Krenov Style Apron Plane

[Dale Osowski]

Now that I'm home I can expand a bit on the hybrid pin. I'm thinking about taking 7/16" X 7/16" stock, drilling a 1/4" hole through the center, rounding over the two back edges and leaving wedge side edge square. Then just insert the 1/4" aluminum pin only gluing it to the wedge block so it will pivot in the plane body sides. I'm sure I've seen this done somewhere. Actually a 1/8" pin with a 1/4" x 1/4" wedge block would probably be fine for this size plane. I'll play around with this, hopefully over the weekend or next.

[Dale Osowski]

Today I got a good start on the first batch of the Ebony apron planes.

AP1.jpg

[Tom Bender]

Agree with Rafael that $110 is low if you are trying to make a profit. But if this is more of a hobby then you may be interested in covering costs and not labor. Or if you are trying to start a business this may be a good development effort. Either way, I like where you're headed.

[Dale Osowski]

Thanks!

I'm actually using these planes as a way to get started woodworking again full-time. I was full-time just a couple years back however due to covid my wife lost her 20 year career as a graphic artist at a local casino. They closed when covid hit but she never got called make, neither did most of the people in the marketing department. She carried the health insurance through her work. With that gone I took on a full-time job for the insurance. Anyway, seeing as we are both 56 I figured it's best to start getting back to woodworking now while I still have some good years left and see if I can make a go of it again. I'll still work full-time while I build back my business.

What do you guy's think about $125.00? I should have the first batch ready in a couple more weekends.

Thanks!

[Dale Osowski]

A sinus infection kept me away from the studio last weekend but today I was able to get back to work one the first batch of apron planes. I wanted to get a start on the hybrid wedge pins and so far I'm very pleased with the results. The block is 3/8" X 3/8" Ebony with a 3/16" aluminum pin. While I'm set up for it I'll go ahead and make a few extra.

WP2.jpg

WP1.jpg

[Luke Dupont]

A sinus infection kept me away from the studio last weekend but today I was able to get back to work one the first batch of apron planes. I wanted to get a start on the hybrid wedge pins and so far I'm very pleased with the results. The block is 3/8" X 3/8" Ebony with a 3/16" aluminum pin. While I'm set up for it I'll go ahead and make a few extra.

WP2.jpg

WP1.jpg

That looks nice. I was going to say that I wouldn't trust an thin Aluminium pin like that based on my very limited experience attempting a Krenov plane (pin flexed and also bit into and dented the wedge, making for a very unfunctional plane), but the way you're doing it there should both reinforce the pin and prevent denting the wedge.

I'd still feel a bit more safe if it were brass, but I think what you have there is pretty stable already.

I must say I'm a bit tempted. I've wanted to build little Krenov style planes for a while but I've always just had some other priority at the time.

[Dale Osowski]

A bit more progress.

PP.jpg

[Robyn Hawkins]

Hi Dale,

just wanted to say that these planes are going to be stunning. I’ll put my name in the hat for one if you have enough to satisfy everyone else. If you have any ebony left over, would you consider selling me a small piece say 200mm x 150mm max but happy with 100mm x 150mm or so? Will pay fair price, of course, for both, the plane and the cutoff piece. Cheers Robyn

[Luke Dupont]

A bit more progress.

PP.jpg

Forgive my plane terminology being lacking, as is my knowledge of Krenov planes, but I see the "front wedge" of your lamination (the one opposite of the "wedge" that the blade rests in) is curved and seems to terminate very thin at the sole. How thick is it at the mouth opening? I like wooden planes to have some thickness at the mouth opening to accommodate for wear. Many even have the mouth cut at an angle so that it doesn't enlarge too much with wear.

[Dale Osowski]

Thanks Robyn! I'll keep you posted, I should have some Ebony for you as well.

[Dale Osowski]

Hi Luke

I'm at work now but I'll go into more detail with photos tonight. Yes, what you see is a radius. This is how my kit from Hock was made. It's the plane you see along with the Ebony blanks in the photos. I had thought the same but seeing that this is such a small plane I feel the radius helps with clearing the shavings and positioning the blade and wedge. Seeing that I'm using a hybrid wedge pin this radius also allows for clearance. The hybrid pin takes up more space vs the 1/4" pin. Also knowing what the plane will be used for I feel the sole will see little wear vs a smoothing, jack or jointer. I use mine for fine tuning door a drawer fit.

I will however offer a non radiused version as well for those that prefer.

Thanks again for your comments guys they are much appreciated and it feels great to be more active here again!

[Dale Osowski]

Here is a mock up photo that shows a bit more. Once assembled the radiused front section will be filed away a bit so blade can come through. This will leave 1/32" or so, from plane sole to start of the radius.

PP2.jpg

[Dale Osowski]

Hopefully within the next week or so I can post photos of the finished Ebony planes. Until then here is a photo of what is next on the bench, rift sawn Bubinga & Ebony. Only two will be made for now.

BE1.jpg

[Dale Osowski]

A little more progress on the Ebony apron planes. Next step is shaping the bodies.

m2.jpg

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[Maurice Mcmurry]

Neat-O! The images are great! Lovely work!