Thread: Which timber for HNT Gordon plane

Outback

I've got both the smoother and a 3/4" shoulder plane - both in Ironwood. Hard as hell, very tight-grained and very smooth to the touch. I'd recommend Ironwood if you're going to use the planes (which I assume you are) rather than just look at them. I may be wrong but I believe that the planes Terry Gordon makes from other timbers are intended to be objects of aesthetic excellence in addition to their function as tools. (In other words, they're not just for show - they're for show as well - if that makes sense). Anyway, I recommend the Ironwood versions.

Hope that helps?

Col

Wot Col sed

Regards from Perth

Derek

BTW what is this Ironwood that Mr Gordon uses?

Is it Iron Bark or is there a euc called Ironwood ?

My shoulder plane is Ironwood. It goes very nicely with the brass of the sole.


Craig

Thanks guys, this is making this an easy decision. I only asked as there seems to be about threee levels of planes.

1. Ironwood, gidgee, ebony. (users)
2. Pink Ivory, Rosewood, Lignum Vitae etc. (look at 'em or use 'em)
3. Budgeroo, snakewood etc. (treat 'em like yer 16 yr old daughter, lock 'em an' don't let get rewted)

Craig Ironwood is not an Eucalyptus, there are 2 Ironwood species, not sure which one Terry uses. I have turned Ironwood and it is hard as buggery, as usual with any dense wood it takes a great finish.
Cheers
Barry

My smoother is ironwood. It's magnificent. I would think that if you are using it vs. just admiring it, then going for as hard, dense etc wood as possible would be the right thing to do.