Planes.
|
Bench plane bodies are fabricated by double dovetailing the cheeks to the sole. This method
differs from the wooden dovetail joint in that it is possible when using metal, to slope the
tails in both directions. The tails are peened to fill the sockets, a process akin to riveting,
but stronger. Using three plates of metal to construct the body allows the cheeks to be made
from bronze whilst retaining a hard wearing steel sole.
Unlike the planes of old with their steel
cheeks, the use of different metals shows the dovetailing to advantage. Steel sided planes were prone
to rust, particularly when marked by perspiration from the users' hands; bronze cheeks do not rust.
The sole is lapped to obtain a long lasting flatness far superior to anything obtainable by surface
grinding.
The wood used for the infill is usually rosewood. The cheeks of the planes are riveted together by a
pin passing through the wood infill. Unlike planes from the past a tubular spacer, through which the
pin passes, is used between the cheeks. Therefore any shrinkage in the wood does not upset the metal body.
The distinctive Holtey design lever caps are polished by hand and fitted with a square threaded screw
with a knurled knob similar to those from the past.
Adjusters.
The adjusters are modelled on the Norris pattern, but are made to closer tolerances and are far more
precise than the originals.
The picture to the right shows the adjuster used on my low angle planes (Shoulder,
Chariot, Thumb and Bullnose) and the picture below shows the longer adjuster (in component form) used
on the Panel, Jointers and Smoothing planes.
|
 |
|
|
|
All the components for the adjusters are made in house, including the retaining washer for the turret.
The base plates (below right) are milled rather than being stamped.
|
|
 |
 |
|
