Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Gerstner inspired tool chest, a planing stop that will smash your hand.

After yesterday's hard work re sawing the boards, I was looking forward to getting in the shop today because I expected that planing the boards would be a piece of cake.

The first board did indeed live up to those expectations, no tear out and a nice looking surface emerged after a little bit of planing.

The following boards didn't cooperate to the same extent to say the least. One of the re sawn boards had grain that came from all directions and I couldn't make a nice looking surface. Most of them, were OK though, they would change direction on one third of the board which meant that I had to rotate the work a bit to get a decent surface.

The wood was pretty hard to plane, and it was a joy when I finally decided to tackle the spruce for the bottoms of the drawers.
Two of the spruce pieces were a walk in the park, but the other two had so large knots that I couldn't deal with them. I actually expected that, but I had tried to tell myself that it would be OK. I guess I lied.
This means that at some point I need to re saw another piece of a pallet side, to make two more bottoms, but I'll leave that for now.

After making the boards almost the same thickness I ripped them to the correct width. I was just able to make fronts and sides of the wood I had prepared. Once I start plowing grooves for the bottoms, I can determine what the size of the back should be.
Some of the boars I made today were only planed on one side. Partly because I didn't want to spend more time than necessary, and partly because the plan is to line all the drawers with some green felt once they are all done. I feel like it would be a wast of my energy to try to produce a perfect surface for something that will be hidden away.

My biggest problem concerning planing is that I smash my hand into the wall quite often. This is not because I get angry or trips or anything like that.
No, the problem is that my planing stop is a small piece of wood that rests against the wall in the workshop. The workbench is pretty small, so there is a limit to how long I can make the planing stop. If it is too long, I can't stand behind the plane which isn't good either. The best compromise is a board of approximately 8" length, This means that at the end of my planing stroke, when the blade leaves the board I have 4" left to stop my hand before hitting the wall.
It is especially hard when I am using the scrub plane and need to put some weight behind the plane.
I have tried to pack a bunch of shavings against the wall to act as a cushion for my hand, but sometimes the shavings fall down, and I am back where it hurts.
This all make me long for my workbench at home..


The position of the plane when the blade stops cutting.


The graduated height of the drawer stock.

11 comments:

  1. It's great to see you building on the ship again. Did you bring the same set of tools? Do you mind showing us what you brought again along with what you have available on the ship? It's always inspiring to see what little it takes to build something nice when you have your skills!

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    1. Thanks for the nice comment.
      I did bring my usual set with me this time too. It is fun that you should mention it, but I have considered writing a new post about my tool kit. I'll see if I get it done one of these days.
      Brgds
      Jonas

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  2. -Once again my comment disappeared!-
    I was saying that this happened to me before when my bench was up against the side wall of the garage. I ended up putting an old blanket at the end of the bench, both to protect the plane and my knuckles. It worked but it was a bit of a compromise

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    1. If it is any comfort to you, my comments also often disappear when commenting on other blogs hosted by blogspot. I have no idea what causes this problem.
      For a short time yesterday it actually worked, when I had piled up about a gallon of shavings. The problem was that they kept on falling down. Maybe I could wear some sort of glove, but I doubt that will make planing easier. I just have to get better at stopping my arms at the correct moment.
      Actually the root cause is, that it is a fairly shitty workshop we have on this ship. But sadly there is not much to do about it. Except writing a blog entry :-)
      Brgds
      Jonas

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  3. What about using a string/cord/rope to stop the travel of the plane before you hit the wall. One end fixed to the plane, the other end in the vice on the right of the bench, so you can easely adjust the length.
    Sylvain

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    1. Hello Sylvain
      That could actually work, but I am afraid I would just hurt my right hand which is pushing the plane if I did it.
      It would be a bit like horizontal bungee jumping with a steel wire. Apart from that it was a pretty good idea.
      Thanks.

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    2. You are right repetitive schocks could hurt your hand/ wrist/ elbow/ shoulder.
      Sylvain

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    3. Maybe woodworking is a dangerous hobby after all? :-)
      Have a nice weekend.
      Jonas

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  4. I think a good fix would be to get a job on a bigger ship!

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    1. Hi Brian.
      Now that is a good idea :-)
      I am sure that none of the guys in various HR departments have heard that excuse before.
      "So why would you like to work with our company"? I need a ship with a large workshop so I can pursue my hobby :-)
      Either they will think I am kidding and therefore a humorous asset to the company, or (more likely) they'll think I am bonkers and they won't hire me.
      Hmm, I suddenly feel like trying to apply for a job and give this as the cause for changing..
      Brgds
      Jonas

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    2. Tell them at heart you are a ship's carpenter and do a little chief engineering on the side.

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