About My Planes

Construction
My planes are constructed using choice quartersawn PA cherry. Cherry, like many other fruitwoods, shares many similar properties to beech, the most important of which is its stability against the changes in humidity. Drastic changes in dimensions of the planes’ bodies will result in irons that do not match the soles. Additionally, by using cherry, I'm able to pick through a wide range of boards which can only be a good thing for my product and the end user.
 
I recognize that beech was the choice wood for the makers of the past and present due to its stability, workability and hardness. Up to this point I have been unable to find suitable beech in reasonable quantities for my intentions. What I have found in the species has been wholly inadequate for my product. I have significantly grown in my commitment to this endeavor and I intend to pursue enough quantity that I will be able to dictate specifically what I can get from sawmills. However, the end result is a long time off and completely unpredictable.
 
Excluding wood choice, my planes are a faithful copy of those of the past made possible by the extraordinary research occurring at Clark & Williams.

Regarding the irons: I use the tapered iron blanks offered by Lie-Nielsen. I grind them. I heat treat them. I sharpen them.

Inspiration
I began working wood as a hobbyist nearly 10 years ago. My interests fell in the realm of the Queen Anne and Chippendale, often right in the middle. I bought my first set of used hollows and rounds nearly 5 years ago. With a significant amount of work I was able to get the planes in the set that I chose working well.

With the introduction of the Lie-Nielsen produced video Making Side Escapement Planes by Larry Williams of Clark & Williams, planemaker floats by various outfits and tapered iron blanks also offered by Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, I made my own half set which I continue to use today. Since the release of the video I have been approached by a few people regarding making a similar set. I officially turned professional on March 27, 2010 at the Northeastern Woodworkers’ Association 2010 Showcase.

My interests specifically fall in the realm of the four types of planes I offer. The arcs these create are specific. The possibilities they allow are limitless.

I encourage people to get the planes of the past functional. I promote making your own. If you are overwhelmed with the extraordinary technology of the past, or if you look at a plane and do not see it, I recommend the same instructional video that inspired me.

Let us say goodbye to tooling together!