Building a Block Plane - Cutting its Throat

In the first photo I have marked the throat angles on my core block.  I marked a line at 2 1/4" from the front of the block.  I used a protractor to set my bevel gauge to 65 degrees. Then set the bevel gauge on the 2 1/4" line and marked the angle towards the top-front of the block.  I used my 45 degree square at the 2 1/4"line and marked a line up and toward the back of the block

Throat angles marked

I cut the angles on my bandsaw

Then sanded up to the angled lines. The 45 degree angle is perfect. The are still some bandsaw marks (my bandsaw blade got jammed, during another project, as a result it has a slight wobble in one small section and I didn't compensate enough and the wobble crossed the line)  However I don't think the marks will impact the plane blade so I decided to leave them alone.

The 65 degree angle didn't work out so well on the front block.  The angle is not even across the block.  It's off by 1 mm.  Notice the square line across the top of the front block. However I'm thinking this will not impact the function of the finished block plane.  The plane blade will be held in place against the 45 degree angle on the back block.

 

On the back of the front block I measured up 1/4" from the bottom and marked a line. I sanded the back of the front block (side with the 65 degree angle) square to the bottom of the block.  I didn't take a great photo but if you look closely you can see the result in the photo below.

 

Building a Block Plane - Sizing the blank

With the glue dry I removed the clamps and measured my walnut block. I need to get the block of wood down to the proper dimensions.  I used my planer to get a smooth side then ran the block through my table saw with the smooth side down.  

After repeated cuts I was able to get the block down to the correct dimensions.  The seam between the boards is not in the center and its not straight in the block but my block is almost square.  May be it would have been easier if I had a jointer but I'm working with what I have.

 

I also have worm or some bug hole in one side of the blank so I think I'll make that the top.

The core blank is 1 9/16" x 1 9/16" x 6" and 

The sides are 1/4" x 1 9/16 x 6".

Building a Block Plane

I've decided to attempt to make a block plane. I've got a copy of John Wilson's "Making Woods Tools" (affiliate link) last year and I have not yet made any tools from the book. The block plane is the first project in the book and is a good place to start according to John. The book seems detailed enough to follow the project and John includes how to make the blade as well.

I plan to post photos as I build the block plane.  

So far I selected the wood and ordered the steel for the blade (affiliate link).  

For the inner core of the plane I selected a piece of walnut.  I did not have a piece large enough 1 17/32" x 1 17/32" x 6" so I glued up a walnut blank.  For the sides I selected a piece a piece of hardwood maple.  The board was left over prefinished maple flooring.  I planed the bottom of the flooring flat and used the bandsaw to resaw the board to just over 1/4" thick.  I then planed the board down to 1/4" thick removing the bandsaw marks.

Walnut blank clamped and waiting for the glue to dry

Maple flooring for the sides prior to being resawn.

How to Make a Picture Hanging Tool

Have you ever had to readjust a picture hook to get your work of art in the right place?  Then you need to watch this video.  Get the perfect hook placement without buying an expensive tool.  I think the picture hanging tools for sale cost too much for being a piece of plastic.  Don't get me started on high tech laser levels to hang picture frames.



Why buy one of these fancy picutre hanging tools:
http://amzn.to/2x0IiFs
http://amzn.to/2vTTxuo
http://amzn.to/2wwLiqa

When you can make your own?

How to Make Vertical Bike Hangers

Our bikes were always in the way taking up too much floor space.  I show you how to build vertical bike hooks so you can hang your bike on the wall. This is a great bike storage solution for your garage. I included both metric and imperial measurements.

How to Make Table Card Holders [Quick and Easy Wedding DIY]

Have you been to a pot luck and asked what is that?  Then you should make these before hosting your next pot luck to label the food.





Here are some links to some 18 gauge wire:

Colored Wire
http://amzn.to/2sJaI47

Aluminum Craft Wire 18 Gauge
http://amzn.to/2rx4hO7

Here are the table card holders in action.

  

How to: PAW Patrol Birthday Party Carnival Game -Bean Bag Fire Targets

How to Build a Privacy Fence -Part 2

Tips and tricks on installing the boards on a privacy fence.

A tool belt is a must have when building a fence.  Here are two low cost options:
http://amzn.to/2pqbcel
http://amzn.to/2oBwTTR

How to Build a Fence - Part 1

Learn the tip & tricks that helped me build a privacy fence.

A tool belt is a must have when building a fence.  Here are two low cost options:
http://amzn.to/2pqbcel
http://amzn.to/2oBwTTR

Get the FOG OFF! Your Furniture

The internet is full of suggestions for removing a heat stain from furniture. Everything from rubbing combinations of toothpaste, baking soda, salt, olive oil, vinegar, petroleum jelly and even mayonnaise.  But do they work?

There are a lot of suggestions that the fixes don't work or that it makes the problem worst!  I wanted to try an easy method first without refinishing the tabletop.

In this video I document the easy DIY solution I tried to remove the mark from the finish.  Can you make the problem worse? YES! I almost did.  Watch the video!!

This method may not work for all wood finishes but it worked for me.  If this solution works for you please click the like button and leave a comment.  And if it doesn't work for you let us know in the comments as well.

Custom Carnival Game

This video shows the design details my my custom made carnival game.  I made this game for a local Dentist who sponsored our school.

If you like my video please subscribe

How to Build a Skee Ball Carnival Game

I built this skee ball game for a school carnival.  It's built in 3 pieces for easy transport.

Download my Skee ball ramp template here

Please consider supporting my You Tube channel by purchasing your Skee balls here (Amazon affiliate link)

How to Build a Strength Tester Carnival Game

Building a strength test carnival game.

Garden Tool Storage

French cleats bolted to the wall to hang garden tools.  Used 3/4 plywood for the cleats and pallet wood for the tool hangers.  Drying the garlic harvest (above photo)