New Gets

A few weeks ago I was looking at the Veritas Plough Plane online. It states:

"Attention Left-Handers – If you are left-handed and previously purchased a right-hand plane, we will be pleased to exchange it (including all blades, as they are handed, too) for the left-hand version.... To arrange an exchange, please contact our Customer Service department."

I sent this message to LV Customer Service:

Hi
You have an offer for those left handers who bought a right handed plough plane to swap it for a left handed one. I am a right hander who would be interested in buying a used RH model from you, if it's available.

The reply?

Thank you for your inquiry. We have checked with our management and you are in luck - we do currently have 1 used Veritas® Right-Hand Plow Plane on hand. If you are interested in purchasing it, we can offer it at a 30% discount.

The result?



This tool is a blast to use. I still need to put a fence on it, but after a blade honing some soft maple made it sing. What a fun way to cut a groove.

The discount gave me permission to pick up the full lot of cutters.



It is a beauty, the trademark knurled brass is an eye pleaser. It feels small, but I guess it is the SMALL plough plane. If that's the case I'd say hold out to see if there will be a large size released. That being said this claustrophobic feeling goes away when you use it.

The fence is comfortable in the hand. The collet system ensures effortless, secure fence locking dead parallel to the skate. Innovation is a Veritas priority, and this is a great example. The depth stop works well, and the wave washer under it's knob makes for controlled adjustments.



The lever cap is captured, and the blade guide knob keeps the blade positioned against the machined bed side and properly aligned with the skate.



Overall the plane is very nicely made. The hardware are jewels, the blade adjustment knob is a diamond.

This plane will not cut a blind groove. It will cut a beautiful groove when used with the grain. I am making a pair of highly figured walnut boxes with sliding lids. There was an acceptable amount of chipout in one direction, but the other way desroyed the board. Owning the left handed version is necessary in this situation. This gets pretty expensive, especially since the cutters are not interchangeable, meaning two set would need to be bought. However, if handtools are your candy, this one is delicious.

Current Work

Display Case
Cherry, Soft Maple, Glass

Five Minute Bench 6

I had some curly oak left over, so I made a goggle box.
Thanks to Roy Underhill and his method of using his DT saw to mark, my pins are skinnier than ever.



One of my favorite aspects of woodworking is that there is always something more to learn. You develop a new skill, then move on to the next. Hence, the handsawn dovetail with mitre.






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Five Minute Bench 5

I've been hanging on to this small leftover piece of curly red oak for a long time, I'm glad I did.



It's pretty cool stuff, the curl is as tight as you would find in maple.



It's almost good enough to be called fiddleback.



I had a thin sheet of cork kicking around, and I decided to place some under the rasp till to protect the drawer bottom from them. I really like the effect, it deadens the sound when the handle bumps the bottom. I may extend the idea to the rest of my bench.