Miniature Scraper plane

[flyingtractors1]

Here we go again.  I've found a "new" tool that I must have in my collection.  I don't have the actual tool but found some pictures to work from.  Bolow is a pic of the goal.  Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

I visualize it on paper and in three dimensional space.  Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

Got a good start today.

Drew and cut paper patterns.



glued patterns to brass stock 1/2" X 3/16




Began painstaking process of cutting out parts.  This is tedious work but must be done precisely to ensure proper fit as parts come together.

[Rob.Wilson]

Hi Ralph ,
 its good to see your doing a build log on making this tool ,I am sure it will be interesting to see how you go about  make these fine wee tools 

Rob

[flyingtractors1]

Some operations are basic drilling on the drill press or by hand useing a pin vise or some other devise.  This is basic but very important.  The hole(s) must be in exactly the right place.  The tolerance for error at this scale is very very slight.  Ralph



Tapping holes and cutting threads are basic operations in every build. Here it is important to follow drilling and tapping scales / schedules; the tiny taps employed can easily break and errors are difficult to correct.  Sometimes a part has to be made anew and the procedure repeated.  I just hate it when a tap breaks off and ruins a part - especially when the part was a long time in the making.

[flyingtractors1]

And here we are, parts laid out in proximity as they belong with soldering flux coating the areas that are to be silver soldered (this is really more like brazing than lead soldering). Often the pieces are pinned or tied (with thin wire) on a ceramic board. This is a very trickey procedure but it is magical because when done right the pieces aren't just "glued" together; they really do become one piece as the parts melt into each other without distortion if the temperature applied is carefully regulated. I have used a butane torch to unite smaller pieces and sometimes need to use an oxy acetylene torch. Sounds simple? Well, maybe it is untill a third piece is to be united with the previously joined parts in a multiple piece part. Keeping in mind that brass melts at 1650 to 1720 degrees Fahrenheit when a particular part requires the joining of several pieces that cannot be laid out for a "one shot" soldering, the first union is soldered with a "hard" solder which melts at 1365 degrees; the next union is soldered with "medium" solder which melts at 1275 degrees, and the third union is soldered with "EZ" solder which melts at 1240. Therefore it is important to observe and carefully regulate the soldering temperature in each case so that the second soldering heat does not remelt the first soldered joint and the third heat does not melt the previous two joints causing everything to fall apart or shift rather than adhere in place (I hate it when that happens). This got wordy because it can be a complicated process and much care must be taken. Ralph

[Mayhem]

WOW 

That is all I can say really...

[vtsteam]

Thank you for this series, I'm really enjoying it!

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks gents.  A little more progress today.  I've been anticipating this part with some apprehension because it is a critical operation to do precisely right the first time. The slightest error here could corrupt the entire piece and send me back to square one. And it has heartbreakingly happened in the past. It is important that this procedure be conducted with exacting precision. Sodering flux has been applied to the well cleaned surfaces that will make contact, and the bottom and side plates are positioned in perfect proximity to each other and pinned in place on a ceramic block. Higher temperature silver solder chips are arranged along the contact points, and heat is applied incrementally so that the brass parts achieve the melting temperature of the solder but not a temperature that would damage the brass. It is a thrill when the exact flow temperature is achieved and the silver solder is seen flowing to every contact point between the pieces--first left side, then right side.





A little closer up.






Now the piece is allowed to cool as we wait to examine the results. It is not my intent to make such a big deal of such a small thing, but silver soldering can be very tricky. I have done it enough times in the past to feel confident about my skill level, but not enough times to think that I am an expert. Every time I hold my breath with hopeful anticipation. Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

A little progress every day. Sometimes the parts are assembled in their roughstate to make sure that they are compatible and for some tweeking or adjusting. And because I can't wait to see the shape and form that it is taking. This will often happen several times along the way.






.
Now comes my least favorite part -- fileing and progressively finer grit sanding.  I'll spare you those details, but will also work on minor details of the smallest parts that often require the greatest attention and time.  Rarely does it come out the way I want it the first time.  Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

"Little by little"      Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

And now for the really small stuff.

