It's Been A Busy Winter
Hand Plane Restoration
Last summer I did a salvage job (basement clean out) and picked up 5 old hand planes. They ranged from a small palm plane to a large joint plane. Of course all of them were completely covered in rust. So, the hand plane restoration project began.
I did some research, watched a lot of videos, and even consulted some of the woodworking books I have. Out of all the research I found anything by Paul Sellers or Chistopher Schwarz to be the best info.
From there I began just doing the restoration. Learning how to sharpen the blades (irons) took some time and a lot of practice. Mastering the correct technique to put a fine edge on the irons wasn't easy. I even tried the shaving of the arm hair test after, which didn't work the first time, so I had to go back and resharpen, then hone.
And wow, they are a really great tool to use. Especially for planing glue ups that I make for tops and are too big for the thickness planer. Plus, you get a heck of a work out using them. More to come soon, above are the pics of the hand plane restoration.
Other Projects
Over the winter I solidified a new design for an Adirondack chair, finalized a design for a single drawer stand that is tall and great for entry ways or as a plant stand near windows in a living room, etc.
Also, I started a photographer's backdrop that is two sided with multi colors on one and white wash of sorts on the other. I refinished an antique oak farm table, and an heirloom maple dresser. An antique maple dresser on casters received a custom stain job, and a Victrola cabinet may possibly be used as a dry bar. Recently I refinished a cedar chest, a commode, and countless other little projects.
It's been really busy these last few months. Hence, no blog postings.