Took about half the day to get me moving around enough, to go down to the Dungeon Shop.    I had five block planes to check out, to see which I wanted to sell.   Three of them passed, a Blue Stanley #220  seemed to work ok.  A shelton made 118 clone (all steel) also passed the test.   The Craftsman/ Sargent 306 also passed the test.   The losers?   A sargent made 130 clone ( hand killer!  leaves a lasting impression on your hand) and a Handyman 120 clone ( worked  not too badly, just hate 120 style planes))

Tried out a #33  Scrub plane..Just to rough up the test track a bit.   had to back off the iron a bit, it was trying to take TOO BIG of a bite.   This is with just a little bit showing.    Next a few smoothers...A Union #3, at about 105 years old, still working.  Next, something a might newer...A Handyman #1204.   Same as a Stanley #4 in size.   About mid 50s, or so... Speaking of Stanley #4s...How about a Type 11?   Brought it upstairs for a better light.   This was once a pile of rusty junk. 

Well, got to go and put two block planes on the Auction Block.....

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Sign on pick up truck's back window..:' Save a Horse, ride a Cowboy'

 That type 11 #4c Stanley  was part of a $5 Challenge.    I was sent a rusted up pile of crud, with a crack knob, and no tote.   This is what became of it.  

Tomorrow, IF I can get moving around, I might try out the larger planes on that face grain track.   Heard tell that a #5-1/2 makes a nice smoother.  We will see about that.    I also have a pair  of#6s  to test out.    Might try them as smoothers as well. 

All this is provided i can actually get around on my own two left feet.    I think the right side has gone on strike, at least in the mornings. 

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Sign on pick up truck's back window..:' Save a Horse, ride a Cowboy'

 Going to be a late start today.    I have the Roy Underhill show @1500 zulu, followed by Scott Phillips' show.    I might be able to go up and down some stairs by then.    Took 15 minutes this morning to hobble down ONE flight of stairs!    Which leg was bad on Chester ( of Gunsmoke fame) while he was hoping after Mister Dillion?     I think I looked about the same, with a touch of  Old Crone thrown in.   Try going down steps, while bent over double.     Step or two, stop & cuss a few, try again.  

Anyhoo, here is a look at the two planes that didn't make the "cut" yesterday..Looks like A Stanley #130?   But made by Sargent.     Not a comfy plane to push around, it WILL dig into your hand.   It will switch around, though..Not very fun that way either.   Now on Ebay.  Next "loser"..This one IS a Stanley, a Handyman #H1249 block plane.   It does cut, but it tends to chatter, too.    The main reason I didn't like this plane?That little lever.   It adjusts the depth of the cut, push it down, blade retracts, push the plane along-hands pushes the lever down.  Then you just skate along.    I hate a 120 style plane.    Every  one I have had gets sold.   This one is now on Ebay.

Got woke up by the Granbrats watching MY TV this morning, LOUDLY!   Grrrrr.    Chase them out, get up, and try to walk....Major FAIL!    oh, Mister Dillion!!!   Maybe i could be a Cowboy Star?     "Hoppalong Bandit?"    Nah, Gene might get mad... Autry, that is....

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Sign on pick up truck's back window..:' Save a Horse, ride a Cowboy'

Finally @ 1700 zulu, made it down to the Dungeon!   Set up a new test track  of gnarly old oak 4/4 x6x48".I adjusted the three larger planes to act like smooth planes, just to test IF they could do that job..   First up, a 5-1/2 sized Union #5A...Not too bad, for going AGAINST the grain (ooops) Set that plane aside, and got a rebuilt from a wrecked DE#6c small jointer plane.   I think it MIGHT just do this type of work,,,Shavings even look thinner.  Still going against the grain, even!  Finally, another #6, this one has a narrower iron ( 2-1/4") and it is stamped SAVAGE on the iron ( made by UNION, though)....this is with the grain, and is as fine as it can get.    Hmmm, I think this one will stay a jointer plane. 

Doctor Feelgood got me moving today.    Took awhile, though.   Now, I'm all worn out, Whew.....

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Sign on pick up truck's back window..:' Save a Horse, ride a Cowboy'

Steve, it's great to see ya back in shape and working. Your planes are looking great and we appreciate the updates. My big question to you is, how dang cold is it in that dungeon!!!!

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops and Wounded Warriors Project

 A damp 65 degrees, unless the dryer is running....

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Sign on pick up truck's back window..:' Save a Horse, ride a Cowboy'