[net.rec.wood] tool recommendations sought: planes

mangoe@umcp-cs.UUCP (Charley Wingate) (06/15/85)

In article <2033@iddic.UUCP> jimd@iddic.UUCP (Jim Delwiche) writes:

>I was pleased to see a reference to Japanese woodworking tools, since I
>am a great admirer of them, particularly the planes.  I have four of
>them.  The toolmakers in Japan who make these laminated blades are
>supposedly descended from Samurai swordmakers, and use the same basic
>blacksmithing techniques.  These planes can be made amazingly sharp. My
>smoothing plane can take off gauze like, almost transparent shavings.

I obtain these kind of results from fairly standard American planes; the
secret is in good sharpening AND very careful adjustment.  Anything that
can't put a glossy surface on any hardwood without I would classify as junk.
I should note that this is possible with ordinary good Stanley tools.

Charley Wingate   umcp-cs!mangoe