Jameel Abraham
05-04-2008, 6:59 PM
Back in March I was contacted by Ron Brese about beta testing his new 650-55 small smoothing plane infill kit. I gladly accepted.
I should first say that I've been using hand planes since I got "serious" with my woodworking when I was in my early 20's, and have spent quite a bit of time setting up, fettling, sharpening and using old Stanleys, wooden planes, and Lie-Nielsens. I just recently decided to see what these infill planes are all about. Price was a huge deterrent for me. Until I was contacted by Ron. This kit puts a high-performance infill smoothing plane within the reach of a whole bunch of people. And you dont need any metal-working experience to accomplish the task. This was the first time I've ever peened metal, for example. The rest of the kit is basic woodworking, although it does take serious attention and a fair amount of skill to fit the infill the way I did. A basic kit would be even easier.
I used ebony for the infill, shellac and wax for the finish.
Incidentally, this plane will be a smaller companion to my Lie-Nielsen 164, set at 57 degrees which I also use for difficult woods. What's very interesting is the Brese plane weighs 3 lbs. 5 oz., is 1/2" narrower and a whopping 3" shorter than the 164, yet it's only 7 ozs. lighter. This little guy is a real bulldog.
Thanks Ron for a great kit, and all the excellent help along the way.
87769
87770
87771
First test drive. :D
87772
...okay, okay..;)
87773
I should first say that I've been using hand planes since I got "serious" with my woodworking when I was in my early 20's, and have spent quite a bit of time setting up, fettling, sharpening and using old Stanleys, wooden planes, and Lie-Nielsens. I just recently decided to see what these infill planes are all about. Price was a huge deterrent for me. Until I was contacted by Ron. This kit puts a high-performance infill smoothing plane within the reach of a whole bunch of people. And you dont need any metal-working experience to accomplish the task. This was the first time I've ever peened metal, for example. The rest of the kit is basic woodworking, although it does take serious attention and a fair amount of skill to fit the infill the way I did. A basic kit would be even easier.
I used ebony for the infill, shellac and wax for the finish.
Incidentally, this plane will be a smaller companion to my Lie-Nielsen 164, set at 57 degrees which I also use for difficult woods. What's very interesting is the Brese plane weighs 3 lbs. 5 oz., is 1/2" narrower and a whopping 3" shorter than the 164, yet it's only 7 ozs. lighter. This little guy is a real bulldog.
Thanks Ron for a great kit, and all the excellent help along the way.
87769
87770
87771
First test drive. :D
87772
...okay, okay..;)
87773