[micktoon]

Wow Ralph , that is quality craftmanship with a capital Q  . Seeing it coming together and the silver solder reminds me of an old friend that makes Roman armour , he has constructed buckles etc with the same methods and as you say , very tricky to solder  two parts , then attach more without upsetting what has already been done.
  An excellent post , I like the way you can tell from the post you still get a thrill from constructing a tool like this from scratch , I bet time goes out the window once you get going and only your stomach rumbling reminds you its way past lunch time 
  I look forward to seeing the next stage , Thanks for posting .
  Cheers Mick.

[shipto]

really nice work  eager for more.

[vtsteam]

Wow Ralph , that is quality craftmanship with a capital Q  . Seeing it coming together and the silver solder reminds me of an old friend that makes Roman armour , he has constructed buckles etc with the same methods and as you say , very tricky to solder  two parts , then attach more without upsetting what has already been done.
  An excellent post , I like the way you can tell from the post you still get a thrill from constructing a tool like this from scratch , I bet time goes out the window once you get going and only your stomach rumbling reminds you its way past lunch time 
  I look forward to seeing the next stage , Thanks for posting .
  Cheers Mick.

Exactly! Couldn't have said it better.   

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks Mick and shipto.  I had thought that I'd love to have a tool of a special sort, and typically I do, but the usual let down and feelings of "and now what" presist until I start a new  project.  So I've realized that it is the trip that is especially pleasureable.  Every build presents a new set of challenges, and that's what tickles me.  When I know what to do or how to do it -- I'm doing it __ right past dinner, bedtime and reason.  I often eat while I work, and sometimes I have to rest but can't wait to get up and continue.  It is nice to be "self employed"  and insanely obsessed with a passion.  Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

ditto -- vsteam.  Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

Well, it happens -- sometimes it just doesn't look right, and I'm forced to build a part over again. The knurled nuts to adjust the frog just seemed out of scale and were not pleasing to the eye, so I had to make new ones. Ralph

At the lathe with a jewelers fine knurling tool








The initial knurl nuts looked more like monster truck knobby tires compared to the new ones which more closely fit the proper scale.

[micktoon]

Hi Ralph, its good that making things can still get a hold of you like that  and long may it continue , it seems strange to think that some people can go through life content with doing nothing more than watching tv  .
  I think you have done the right thing remaking the knurls with finer pattern Ralph they look much better ............... keep up the good work but try to remember to eat and sleep too 

Cheers Mick.

[dsquire]

Hi Ralph

It is a real pleasure to follow along while you build and show your minature tools. Each and every one of them is definitly a piece of art. The fact that you decided to make the knurled nuts over again just goes to show how critical you judge your own work. It is something that you can be proud of Ralph. I look forward to seeing more of it (after you have taken time to eat). 

Cheers

Don

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks Mick and Don.  I'm not really a perfectionist; it's just that the parts have to be right to make the whole pleasingly correct.  And sometimes it takes several attempts to get it that way. 

These parts just didn't look right



Finally a correct one resulted.



Need to take a break for lunch now.       Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

Getting there.  Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

Remember the goal?



And the results.

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks all.  Two weekends and the week days between was a quick build. Once I get on the trial, I tend to track fast if it is the only iron in the fire. Fortunately I can work at it "full time" now that I'm "retired". I'll post a pic of it in action -- "a still pic of it in action" and I've posted an actual action shot on my YouTube page under "Miniature "212" wood scraper in action" by Art Rafael. Thanks for following along on this build. The compliments and accolades you offered were motivational -- I felt that there was lots of help along the way.  Ralph

[andyf]

I've been quietly watching this. What a splendid little model! 

Ralph, thanks so much for taking us along and showing how you did it.

Andy

[micktoon]

 Spot on Ralph, lovely job  , You will finally be able to have a nights sleep now ........ and something to eat lol , its even smaller than I thought once you see it in your hand. Thats quite some collection you have on the wall there too, a really good topic to make and collect , there are so many different styles and types of wood working tools you will never run out of new ones to make either !.
 The only thing I would say Ralph , I think the two finer knurls you re made look better than the rear courser one clamping the blade at the rear, on the photos anyway. Whats next on the list once you have caught up on some sleep ?

