Wood for planemaking and other wood ?s
Bob Fawcett
>Ok I know I am crazy, but I am going to make a plane. I was inspired by the wood and brass creation posted by Jason Walcott.
I have several varieties available that I bought.
Clark and Williams use beech for their wooden planes. I have some European steamed beech. Why is European beech always listed as "steamed", and what does steaming do to the wood?
I have some goncalo alves, which I have seen used as a plain sole. Is that because of its hardness, or some other reason?
I have some bubinga, Lee Valley uses this for handles and totes.
I have some purple heart, Steve Knight builds some great planes with this.
I also have some hard maple, which I used to make the Lee Valley spoke shave kit.
What should I use?
The plane will have brass sides, a bed angle of 25-30 degrees, a bevel up blade made of O1 steel, a Norris type adjuster made of brass and stainless steal, and a brass cap iron.