Infill plane making taken to a new level.
Although now championing my new 98 series I continue to make infill planes based on the Norris, Mathieson and Spiers patterns. Please take some time to visit my Gallery or Planes pages to see examples of my work.
I must emphasize that I do not make 'reproduction antiques' – my designs, although firmly based on the old infill patterns, incorporate subtle modifications to achieve the standards of design and finish for which I have become known. My aim is simply to make the finest hand planes money can buy.
A1 28½" with Boxwood Infill
Normally I recommend jointers only up to 22 1/2" but this 28 1/2" A1 was a commission.
I prefer to make planes up to 22 1/2" but in the case of a commission I have to break a few rules. It would be interesting to know how other plane makers keep their planes flat, especially from panel plane onwards and I will be including this on my blog.
Rare Woods
(Dalbergia odorifera)
Background of Huanghuali wood:
The Chinese term huanghuali literally means "yellow flowering pear" wood. It is a member of the rosewood family and is botanically classified as Dalbergia odorifera.
In pre-modern times the wood was known as huali or hualu. The modifier huang (yellowish-brown) was added in the early twentieth century to describe old huali wood whose surfaces had mellowed to a yellowish tone due to long exposure to light. Huanghuali has very attractive grain pattern its chatoyancy reflects light and its grain exhibits patterns called friendly ghost faces. It is a fine grained fragrant and precious tropical hardwood only perhaps equalled in value by the Zitan.
Zitan, Purple sandalwood (Pterocarpus Species)
Amongst these two exotic tropical hardwoods this is perhaps the most beautiful and extraordinarily rare species. It has been little known in the
Western world and has an exceptionally fine grain and hardness making it so dense it will not float in water.
Its colour is dark purple on an underlying red background with darker lines, whirls and often ripple figure. Zitan when fresh cut is oriflamme, the colour of the Qing dynasty imperial court ensign. It became so rare and coveted during that time that the imperial emperors issued a royal edict forbidding its use in anything other than royal furniture and articles; it was traded weight for weight with gold.
The Zitan tree grows very slowly and has always been in short supply. It has historically been used for furniture and sculptures - King Solomon was given tribute logs of Purple sandalwood by the Queen of Sheba. Today furniture made in this noble timber commands premium prices and is much sought after by collectors. It is truly the most desirable wood of all.
I have a small quantity of these two extremely rare and precious woods from antique furniture. I will be using these in special editions of my three low angle planes (A31 Thumb plane, A28 Chariot plane and A27 Bullnose plane). These will be sold as a limited set of the three planes. The collection will be limited to 5 sets of the three planes only. The cost for the set will be £10,500. Each set of three planes will be made in either type of wood. Delivery (and payment) will be spread.
