record 043 on Ebay USA. The ones I saw sold for at least twice that. I kind of took a chance on this one since I didn’t find much information about Rapier planes, but it worked out and I’m happy 🙂
Regarding irons: it only came with a 3/16″ iron. My understanding is that the Record 043 came with 1/8″, 3/16″, and 1/4″ irons. I also saw Paul used his 043 to cut a 3/8″ groove in the Wall Clock series.
I’m going to buy a piece of O1 steel bar to make some irons. Could anyone recommend the iron widths most likely to be used in a plow plane like the 043? I know I’m making a 1/8″ for some drawer dividers I want to make. But which other widths are good to make?
Thanks!
EDIT: forgot to mention that my Lee Valley Narex bevel edge chisels seem to fit pretty well. But I have my heart set on making new irons!
Juan, if you are making irons, then I would have the following on hand 1/8. 1/4, 3/8, 1/2. I find I use 1/4 inch probably the most because a typical project is using 3/4 inch material. 3/16 is a good size if working 1/2 inch boards.
Jaun, the standard sizes Dave pointed out are good. I have a Record 043 and was thinking this morning of making a couple of special irons sized for some thin plywood that I have used for small drawer and box bottoms and one for glass pane. I made a presentation case for my sone and the iron I used left the glass loose. I had to shim behind it to keep it from rattling. Make the standard sizes but consider the special needs that you may have while you are at it.
Thanks guys, all good advice. I’m gonna order a 1/8″ x 1/2″ x 16″ bar which seems like more than enough material.
If you keep an eye on ebay uk there is a seller who has ray isles replacement blades for the 043. I doubt you’d get a better blade than those.
Make sure to match the width of the blades you make to the width of the chisels you have. It will make your life easier in the long run.
Juan M, I’m late to this but in the interests of spreading info, you should look up, the Cornish Workshop where Alf {bless her} has a mountain of info on combination planes including Lewins. Hope this helps.
[quote quote=26752]Juan M, I’m late to this but in the interests of spreading info, you should look up, the Cornish Workshop where Alf {bless her} has a mountain of info on combination planes including Lewins. Hope this helps.[/quote]
oooo nice web page! I’m bookmarking it for sure. Thanks johnnie, and everyone else for your replies.
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