Don Stern wrote:

> One or two highlights:
>
> A fellow, whose name I'd like to get, used a Stanley 41/2 to get some
> incredible shavings. Last year none of the Western planes came near
> the competition. But this one's sole was tuned similarly to Japanese
> planes. There were three points of contact established, the toe,
> throat front and end of the heel. The rest of the sole was scraped to
> provide the relief from contact which are characteristic of Japanese
> planes. Often wondered if you could tune a metal plane like that and
> get good results, apparently you can.

Damn your eyes, sir!

Having seen a Japanese plane "in the flesh" at the recent APTC show in
the UK, I was think of taking an *ngl* gr*nd*r to a "spare"
modern(English) Stanley #4, removing "hollows" from the heel and toe
middles, and then flattening the remaining sole (3 point contact). I was
going to use my Samurai laminated blade (more out of "mojo" than any
though that it's my ultimate blade; I have aster market blades by other
makers that are its equal)

I have thought that:
* Lapping is easier (very little metal is begin flattened after the
  rough work)
* there will be definite pressure at the front of the mouth (reducing
  tear out?)
* there may be a burnishing effect from the high pressure (pressure =
  force/area)

Out of interest the much-derided Sam Allan shows almost this process in
his plane book, athough he only make "scoops" in the sole, not full
width hollows. And he's working on a #9 1/2.

Being a ruminative sort, I hadn't got round to it, yet. But I was going
to do it, and report (hopefully in triumph) to the Porch.

And now you go and tell me someones already done it.

Ah well; back to the drawing board.

        BugBear