Thread: Homemade Plane Blades from M2 HSS for Wooden Planes

Thanks for asking about these planes Dave.
12 Months on and I am surprised how well they are holding up.
Here are a few pics of the typical condition of them.
As you can see they are not in too bad a condition after all. Just the normal level of scuff marks on the sole but that will be cleaned up a little at the end of the year.
The major hastle is that they blades don't get looked after all that well, as in most secondary schools I guess. If I don't hone them then they don't get done. The students still love to use them and they do seem to treat them with a little more respect than most of the the other tools in the shop.
I just hope they survive if I'm not down in the Tech area next year.
Overall, I'd have to give these planes the big thumbs up. Durable and functional. they seem to hold up to the abuse fairly well and I'd love to make a few more latter in the year if I can get the bean counters to agree to letting me make some more for the school.
Take care
Kevin

I never had hand planes like that in Grade 8 wood work, wish I had. It's great to see kids learning and able to use them.

When I was at school they wouldn't let us near a plane of any description. I'm very glad to hear your studnets are showing them the appropriate respect. They look like they're well used.

I have just finished reading most of this thread and I must say: congratulations to all of you who have gone through the "Steel Blade" process.
I do have a few questions if anyone could please answer.......
Has anyone experienced a lessor edge held on their blades due to the grinding/cutting process?
(ie: Is anyone's blade performing better)
Is anyone still making their own blades?
Does anyone have instructions/drawings for making wooden handplanes that they are happy to share?
and finally, is there any plans for another get-together soon?
Once again, congrats everyone, job well done.

Hi gmack,

Originally Posted by gmack

I do have a few questions if anyone could please answer.......

No Problem

Originally Posted by gmack

Has anyone experienced a lessor edge held on their blades due to the grinding/cutting process?

As long as you do not blue the steel during grinding, the grinding will have no effect on the blades performance and since we have moved to M2 for our blades, even blueing will have no effect on the blades temper. Regardless I prefer not to blue my blades, since it is visual not pleasing, and if you are using a soft touch you should not be blueing the steel.

Originally Posted by gmack

Does anyone have instructions/drawings for making wooden handplanes that they are happy to share??

PM me your email address and I can send you two types of plans, one is an abutments style and one is for a cross bar style.

Originally Posted by gmack

finally, is there any plans for another get-together soon

I have started a new order here drop in, and if you are interested in anything post in the thread.

With a heap of other priorities intervening, I am finally busy with a 55deg smoother using one of my blades from the second order.

I'm using HNT abuttments in a body laminated up from q'sawn Tassie oak.

I'll post some pics when I try it out.

regards