Of This and That: Adventures in Millersburg

It’s always a good time when two or more woodworkers get together. It’s even better when you enjoy the same type of woodworking; for me, that's using hand tools, especially hand planes. One weekend in March was better than most since I got to teach  students how the Stanley 45 and 55 blades cut, how to sharpen them, and how to use them. ​

​Each class has their ups and downs and this one was no exception. Everything went smoothly (pun intended) with the 45; however, when it came to the 55, all of us were having some difficulty. It turned out that stock had a slight bow and twist - just enough to make it difficult to follow through with planing strokes. However, after leveling the stock off, we were back on track. One good thing about having a problem in class is everyone benefits from the solution and it leads to more questions and answers.

​Dan, the owner of Colonial Homestead (the antique tool store across the street) offers all students 15% off while taking a class. I was also able to take advantage of this and pick up a few planes myself. Most are cabinet-pitch so they're good for hardwoods. The 1/8” center bead is half-pitch, good for recalcitrant woods. Some of these I will bring to the wooden moulding plane class in July where we will cover all things moulding planes (see class details).

Other classes coming up (taught by me) are:

• Hand cut Dovetails; Through, Half blind and Tapered Sliding.
• Scratch Stock Beading; This often overlook method is one of the least expensive and easiest ways to add small moldings to your project. 
• Sharping and Using Profiled Planes; We will cover everything from Hollows and Rounds to Complex Moulding Planes. Which planes should you avoid and why and how to fettle them. Do you have a fettling block?
• Making a Candle Box with hand tools. You should practice your through dovetails before taking this class. We will be concentrating on cutting groves (stopped and through) using the plow plane along with making a Quaker lock for the secret compartment. 

See you in Millersburg.
-- Charles