Thread: The end of the compass plane?

How about a reciprocating spindle sander.

I have one of these and wouldn't be without it for sanding inside curves. It has 3 spindles 50mm, 35mm and 20mm.

Or the cheaper alternative of using a drum sander attachment in the drill press.


Peter.

I don't think drum sanders are much good for big curves, they seem to dig into the hollows and it's difficult (for me) to get the peaks smoothed out evenly. One possibility might be to make some wooden compass planes, a couple of different sizes for different radii but only one blade to switch between them would work out pretty cheap.

Dan

Carbatec have a "Kunz" compass plane in their catalogue for $359.00. Also there's a Spanish company- Virutex (http://www.virutex.es/En/index_en.htm) that makes a range of specialist tools which includes electric compass planers. I'd love to get my hands on one of these!

Mick

Couldnt see any prices Mick, so I assume they are expensive?
I like the curved sander too.

Al

Al,
don't know about prices as I've got no idea who their agents are. (it's a manufacturer's website, I don't think they deal direct) I got a price about 4 years ago from Gregory Machinery for one of the portable edge banders (about $500/$600 from memory) so I guess I could start there. I don't think I have enough use for a compass plane to justify the outlay at the moment, although I'm sure I'd find lots to do with it once I had it. Did you check out the other tools? pretty nice huh. The only thing of theirs that I own is a laminate edging trimmer (little hand held tool) which saves me literally hours on a kitchen.

Mick

Yeah, looked at most of their stuff, it looks well made.
Sort of reminds me of Makita, maybe its the colour?

Al

Barry and Sturdee,
I have the same objection as Dan to drum and spindle sanders for sanding broad curves - it is difficult to achieve a fair curve and avoid digging into the hollows.

Mick,
I dunno how I missed the Kunz compass plane in the Carbotec catalogue - I suppose I was looking for something painted blue.

A Google search revealed that the Virutex CE96H electric compass plane was reviewed in AWR #27 of July 2000. It then cost $559. The reviewer seems to have omitted the names of the Australian suppliers, but gave two phone numbers, (08)9249 2399 and (02)9674 8822. As an amateur, I can't justify the cost, unless a mate of mine finds some more gold in the Klondike.

Rocker

Rocker,


If it is difficult to achieve a fair curve and avoid digging into the hollows with a drum sander would it be usefull to screw a little wheel on the end of the sander and use it with a template ?

This would be similar to using an overhead router and template to guide the work. Never tried it but would appreciate any comments.


Peter.

Training wheels ????????????????
On an arm so you can adjust them.

Your a genius Peter.

Al

Or instead of a wheel a removable base with a pin the size of your sanding wheel to use with a template. Instead of an overhead pin router you would have an overhead pin sanding machine.

May be I should make one next.


Peter.

I notice Virutex on their website say that they are doing a show in Sydney in July


From their website
AWISA 2004
Sidney (Australia)

Onya Peter

I'm with Rocker here. There's nothing like a compass plane to provide a fine finish to a curve. And remember a curve can have both concave and convex surfaces. Even if a sander can be used (and there is no reason why one can't - even if you just make up a form with the same profile and do it by hand). However a properly planed surface will always outperform a sanded surface: smoother finish, polished surface, clearer grain visibility.

Yeah, new Records and Stanley compass planes are no more. But they do come up on eBay. And they'll be both cheaper and better quality. I bought a Record #20 some years ago for a fraction of the Carba-tec price. The Kunz planes are generally to be avoided. They have a reputation for being poorly finished (like most cheaply made new planes).

Don't reject spokeshaves. But I agree that these need more skill (=practice) to cut as uniformely. Look out for a Stanley #53. This has an adjustable mouth, which means you can take very fine shavings. All the better for a fine finish on curly grain.

Regards from Perth

Derek