WoodNet Forums: Making a smoother according to the Work Magazine Reprint Project

Gee, this thread has drifted from the shallows of the hand tool forum, and is getting harder to find!

It's found now. It's getting an update. Gird yourselves.

First of all, thank you for your patience, lads. I've been silent for a few weeks as life has chugged along on its manic way. Manic? Yes, manic--I recently adopted a terrier pup who has become a full time job in his watching. Good thing he's cute, or else...

The good news is that I have been at the foundry the past two weekends making parts. The bad news is that I've been at the foundry the past two weekends: High 90's the first weekend, 103* and 104* last saturday and sunday. Brutal, to say the least. I think I drank a gallon and a half of iced tea each day to just see straight. As you all are aware, the weather has not been the most cooperative here in Colorado lately.

I'm currently preparing for a trip with my love to Oregon and will not return to the business at hand until July 9. I plan to message those of you who are in line for your plane parts to order when I return. Please remain patient, you will be messaged when it is your time.

Here are some photos of the plane body and lever cap as you will receive them. As I have noted previously, these are rough castings that require a bit of elbow grease and skill to turn into the tools of all our dreams.

The lever cap is oversize so you can file, fit and finish to your heart's content.

These guys have been taken to my belt sander to remove any serious casting flash and such. Each part is unique in its degree of finishing: some have more sanding/grinding than others, depending on how much work needed to be done. More FFF (see above) needed from you here!

The cap underside. I've taken the liberty to stamp the under/insides of these parts with my mark so auction houses know the provenance in 2140. I wonder if they'll find this thread too?

And topside. There is a dimple where the hole for the lever screw should penetrate--just an aid.

I've also stamped the inside heel of the body with my mark and plane number. In case you're wondering (you know who you are, waitlist fellas!), I don't plan to make 9,999 castings (yet!).

One last shot of the parts; in all their grubby glory.

As for the lever cap screw, the castings have been successful and I am just beginning the turning process to work out all the details. I will post photos when the time comes for something presentable to emerge. They are looking good so far though; I'm heartened to see something come of them.

Also, you're probably wondering where I stand on completion of the original list. To be honest, it has been a challenging project for one critical reason: logistics. Time and space seem to be working against me, so I'm not as far as I would like to be at this point. The good news is that planes are ready to ship--just not all of the 24 on the list. Please remain patient as I work through the obstacles. It will only get better--I'm dedicated to that.

Take care and stay cool, all!

--------------------
James Uhrich

Sturnella Toolworks

info@sturnella.com