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Purfectly Purdyness Puraphernalia!

Mike Hill

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File this in your Purfectly Purdyness Puraphernalia file. Something goods comes outta all things (I think I've heard that somewheres before!) I was lamenting that I had forgotten my woodbarter password and could not contact @Tony or @Eric Rorabaugh (did not know Wendell @woodman6415. was also coming) to meet up at the AAW. When I looked down and beheld this beauty. One of the purdiest things I have ever seen. A plane made of Ringed Gidgee! I got to hold it, stroke it a little and I think I even kissed it. Immediately after kissing it, I looked up and saw Tony and Eric gliding down the aisle - just glad they did not see me kiss the plane! No, not for sale - yet! After I get through with him, he'll sell it!

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That is one mighty looking decadent plane Lil’ Mikey! Buy it and I will provide the purple velvet rope! Damn thing must be hard and heavy to push! Are you in any shape or form to be working out with that- better off sending it to the young fellow:sarcastic:! I might not be able to keep up with that either!! Remember that it is a tool and don’t let it have it’s final resting place under a display case. Just sayin’………..
 
Wood coach mode “on”: Mike you don’t need that- I am trying to help you out. You can create that with the skills and talent you possess. You have materials to make that. It is missing the “razzle dazzle” that Hawaiian Koa has. You can thank me in the morning……
 
File this in your Purfectly Purdyness Puraphernalia file. Something goods comes outta all things (I think I've heard that somewheres before!) I was lamenting that I had forgotten my woodbarter password and could not contact @Tony or @Eric Rorabaugh (did not know Wendell @woodman6415. was also coming) to meet up at the AAW. When I looked down and beheld this beauty. One of the purdiest things I have ever seen. A plane made of Ringed Gidgee! I got to hold it, stroke it a little and I think I even kissed it. Immediately after kissing it, I looked up and saw Tony and Eric gliding down the aisle - just glad they did not see me kiss the plane! No, not for sale - yet! After I get through with him, he'll sell it!

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That's very purdy! Is it a flat sole or a profile like crown molding or something?
 
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Flat sole and just as purdy and curly as the top. Iron wasn't there.
 
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Wood coach mode “on”: Mike you don’t need that- I am trying to help you out. You can create that with the skills and talent you possess. You have materials to make that. It is missing the “razzle dazzle” that Hawaiian Koa has. You can thank me in the morning……
Whew! needed that!!!! Probably couldn't afford it anyways. Never could find the on/off switch. H. E. Double Hockey Sticks - I have no idea how to use one of them thar things! Have never seen a piece of Ringed Gidgee that big. But now, Koa --- hmmmmmm ----- I wonder??????????? Wonder where one could find plans/drawings? I think the wingie things were pretty cool. I mean, other than the wingies, they haven't changed much over the years. This one is supposedly the 17th Century - I think @Mike1950 used it when he was young! :sofa: I mighta just made a mistake - that could be Clyde-worthy! I've never gotten a Clyde before.

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The "wingie things"/cross handle were for the shop apprentice to work as a second operator and pull while the craftsman pushed. Tyically only used on the exceptionally wide planes that were much harder for one man alone. One of the reasons I asled if it was a crown molding plane... The crossbars are also typically forward of the blade, not behind it.
Unless it's a japanese style plane, which it almost looks like, then I'm in less familiar territory. Japanese planes are intended to be pulled to cut and I have seen crossbars on the bigger ones. Could explain why they're behind the blade. I like how they're oval instead of round.
 
The "wingie things"/cross handle were for the shop apprentice to work as a second operator and pull while the craftsman pushed. Tyically only used on the exceptionally wide planes that were much harder for one man alone. One of the reasons I asled if it was a crown molding plane... The crossbars are also typically forward of the blade, not behind it.
Unless it's a japanese style plane, which it almost looks like, then I'm in less familiar territory. Japanese planes are intended to be pulled to cut and I have seen crossbars on the bigger ones. Could explain why they're behind the blade. I like how they're oval instead of round.
I think you are correct that this is a push plane type, eastern Japanese style. But, they would have a steel chipper and a steel plane blade if this was a physical working tool. 99% of the time they will also use a localized wood for the “dai” (plane body) like Japanese white oak or red oak. You will seldom find other species- I have seen rosewood as plane bodies as well as ebony, usually Asian dalbergia species. They will also will not have those additional straight handles if this is a Japanese style plane. I think this is a “hybrid” between a western and eastern plane that some Aussie build as they use their own local wood to use.
 
Whew! needed that!!!! Probably couldn't afford it anyways. Never could find the on/off switch. H. E. Double Hockey Sticks - I have no idea how to use one of them thar things! Have never seen a piece of Ringed Gidgee that big. But now, Koa --- hmmmmmm ----- I wonder??????????? Wonder where one could find plans/drawings? I think the wingie things were pretty cool. I mean, other than the wingies, they haven't changed much over the years. This one is supposedly the 17th Century - I think @Mike1950 used it when he was young! :sofa: I mighta just made a mistake - that could be Clyde-worthy! I've never gotten a Clyde before.

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As well made and beautiful that Aussie ringed gidgee is, I see it more of a showcase piece and not a utilitarian tool. Wood body planes from my observation (Japanese Dai’s) would never be quarter or quartered cut due to the “bowing” factor length wise. Most of what I own and have seen, body woods are either cut rift sawn or flat sawn cut- they also make sure that they are well seasoned at least a decade or so before they become a finished product.

If you want to make one out of koa(or any woods), you have to have a chip breaker and a plane blade. You can purchase those online or have it custom made. I have some vintage ones that are hand forged and planning to build custom bodies for it and option is I looking for a smith locally to me to be able to possibly do an infill version for the steel work. You can find plans on line or if you have existing body planes, you can replicate it, with the proper shelf angle. The wood plane itself from what I have is no more than 1-1/2” thick (it is actually less for a 70mm smoothing plane).

An example of Hawaiian koa body plane that appears to be laminated based on the pin details (not mine):

72EE7862-2880-430C-9613-3132196F80F1.jpeg

While I like the look of all wood body plane, I like more the combination of wood and steel on a vintage infill plane usually made in Scotland and the UK. Love the look of rosewood or ebony against a well patinated steel.
 
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Just dug out the brochure from the back of the jeep! Indeed, made in Aussieland by Colen Clenton. Looking at the prices, I probably could afford it, if it goes up for sale. Not bad! Looks like the guy who started this company, was in the AF in Malaysia. Probably modeled after some planes there.
 
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Yeh, I did a look for koa planes earlier and that one came up. Went ahead and bought 3 books about making planes. So........

And as far as I can tell, most are made of a japanese oak and are likely plain sawn with cup down.
 
A couple of James Krenov's books have entire sections on making wood bodied planes. If I'm not mistaken, he did have a single. book dedicated to the subject also. Would be the first place I would look.
 
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