Comments on: New Projects on the Rise

By: Tom Fidgen

Tom Fidgen — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:30:07 +0000

Eric,
thanks for the comment- back home I have a 5 x 10 ‘bear cat’ steel utility trailors and it worked so well. Especially when building boats I used to get my lumber all rough sawn mahogany in 16 ‘ lengths! These days the Xterra roof rack does the job- just didn’t realise/visualise how much wood I ordered for the current jobs!
all the best-

By: Eric Madsen

Eric Madsen — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:43:23 +0000

Tom,
I recently downsized and relocated across the country. In doing so I decided to sell my pickup thinking I would just buy another inexpensive work truck out here in Oregon. After borrowing my brothers 4×8 trailer a couple times I decided to save my money for other things. I was spending $70 a month just for the insurance and considering that I only used it a couple times a month that seems hardly worth it now. My brother purchased his trailer used for $150… Last weekend I made a 3 hour round-trip to the mill to pickup 200bf of lumber. There are three of sharing the trailer now, and it works out just great. I have a Toyota FJ which is similar to your Xterra… The FJ can tow 5000 pounds which including the trailer is at least double what my old pickup would haul.

By: Tom Fidgen

Tom Fidgen — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:22:19 +0000

Joeb,
thanks for the comments- in this case knowing I was working with 3/4″ plywood- I had them dress it to about an 1/8″ better than that. If you look at the plywood edge shot with the clamps still on you’ll see the difference between the two and how much material I needed to remove. Not too much at all- quick work with a bench plane.

By: Joab Oberlander

Joab Oberlander — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:54:32 +0000

Tom
When you have the mill thickness the lumber, how close to finished do you have them do it? How much do you leave for truing and squaring?

I think your book is great! I find it very inspirational.

By: Luis Martins

Luis Martins — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:52:58 +0000

I’ve transported some 8′ long planks on the left seat of my Miata (with the top down), just like i transport my 9′ surf board, but the video above is just insane! Thanks for sharing, it just made my day.

By: Tom Fidgen

Tom Fidgen — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:27:27 +0000

Hey Brent,
sorry but I’m right handed- I use a left handed LN skew block and a right handed Veritas skew rabbet. I also have a right handed plough plane from Veritas. When I use the left handed skew block it seems to be a little backwards meaning my work is to the right hand side of me on the bench and I’m using my right hand to lead the plane so I’m stretching across my body while in use. The more comfortable position would be planing away from your body so you being a ‘lefty’ I’d imagine the left handed models would be more comfortable for you.
wow- this is the most confusing few sentences of dialogue I’ve evr been apart of!
Hope you follow and I think I followed you !?!…
try to get out to a wood show and hand tool event and take them for a ‘test drive’ that’ll be the best bet for you.
good luck with it-

By: Brent

Brent — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:07:24 +0000

Tom:
Are you left-handed? I am considering getting the Lie-Nielsen skew plane or the Lee Valley plow plane and I noticed they are both available in left and right-hand models. Since I am left-handed I like to plane on my left side and hold the board with my right hand. Is that “normal” or do left-handers usually plane with their right hand and “sight” from the left side?
Isn’t this a darn good question?

By: Tom Fidgen

Tom Fidgen — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:30:35 +0000

thanks Andre-
I’ll be making some shavings by Saturday so stay tuned…
thanks for the comments!

By: Andre

Andre — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:15:06 +0000

Hi Tom,

Good to see that you’re on your way with new projects (commisioned ones as well!). I’m lookin’ forward to your posts on them. I’m sure it’ll make for some interesting reading as always.

Gettin’ pre-surfaced lumber is also my choice. Makes gettin’ to the good stuff just that much quicker.

Have fun building!

By: Tom Fidgen

Tom Fidgen — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:18:27 +0000

Rick,
nope- that wasn’t me-;)
but thanks for the link!