Last summer i found an Ayr Spiers infill plane for $8 at a garage sale. The chip breaker and blade are original to the body so apparently it's more collectible. I finally own something Scottish.
If the iron fits the plane well, and if there is not too much pitting - by all means, use the original iron. There should be at least 1/2 an inch of high carbon steel left judging by the photo. Have you checked the sole for flatness yet? Check the bed as well - and pay close attention to see if the infill bed and the small steel block at the bottom of the bed are parallel to one another. A quick way to check is if you can slip a feeler gauge between the blade and the bed of the plane. Check this from the bottom of the plane when the blade is in and snugged down by the lever cap. If the feeler gauge does not get between then, chances are that the bed and steel block are fine and then all you may need to work on is the sole of the plane.
Hello folks,
ReplyDeleteI've just spent a pleasant hour looking at your blog and lovely things.
Keep the creations coming!
Regards,
Mattty (leeds-uk)
Thanks for visiting and the encouragement Mattty.
ReplyDelete-tyler
Hey Tyler,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog!
And a great post. My first infill plane was an unhandled Spiers coffin smoother as well. It certainly led me down the garden path... beware:)
Cheers,
Konrad
Thanks for visiting Konrad,
ReplyDeleteYou're the perfect person to ask, should i find a new iron before it becomes a user?
Hi Tyler,
ReplyDeleteIf the iron fits the plane well, and if there is not too much pitting - by all means, use the original iron. There should be at least 1/2 an inch of high carbon steel left judging by the photo. Have you checked the sole for flatness yet? Check the bed as well - and pay close attention to see if the infill bed and the small steel block at the bottom of the bed are parallel to one another. A quick way to check is if you can slip a feeler gauge between the blade and the bed of the plane. Check this from the bottom of the plane when the blade is in and snugged down by the lever cap. If the feeler gauge does not get between then, chances are that the bed and steel block are fine and then all you may need to work on is the sole of the plane.
Have fun!
Konrad