Wednesday 4 April 2012

The K18

(lever cap and blade fit)


The blade arrived on Monday around 11:00 am - the Lie Nielsen handtool event started Friday morning (and the Tools of the trade show on Sunday). Time to kick it into high gear. I had fit the stainless steel lever cap ahead of time using a K13 blade as a place holder. The cross pin was also fit and ready to be piened. I flattened the back of the new blade, checked the fit and then piened the cross pin. Lapped the sole and sides, chamfered the front corners, shaped the front pad and completed the sidewall chamfers. It was 1:00 am on Tuesday morning - but it was ready for the first coat of french polish to the newly shaped front pad.

I woke up Tuesday morning with somewhat crabby stomach muscles, but was pleased to see the plane again. I opted to file the mouth first - before french polishing the pad. I knew I would not be able to get 12 coats done in time, but I did want to be able to bring it to both shows to let people try it out and give me feedback.

The K18 is 18" long, has a 2-1/2" wide, high carbon steel blade (thanks again Ron!) and a bed angle of 47.5 degrees. The infill is Honduran Rosewood. Here are some photos of the completed plane.



























The feedback from the weekend was quite positive. Lots of people had a chance to try the K18 along side the K13. I was particularly interested in the response to the longer front pad. Despite lots of different hand sizes, everyone seemed to find it comfortable, which was great news to hear.

Thanks to everyone who came out to both the Lie Nielsen handtool event and the Tools of the trade show. Thanks too for the fine folks at Century Mill who hosted the LN event.

13 Comments:

Blogger Hans said...

Thanks a lot for coming out Konrad. Had a blast at both events and loved the planes you had with you.

Cheers
Hans Christopher

4 April 2012 at 10:53  
Blogger Richard Wile said...

Hi Konrad,

Nice to see you got the K18 finished in time, I am sure the attendees were blown away by the pair of "K's". Can't wait to try it out in person.

4 April 2012 at 12:50  
Blogger Jameel Abraham said...

Excellent translation of the K design into the longer version. It's spot on. The front bun wood is simply amazing. Jewel-like.

4 April 2012 at 14:04  
Blogger robert said...

You know - a smaller one would be cool too.

4 April 2012 at 14:49  
Blogger Konrad said...

hello Hans,

It was nice to meet you on the weekend at the LN show. Glad to see that the tools of the trade show was worthwhile for you too - judging from the bags of goodies you had.

Cheers,
Konrad

4 April 2012 at 17:20  
Blogger Konrad said...

Hi Richard,

It was a run for the roses... but it was worth it. Looking forward to letting you have a go with it too.

Cheers,
konrad

4 April 2012 at 17:22  
Blogger Konrad said...

Thanks Jameel. Translating the K13 into the K18 was a fun scaling exercise. Much more work than just adding 2-1/2" on each end:)

Cheers,
konrad

4 April 2012 at 17:23  
Blogger Konrad said...

Have patience Robert... the smaller one is not far behind.

Cheers,
konrad

4 April 2012 at 17:24  
Anonymous Doug said...

That front pad is wicked. Looks awesome

4 April 2012 at 19:18  
Blogger David said...

Man ho man, what a talented man that Konrad Sauer is!!
Cheers
David

4 April 2012 at 22:43  
Blogger Jim Shaver said...

It looks outstanding Buddy, Ahhh, I think we need to talk, LOL

:-)

5 April 2012 at 07:21  
Blogger Jamie said...

Love the front bun, just georgous, well done. beautiful timber.

all the best

10 April 2012 at 16:21  
Blogger pjped said...

Konrad,

I think the long and graceful rear enhances the design, very elegant. The whole is very well balanced.

Pete

10 April 2012 at 20:20  

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