Woodworking Class: Make a Molding Plane with Bill Anderson (3 Days)

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Back in the day, hand plane making was a widely practiced skill and there were probably hundreds of British and American planemakers over the years. The development of the router and metal planes changed all of that. We will step back in time and learn how to make a traditional wooden molding plane with a classic profile.

We will have two profile choices: an ovolo or a quarter round (inside or outside curve profile). Quartersawn beech lumber will be available. We will also have plane iron blanks that we will each shape, harden/temper and sharpen to match our individual planes. These blanks could be either repurposed plane irons (orphan irons), modern commercial irons, or possibly handmade by a blacksmith. Each a student will make one plane and iron combination. Additional materials may be available for purchase and use at home. There will be a materials fee (see section on materials fee).

See class description

Read about this instructor on our page: "Meet the Instructors".

All tools will be supplied. Students will each make one molding plane. For the adventurous, it is possible to make two at one time (an inside curve profile and an outside curve profile). The materials fee for one plane (beech stock and forged plane iron blank) is generally in the range of $50, depending on current market prices.

No students under 18 years of age are allowed. A PDF document with the full class policies and a liability waiver will be available after you register. All students are required to sign this document, and bring it on the first day of class.

Anyone can cancel a class up to 3 weeks prior to the class for a full refund (minus a $45 fee that covers credit card processing fees and administrative work). Cancellations under three weeks before a class begins will be given a refund (less $45) if we can find someone else to fill the slot. If we have to cancel a class for an unforeseen emergency, inclement weather, instructor illness/injury, or low number of registrations, a full refund will be given to students. We encourage students to not book non-refundable flights, car rentals, or lodging in case of these cancelations.

After you’ve registered for a class, you are eligible for a discount from Lee Valley (Veritas) and Taylor Toolworks. Lee Valley offers a 15% discount, and a discount form PDF will be available for download in your Wood and Shop dashboard after your purchase. For a 10% discount from Taylor Toolworks fill out this form and upload a photo or screenshot of your class order email (under the “Student ID” section). The discounts may not be available after the end of the class, so try to place your orders before then.

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