Wood planes

[BobD]

I know it's not a traditional carving tool, but does anyone out there regularly use wood planes? One of my hobbies is restoring old wood planes, and I'm trying to connect both hobbies...maybe I'm reaching too far. I know I used one when I was roughing out my ship model, but do you all use them for anything else? I'll throw spoke shaves and draw knifes into the category for variety's sake.

Bob

I use all three on a regular basis. I will own up to using a thickness planer and jointer on really big projects though.

[AlArchie]

Have used a plane on Occasion, but not often enough to count for much. Drawknife is another matter....use it quite regularly. I have three; two large (one is an antique that I use for carving and the other new that I use for debarking and other rough work.)and one small Veritas. Nice roughing tools.

Al

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I'm with Al! I have 3 drawknives, one older, 20/30 years probably, maybe more, one I made from a sawmill planer blade, and one smaller 'frost' brand (razor sharp!) Â*I have a number of planes, but rarely use them, not having used them much when I do, it seems I am constantly adjusting trying to get it right and finally give it up! Again that comes from rarely using them and not knowing that much about them! Â*I will admit that since starting woodcarving and learning how to sharpen, it has helped my attitude towards planes!! LOL
Never had a spokeshave or used one? ???

[Bandaid]

I have a couple of draw knives and agree with the guys on thier usefullness. Also have a spoke shave that I use quite a bit on walking and hiking sticks.

I haven't found a use for a hand plane while carving but frequently use an old draw knife for stripping bark from logs and also to do a little roughing out.

HINT: If your draw knife slips out of your hand - let it fall, don't try to catch it! :-/

[don]

Randy, Is that the voice of experience speaking? ??? Don

[FK]

BobD,

I have some older wood working books that illustrate planes made of wood, several of these have very artistic carvings in the wood body. I asume you are restoring old wood bodied planes?

I have somel newer wood body planes: two beautiful smoothers by Steve Knight (one 45 and one 50 degrees), a few E.C. Emmerich and two small Japanese planes. I normally use my old reconditioned Stanley Bailey (with A2 Hock blades and chip breakers) or new LN block plane designs.

Wood carving = drawknives and modern metal body spoke shaves only.

Regards,
Fred Krow

[quote author=don link=board=GeneralC;num=1094739501;start=0#6 date=09/10/04 at 00:00:43]Randy, Is that the voice of experience speaking? ??? Â*Don[/quote]

:-[ Yup :'( Lucky I always wear my wedding band, if it wasn't for it I believe I would have lost a finger instead of two fingers with deeeeeep cuts :-/