Shopnotes Shoulder Plane

[Jerome Hanby]

Got all my metal, marking fluid, blade, and that impossible to find lamp shade extension piece to build the shoulder plane from Shopnotes #88. I originally planned to use walnut cutoffs I have sitting around for the wood that goes between the brass sides, but I also have some purple heart. Any pros or cons one over the other (or something that would be better, not like I need a ton of material so cost isn't a major concern...).

[Frank Drew]

Jerome,

I don't think there would be any practical difference using well-seasoned pieces of either, but I find walnut better looking than purple heart, which usually doesn't remain purple if that's a consideration.

[Jerome Hanby]

I've got a soft spot for walnut too. Not a lot of wood shows on this plane. Only reason I was thinking about Purpleheart is it sure seems to be much harder than Walnut. On this plane, there are brass sides and a steel sole, so wear on the wood shouldn't be all that great...