HOTDOG!
Lyn J. Mangiameli
>For those of you who have or remember the Stanley #9 Miter Plane, you know of the metal side handle fitted to the body of the plane that was affectionately known for its similarity in shape to a hotdog. I have always considered this an excellent means of gripping this rectangular bodied plane when it was used on its side for its primary intended purpose of shooting.
When Lie-Nielsen produced their outstanding modern version, in place of the hotdog, they substituted a wooden knob that could be threaded into either side of the main body. This handle is useful when a lot of force needs to be communicated into and through the plane, but most of the time it serves as a rather ungainly appendage that gives the plane an assymetrical appearance and makes storage awkward. Functionally, it moves a portion of the applied force well out of line with the blade center, which is not a big problem when used for shooting, but still less than ideal. Though a hotdog handle doesn't entirely eliminate these issues, by allowing for a grip on the body itself, it diminishes them greatly, and just looks Classic and Cool at the same time.
Thus I have longed for the return of a hotdog handle that would move the application of force closer in to the body, and allow for a comfortable grip when the plane is held off a surface. I made my request, which likely has been joined by others, to L-N many years ago. Some hope of fullfilment was extended, but the time frame was indefinite, which in this case has extended into many years.
Well, I just got off the phone with Jennifer of L-N and two HotDogs have been produced, with one now on its way to me (I'll post photos as soon as it arrives). Now I think the other will become available for sale, and if sufficient interest is generated, there is a possibility that Tom will allow the present two to breed before seperation and generate sufficient progeny to fullfil whateverf customer demand is expressed.
This may never become a regular production option, at least I doubt it. So, if you have lusted for a hotdog of your own (so to speak), and now have or are anticipating the purchase of a #9 (Lie-Nielsen or otherwise), now is the time to make your wishes known.
But for me, I must come up with another obscure item I really want so Jennifer and Tom and I have something new to maintain a running joke about. But for now, HotDog!!