How to make a boxed plane

[AndyT]

I'm not about to start posting lots of YouTube recommendations but I know that plenty of members share my admiration for the best work of plane makers of the past and wonder how they did the work that they did. Of particular interest is the precise fitting of strips of boxwood onto the parts of a wooden plane that got the hardest wear.

There's a plane maker on YouTube, Stavros Gakos, who for some time now has been posting excellent videos showing his plane making up close. I think his latest offering is a bit special. He shows how he makes and fits boxing. I don't know whether he has evidence of past methods or has worked things out logically for himself, but he works simply and precisely. (Just as a display of precision planing with perfectly set up tools, this video is a fine performance.) His methods work well, using standard planes plus a few specials and jigs.

Anyway, in the unlikely event that you haven't already discovered his work and watched all of his videos, give this one a watch. I'm sure you will enjoy it and feel you have had a glimpse back into the past masters' world.

[youtube]LzcHK75YgeM[/youtube]

 

[Woodbloke]

I think Philly does a bit of this; that's when he's not making planes out of solid English Boxwood! :shock: - Rob

 

[Mike G]

I'm struggling with a much more basic issue: how to get hold of a lump of seasoned beech big enough to make a plane from.

 

[Trevanion]

I'm struggling with a much more basic issue: how to get hold of a lump of seasoned beech big enough to make a plane from.

How big are you talkin'?

 

[pitch pine]

Thanks Andy looks like I have some new late afternoon viewing.

 

[Mike G]

I'm struggling with a much more basic issue: how to get hold of a lump of seasoned beech big enough to make a plane from.

How big are you talkin'?

I have had an incredibly generous offer privately, so I'm not looking any more, thanks.

 

[TrimTheKing]

Very nice mate. I enjoyed that.

I’ve subscribed now so thanks for the heads up.

 

[sunnybob]

My local woodyard has a lot of "superior steamed beech"
Is that considered seasoned? or even suitable?
(no Mike, I'm not offering to ship a plank to you) :shock:

 

[Philly]

Good to see how much work is involved in that little slice of yellow in your plane!

Finding decent sized quartered Beech is a nightmare - I've spent years trying to keep reasonable stock and have even had a tree planked and dried. You just got to keep looking for it :lol:

Philly

 

[AndyT]

Ah, Phil, glad you chipped in. Is the process in the video similar to the way you do boxing? Have you had to make or adapt special tools and jigs too? (Hoping it's not a trade secret and you won't mind being asked.)

 

[Philly]

Ah, Phil, glad you chipped in. Is the process in the video similar to the way you do boxing? Have you had to make or adapt special tools and jigs too? (Hoping it's not a trade secret and you won't mind being asked.)

Very similar (although I don't use animal glue - I'm a fan of PU) and I'm also not afraid to use my table saw with grooving. The reality is that most people these days will never us a plane enough to justify the adding of boxing but let's be honest, it looks cool!
Here's taking it to the next level

 

[Woodbloke]

Finding decent sized quartered Beech is a nightmare - I've spent years trying to keep reasonable stock and have even had a tree planked and dried. You just got to keep looking for it :lol:

Philly

We've had some good conversations in the woodshed at Yandles on the same subject...and I've still got that lump of Castello Boxwood (which I haven't found a use for yet :lol - Rob