GG's

I'm pretty satisfied with the list the way it is.  I don't do FB or 
others, but  I wouldn't be without the internet for research or 
shopping.  Now to my subject du jour.

I  ordered a smoother plane kit from Gurd Fritsche.  Somewhere during a 
brief discussion of assembly steps I learned there is a difference 
between making the interlocking dovetails on Norris and Spiers planes. I 
think the following descriptions are correct but beware...

For both styles the basic tails and pins are cut in the same way.  The 
sides are cut with tails, the sole is cut with pins. Here's a picture of 
the basic cuts on some test scrap I have. 
http://billwebber.galootcentral.com/plane%20assy.JPG  As this assembly 
is pictured, the sole is locked to the sides such that the sole of the 
plane cannot be lifted straight up-away from the sides because of the 
tail configuration.  The sides can be easily separated from the sole by 
simply moving the sides left or right. It is the latter condition that 
is fixed by filing away metal of either the sole or the side pieces 
prior to peening.

For the Norris type, the tails on the side plate are beveled creating a 
tapered space between the tail and the pin on the sole plate..  The 
small gap thus created is filled when the pins on the sole are peened 
into the recess.

For the Spiers type, a small trianguler divot is filed into the side of 
the pin on the sole.  This gap is filled when the tail on the side is 
peened into the recess.

In both cases, the objective is to make certain the sides cannot 
separate from the sole.  My question: Is one approach better than the 
other?  Stronger?  With knowledge of the two methods, does it become 
simply personal preference based on tools, skills, point of view, etc?   
Gurd Fritsche provides instructions for the Norris approach.  I'm more 
familiar with the Spiers approach because of the Shepherd kits I built 
and my experience with some other planes.  Any comments?

-- 
Bill W.
In Beautiful downtown Nottingham, PA