Unlike the No 984, with its in situ dowels, I have chosen to screw the No 984s planes. Both systems have their good points.
tapping on the mill with a tapping head never seems to be enough so I have to go over these again by hand. It is important for the fixing bolts to run free. I have to assemble and dis-assemble dry quite a few times. When it comes to the final assembly it is essential that there are no problems as the bolts will be going in with torque control and permanent locking compound.
With all the milling, grinding, forming, drilling and tapping done I am half way with the bottoms. These will now be set aside until I have completed the sides – next job.
No 983 Commentary
I want to go back and take the time to explain the development and design of the No 983. I will be updating the website with this during next week. When I made this plane I only did a limited number which sold out quickly so I had to make another batch. It is very satisfying to complete a design but I am not going there again as the work is far too much. I won’t make the mistake of selling the last one (mine!) again, but I do have two left for sale.