Last week I shared our latest Jointmaker Pro discovery; Squiggle Wood. Check out one afternoon’s experiments–wood is just not supposed to act this way. By the way, this is European beech. Oak and ash work too.

It’s hard to imagine woodworking being more fun…let me know your thoughts!

–John

YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq8O3uUilM8&fmt=18

YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq8O3uUilM8&fmt=18

We have added two new profiles to the HP-6v2 family–the .1″ D multi-bead and the 1″ R crown. Both are incredibly useful.

Our .5″ R crown kit is the number one HP-6 sole/iron kit. The 1″ R will be equally popular because now you can crown edges on much bigger cases and cabinets. And as you can see from the images below, it is a splendid detail when used creatively. A crowned edge is not only beautiful and sensual, it is also not easy to do with a router–nor would it be perfect. Crowned edges are not only food for eyes and hands, they are also problematic in a good way–you will likely never go back to boring, square edged projects that any seventh grader can replicate.

The last of the multi-bead kits (there are now four) is the most interesting to me because it creates texture that is both small, interesting, sensual and rich.  Both sole kits will be available on our website by the end of the week–here is an early look at some images from the shop.

Let me know what you think!

–John

Note to Auto-Order customers: look for a parcel on your step in the next 10 days.

In the sample above the .1D multi-bead was run down the center of the stock and the 1″R crown was used on the corners. Did we mention NO SANDING?

The .1D multi-bead is small enough to bend cold. Pictured above are a couple of ideas for texture elements. This is a rich detail that cannot be reproduced with a router or shaper because the width can be as wide as you want. The results are perfect and a stunning way to create depth.

The richness of wood combined with texture is unbeatable. It is a shame that many woodworkers do not understand the importance of shadow. Here are a couple more ideas for you to ponder.

Because you can leapfrog previous beads, no power tool can match these results. With the HP-6v2, the depth of the beads is self-governed by the sole, not you. Consistent results are easy.

Mixing texture and color can be powerful–it is also easy for it to be overbearing. The ideas, however, are endless.

Same concept, different results.

Adjacent faces cut off at 45 degrees. The results are beautiful if thoughtfully applied.

I believe the HP-6v2 is the most versatile plane you can own. Your work will never be the same once you incorporate texture into your efforts. And when done tastefully, you will have made a difference.

It is always fun around here when an idea becomes reality. Later this week our new honing guide will be in stock. Although I designed this tool with the specific needs of sharpening our HP6 profiled irons in mind, it will work on just about every tool in your shop. Here’s a peek of the tool in action…

As you can see, the rear roller is flat. We have had several inquiries regarding a roller that is crowned to facilitate relieving the corners of wide plane irons. Although this sounds like a good idea, the math makes no practical sense. For example, if one wants to relieve the corners of a plane iron by .002″-.003″, the crown in the honing guide roller would be around .001″. This is just not a practical idea (in our opinion) when the same results can be achieved with finger pressure applied to each corner during honing. If a more severe crown is required, a barrel shaped roller might make sense, and if you have that need, you can easily remove the stock roller and insert a shop made roller (wood will work) for your needs.

Lastly, it is not clear in this clip but the clamping bridle pivots and will accommodate aggressively tapered tools–the most common of which are Japanese chisels.

Thanks for watching.

-John

Our HP6v2 owners are a passionate group. The really smart customers take my summer classes at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking and upon completion enter the enchanted world of creativity and return home a woodworking genius. (I hope my kids are reading this…).

Take Rutager West for example. He bicycles twenty miles to work each and every day, all year long, in MINNESOTA! Yikes! Rutager also happens to be an equally dedicated woodworker who cannot stand the noise, the dust and the risks associated with power tools, particularly routers. Rutager makes boxes and cases. He recently told me in my “CAD for Woodworkers” class that our HP6v2 has changed his life–and cannot wait to receive his Jointmaker Pro. Now that is pretty cool, and speaking of cool, check out some of the things he has been making with the amazing little HP6v2 Mini Multi-Plane… these are details of the frames and components he shows prospective customers–all without sanding! And if you are as impressed as we are, I am certain he would appreciate reading your comments.

The above frame used HP6v2 Mini Multi-Plane corner bead and rabbet kits. It is stunning craftsmanship.

The multi-bead soles (available in four sizes) are a great way to add texture. These shavings in ebony and an unidentified hardwood speak volumes for the capabilities of the HP6v2.

Using the V-groove sole, Rutager plowed a recess to receive the molding made with the corner cove sole which also made the cove on the edge–beautiful work. I don’t know how he makes his laminations!

This frame detail uses the following sole/iron kits for the HP6v2; rabbet, corner bead, and corner radius–all without a grain of sandpaper.

Another view–THANK YOU Rutager for sharing your work!

If you have an HP6v2 story to share, please do!

-John