Hi guys,
So, as I'm very slowly getting back into woodworking, as much as can be done in an apartment (small projects), I want to address one issue that was problematic last time I was into woodworking:
I have chronic tendonitis in my wrists from overuse, which has not healed up after several years. I'd like to avoid straining and damaging it further, which means that I cannot really use the muscles one uses to "grip" or "pull", and I have to be careful not to do anything too strenuous.
That presents a problem with planing, and especially with small Japanese planes that are difficult to hold due to their size, and the fact that they cut on the pull stroke.
So I'm considering Vintage Stanley planes or traditional wooden planes. As I'm not making anything large, I don't need anything bigger than a No. 4 or so, but it has to be easy to push and not strenuous, first and foremost.
Something with a narrow blade would be ideal. Maybe around 1.5" or so. Bedded at a slightly lower angle than normal would be great as well.
One thing that occurred to me is that perhaps I can put blades for a No. 2 or No. 3 plane into a No. 4, since they are narrow, Would anyone happen to know if they fit, or if the frogs are set at different heights making this impossible (ie, the blade not being long enough to protrude on the larger planes)?
Perhaps I should really look into making my own planes again...