Mike DeLong wrote:
> 
> BugBear,
> There was some logic in my request for a one-piece construction, although my
> logic isn't always digestible by others. When it comes to planing I'm not
> much of a theorist, but here goes. First, I feel razee style planes are
> easier to use because of the lower position of my hand and arm in relation
> to the cutting edge; and, because that hand only has to push and guide the
> plane, leaving the bulk of the downward pressure to the hand placed just in
> front of the blade. Probably not everyone's cup-a-tea, but it works for me.

I think razee planes are fairly universally held to be easier to use.
Certainly in England, the catalogues list "technical jacks" intended
for beginners. These are razee jacks.

Your comments about thinness of sole by the time you've cut a dado
for a separate tote make sense. With modern glues I suspect you
could dispense with the dado. Depending on your sense of
"rightness" you might put a large woodscrew (or 2) though the sole...
(recessed, naturally)

The ultimate "punt" is laminated body. In this case, you cut the tote
from the centre piece (bed and tote), and then glue away.

(paging Steve Knight, paging Steve Knight...)

	BugBear