Making of a Krenov Style Smoother

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This plane will be a normal size smoother.

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Since I agree with it 100 %, Copy and paste is faster than typing it out.

—45 degrees: Recommended for work on softwoods.
—47 ½ degrees: A Norris original angle. Recommended for work on soft or hard woods.
—50 degrees: Recommended for work on hard woods.
—55 degrees: Recommended for work on difficult woods, such as extra curly wood.

So the first thing I did was find the body. A piece of reclaimed chestnut looked to fit the bill. I cut the piece about an 1/8” to 3/16” wider than the blade I intend to use. I plan to make this a 50 degree bed, so the bed was cut at 50 degrees, and the front piece at 45 degrees. The front piece can vary. I know David Finch recommends 62 degrees, but I like a little more room to get the shavings out.

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I then found a piece of scrap Bloodwood for the sides. I split it down the middle for the two sides. If you want to make a plane that looks like a seamless piece of wood, cut the sides from each side of a complete block. That process is laid out here. Make sure you mark it so you know exactly how it goes back together.

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You want the center piece approximately 1/8” to 3/16” wider than the iron.

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Here is the iron I’ve chosen for this plane. The chip breaker is one that I made. I had made it for an infill and must have decided on another direction, so it seems to be the perfect fit for this plane.

A Hock iron is another option I’ve used with great success.

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The groove is to accept the cap screw.

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I decided to make this with a vintage iron and chip breaker, just to show the groove. I forgot to make this groove once until after it was glued up. Believe me, before is easier. I’ve also made this groove with a router and table, but my router table is set up for plane totes, and I’ll need that soon, so a sharp chisel seemed quicker.

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A quick guick cut with the dovetail saw.

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A sanded a little “flat” on the end of the front piece. I don’t like the mouth coming to a true point. It makes it to week and will chip at the very end.

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You will find you will be dry fitting over and over again while making this type (or any type I guess) plane.

Next up is a rough out of the wedge. I found a piece of Ash scrap that was the perfect size. It should be the same width as the iron. Note I’m cheating a little here and copying another wedge. Dimensions on this isn’t an exact science, but fitting it to “your” plane is.

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Note a little tip at the top. This is not a requirement, but moves the top away from the iron and makes tapping it with the hammer when setting the iron a little easier.

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Next up I made the pin. I show here how I did it with a plug cutter, but if you don’t have a plug cutter, I did it with a rasp. I scored the outside (I used the band saw, but any saw would do), then just whittled away until it fit.

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So apparently I forgot to take a picture when I marked for the pin holes. Just lay the iron, wedge and pieces together. Leave about an 1/8” extra space so you have room to fit the wedge. Also remember to mark out the whole circle, not just the center so you’re sure you have enough room.

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Then dry fit everything again.

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Then just glue it up. (note the notches in the top of the sides were in the scrap piece I used, so they were not intentionally put there)

A trick I learned, when gluing the sides, use a pinch of salt to keep the wood from sliding around on you. The granules stick and hold it in place like sand would, but dissolve to nothing from the.glue.

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That’s were I left it for the night. More to come.

Off to the shop to see how bad I screwed it up!!

Day 2. On with the show.

So next I flatten the bottom and squared it up with the sides.

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I then put it together for a test run. This is the very first shaving to come from the plane.

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And being the above pictures where all from softwood, I decided to try a not so friendly piece of Ash.

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Here are a couple Krenov style scrapers

Here are a few other builds

Krenov inspired smoothing plane 01IMG_20150620_094528588IMG_20150806_120944503IMG_20150806_122417736WP_000488

Some book recommendations
 



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