What rope is best for pulling planes??

[Sean Hughto]

While I've used a plane before a bit, the rope technique highlighted in another thread is new to me. Can anyone share their expertise as to which sort of rope is best for the technique? I've heard hemp, while historically accurate, is a bit more rough on the hands and not as durable over the long term. Nylon is apparently the most friendly to the knob finishes but can be a little slippery. Some apparently like the braided yacht style ropes, and I have even heard of guys who swear by rubber tubing. I'm lost and could really use some help. What thickness, what material, what braiding?

https://www.knotandrope.com/store/pc...FRBnOgod3yMAhA

[Jim Koepke]

Really? The rope is for those who do not know how to do this properly. I thought everyone knew you just set the plane on the workpiece and then lift the end so gravity can do its work.

jtk

[steven c newman]

Maybe try out some of that "para-cord" rope that stores sell as bracelets?

Tilt a board? With my good luck? Plane would just hang a right or left turn and head for the concrete floor like a magnet was down there.

You might want a bit of "give" in the rope, just in case you hit a knot along the way.

[Chris Griggs]

Just make sure its got a nice thick braided structure..one that creates a knurling effect. Without this it will be naer impossible to hold on to.

[steven c newman]

There were "Crown Molder Planes" that were quite wide. The Master would guide it along, but a "helper" had to pull the plane along with a rope.

[Tom Vanzant]

If you need a rope, maybe you need to hone the iron. Ron Brese pulled a much heavier plane with a string.

[Leigh Betsch]

Plane old rope

[Chris Vandiver]

If you're really good, just use the shaving, as it comes out of the plane, to pull it along!

[paul cottingham]

Since it is in the plane's nature to plane, I just place it on the board, and let it follow its nature.
Of course, it needs to be very sharp indeed.

[Chris Vandiver]

Plane old rope

The best response so far!

[Kees Heiden]

Thank you Ryan! Entertaining bit about hemp rope.

Back in the thirties when Alpine climbers would scale difficult, big, fearsome clifs like the Eiger Nordwand in Switserland, they only had a hemp cord, tight around the waste. Falling wasn't really an option back then, the hemp would break if the shock was too much. The introduction of nylon to the climbing world has been the most important safety advancement ever.

[Garrett Ellis]

If you need a rope, maybe you need to hone the iron. Ron Brese pulled a much heavier plane with a string.

Yeah but he cheated. Had an entire pulley system set up off camera. Can't believe everything you see on the internet you know.

[Rick Markham]

Yeah but he cheated. Had an entire pulley system set up off camera. Can't believe everything you see on the internet you know.

Can't believe everyone on the internet either ... Just FYI, it was Jameel Abraham with Ron Brese's Stainless Panel Plane, there was no cheating, it is clear as day that the string is tied in a knot. Watch the video...

Heck, I'll go one further. I have pushed that very plane in the video on 2" rock maple, it really is that easy. Brese makes some sick handplanes.

[Warren Mickley]

When Jameel's video surfaced on another forum some years ago I tried it myself that evening. The next day Wilbur Pan asked on the forum if anyone else had tried it. I replied that I had done it with a Record plane and gave a few tips on how to perform the stunt. Then a guy named Bob Zajicek wrote in suggesting I was not telling the truth. Apparently he thought only a Brese plane could do the trick.

[Pat Barry]

Sean, the rope needs to be sized properly to the task at hand. For example, planing balsa or basswood, with the grain, probably just ordinary kitchen twine, use too heavy a strand and you will lose touch with your work. On the other hand, with hickory, you may need to resort to a steel cable, 1/4" for example. Also, keep in mind that the lower on the knob you can place the rope will lower the 'centre of effort'. We may need to turn our knobs to create a rope groove, much lower than the present reduced diameter.