Making a Wooden Plane
Drilling the Pin Holes
During this step you will drill two 3/8" holes for the pin to sit in. I always have a tough time with this step. Normally well coordinated, I become somewhat spastic with a drill in my hand. I guess I'm perpindicularly challenged, because I rarely ever hit these holes "right on".
As I see it, you have two options here. One is drilling out each hole separately, the other is drilling both holes in a single operation. If you can drill a perfectly perpindicular hole, I would recommend drilling both at the same time. Start by clamping the two side pieces together, using the A mark to perfectly align things. Then drill the hole. A drill press is just the ticket, and it helps justify the purchase...
If you're not convinced you can drill a perfect hole through 3/4 - 1" of hardwood, then drill each hole individually. This is what I prefer to do with a hand drill. I'm still extremely careful to be as accurate as possible, but this way the deviation isn't transferred from one side to the other. Regardless of how careful I am, I rarely do this as well as I'd like and I have to compensate by adjusting the pin and/or the wedge. More on that later.
Again, I'm beating a dead horse, but this has been a real stumbling block for me. Mark the holes with an awl, and concentrate on drilling a precise hole. I'd really recommend a sharp brad point bit, and back up the side with a piece of scrap. This hole is highly visible, and tearout will detract from the final appearance.
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Steve Spodaryk
Medford, MA
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article
12.10.2008
- Making a Wooden Plane
Introduction
Tools
The Iron
The Chipbreaker
Wood
Marking Out the Blank 1
Marking Out the Blank 2
Forming the Plane Bed
Drilling the Pin Holes
Making the Pin
Test Fit
Glue Up
Post Glue Cleanup
Adjusting the Mouth
Making the Wedge
Test Run
Shaping the Plane Body
Troubleshooting
Advanced Topics
- Making a Wooden Plane
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