Mike Allen1010
05-18-2012, 2:52 PM
Below are some pictures of a Goncalo Alves (?) smoother I built using a 2 3/8' wide Tsunesaburo blue steel blade from Stuart at Tools from Japan (~$50).
Most of my experience is with Western planes and A2 or 01 Blades, and I'm posting this as a separate thread because I thought others might be interested in seeing how this blade works, given folks might not have as much broad experience with western style plane using a blue steel blade as compared to the more typical A2 or O1 blades.
I built this plane following Derek's tutorial -- which was incredibly helpful -- thank you Derek!
Here are some pictures of the plane and mouth up close:
232424232417232423232418
Now the obligatory shavings pictures using a piece of curly maple that typically gives me a hard time achieving a smooth finish without tearout:
232420232421232419232422
I never would have attempted building a wooden plane were it not for the encouragement and knowledge I got from everyone here in the Cave (thank you Stu and David Weaver for the recommendation about the plane iron!).
I never would've guessed I would end up building two planes that I will actually use. I don't have a table saw and I thought without one I wouldn't be able to achieve the fit and tolerances needed to end up with something that works. I guess that goes to show you as previous posters have mentioned, that the accuracy you can achieve with hands and eyes is good enough -- who knew? - certainly not me!
All the best,
Mike
Most of my experience is with Western planes and A2 or 01 Blades, and I'm posting this as a separate thread because I thought others might be interested in seeing how this blade works, given folks might not have as much broad experience with western style plane using a blue steel blade as compared to the more typical A2 or O1 blades.
I built this plane following Derek's tutorial -- which was incredibly helpful -- thank you Derek!
Here are some pictures of the plane and mouth up close:
232424232417232423232418
Now the obligatory shavings pictures using a piece of curly maple that typically gives me a hard time achieving a smooth finish without tearout:
232420232421232419232422
I never would have attempted building a wooden plane were it not for the encouragement and knowledge I got from everyone here in the Cave (thank you Stu and David Weaver for the recommendation about the plane iron!).
I never would've guessed I would end up building two planes that I will actually use. I don't have a table saw and I thought without one I wouldn't be able to achieve the fit and tolerances needed to end up with something that works. I guess that goes to show you as previous posters have mentioned, that the accuracy you can achieve with hands and eyes is good enough -- who knew? - certainly not me!
All the best,
Mike