Thread: A love of surform tools

Well Andrew, I'll start the ball rolling....

Many years ago I had a fling with surforms (there, I've gone & admitted it! ). However, it didn't last. They are not bad tools and do a good job in some circumstances, but the reason I fell out of love with them after a while was because they are too bulky for a lot of jobs (try making a saw handle with a surform!), and often a bit too vicious. They are generally ok across the grain, but can cause terrible, almost irreparable tear-out along the grain in some woods. If you want to remove a lot of wood in a hurry from something like a large cabriole leg, & don't mind the risk, they are great. However, I have since moved on to other tools like bowsaws, spokeshaves, and good quality rasps, which can often remove waste faster, and which I find more controllable.

There's not really a 'wrong' tool for any job - whatever works, works - everyone has their favourite tools & methods. Much depends on what sorts of things you are making.

So there's my 2c.

Cheers,

Hi Andrew

I have one that I use to rough out not too tight outside curves. One day I'll get one of those $$$$ rasps.

Originally Posted by IanW

Many years ago I had a fling with surforms (there, I've gone & admitted it! ).

As long as your planes never find out you should be right

I think it might be an example of your mileage may vary - maybe my oldies are just blunt enough that they do a smoother job now, but I'm finding one does the job of a scrub plane neatly, leaving really rough stock ready for the #5 to finish it off, and that used on planed stock it near polishes the wood. That contrasts quite a bit with your experience, though I've seen some of your work on the forums so don't doubt you for one minute (love the saws on the other thread btw!)

I believe you can buy the Microplane inserts for the surform

That could be interesting, I wonder how much difference they would make. Their cheese graters are excellent.