Before (Stanley No. 45 Combination Plane)
After (Stanley No. 45 Combination Plane)
The one dollar coffin smoother
Stanley 78 showing what it's made of
Standard Angle Knucklejoint No. 18
...eat your heart out! A custom Paul Hamler slipper plane. The nicest plane in my collection...by far!
Too far gone? Never in the Bertha shop. The combination plane can be finicky but for those who enjoy their shop time, what's a little fussing.
Are your eyes welling up? Yes, the 45 is a beautiful piece of machinery. This one's a sweetheart with all the trimmings. My rosewood fence required a bit of thicknessing before all was right in the Bertha shop.
Turned redheart replacement knobs with a beefier grip. This tool was acid-stripped and subjected to electrolysis (purist/collector groan). I think this router would rather be used than simply admired.
Rosewood replacement handle for an old W. Butcher Tang. The brass ferrule is from Lee Valley Tools.
This scrub got the treatment. Custom turned rosewood knob and hand shaped tote. Rejapanning admited. Rough stock beware!
Bed restored with turpentine and beeswax. Don't dismiss these old transitionals, as this one (properly tuned) will compete with my modern steel/bronze bodies.
Master setting the wedge and you're making microns! Smoother rescued from a dusty flea market shelf for the bank-breaking price of one dollar.
Ohio Tool Company made a nice bench chisel. These got new outfits.
These little guys really work!
A trusty plane for cutting rabbets. With or against the grain, this is a great plane.
With grain rabbets are a breeze with the 78.
The Stanley No. 5 is a workhorse who will fatigue long after you do. If you replace your blade with a Ron Hock, please spring for the chipbreaker. You'll sing Mr. Hock's praises!
Tiny little guy for minor cleaning up.
Partners in smoothing crime!
One of many vintage wooden molders used in the Bertha shop.
A no-frills combination plane saved from a flea market.
Burnish a proper edge and this scraper will tackle the angriest of grain.
A big boy for some big work. The wide blade and heft makes this a well-reached-for plane in the Bertha shop.
Nickel was stripped and this guy was buffed to a high shine. The knuckle joint is a joy to work with.