 Cheers Mick.

[vtsteam]

Wow, beautiful!

[flyingtractors1]

Andyf,  Thanks for coming along.  I appreciate your support along the way on this build.  It turned out about right.  Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks Mick.  You have been most encouraging and supportive along the way.  Such motivates one to continue to strive for higher levels of excellence and to invest the time and effort to document and post a build progression.  I feel that we have met personally and worked together.  And your advise is right on.  That lever cap knurl does appear out of place -- out of shape, and it detracts from the model.  I had meant to redo that part then got in a hurry to post and neglected to do so.  It is done now, and its much more pleasing.  You commented about my tool board;  I'll post some pics of that.   Thanks again, partner.

[flyingtractors1]

Well heck.  I had forgotten that I had already posted those pics in a seperate string under "miniature tool collection"  Oh well, I'll get back to work.  Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks vsteam.  You have been supportive all along the way, and it has been important to me that you voiced your presence .  I sense your wisdom and value it highly.  Thanks for your encouragement.  Ralph

[micktoon]

  Hi Ralph , glad my comments have encouraged you along the way  , I am glad you have re posted them photos as some how I must have missed them first time around. If the photos were just posted under wood wroking tool collection , I dont think that many people would even realise they were small scale  they are that good they just look like the real thing   
  I hesitated before mentioning the rear knurled nut Ralph as it seemed like knocking a beautiful thing but I also know sometimes when I make things its easy to get so used to the item as you make it , all looks spot on to yourself yet someone else looking at it will spot something that is not in tune with the rest, I thought you would be on to it anyway , once you had got some shut eye    . I know with oil painting and also doing stained glass work sometimes veiwing your project in a mirror can show up things you just could not see looking at things the normal way, it sort of tricks the eye to  seeing it in a fresh light.

  keep up your fine work Ralph , I for one have really enjoyed seeing it , thanks for posting 

 Cheers Mick

[Harvey Melvin Richards]

Very nice work Ralph. I have a Lie-Nielsen Scraper Plane that I love to use. Your model makes my small plane look like a monster.

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks Harvey.  I tried to model this miniature after a Lie-Nielsen.  I' love to have a full scale tool.  Aren't you the lucky one?  Ralph

[andyf]

Ralph, with your skills, can't you just make a full-size replica?

Andy.

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks again Andy.  Yes, building a full scale model would be less challenging.  The trick is making a unique 1/4 scale model.  My specialty is building miniatures, but some day I may build a full scale model, or I might just buy one.  I would love to have one -- some day.  Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

Here's a little cutie -- Bull nose plane.  Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

A comparative scale.  Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

The wife thought the tiny Bull nose plane was so cute, and she "would just Love to have a 1/2 size pair for ear rings". That's the thanks I get! As if building the tiny size wasn't tough enough, now I get to do it twice more at half that scale.     Ralph









That was a Challenge.  Now an even Greater Challenge will be to make another one just like it.  I have found that in fabricating my miniature pieces, every piece is unique, and making another just like it is virtually impossible  --  except when employing the "Lost wax" process.  But that entails a totally different set of much more complicated procedures, including building and painstakenly and accurately cutting complex rubber molds then injecting them with molten wax to produce identical patterns, etc. etc.  So I will try to fabricate an identical piece to complete a set of ear rings.   Ralph

[NeoTech]

Its ok if I call the insanity ward on this one??

Im amazed bu these but i question the sanity of making them. I would get so darn frustrated. ;))

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks, NeoTech.  Yea, if I wasn't crazy, I'd go insane.  They're coming to take me away, ha ha.      Ralph

[flyingtractors1]

See what I mean?  They're coming to take me away -- ho ho.           Ralph


1/4 size of 1/4 size.  Does that make it 1/16 size?       Ralph

[S. Heslop]

Now that's a great photo!

[micktoon]

Hi Ralph , its like russian dolls but with wood planes lol, ..........how is it that I would not be too surprised to see an even smaller one appear  I bet you could turn a nut into a clam shell type box now if you so desired 

  Keep up the interesting work Ralph , Cheers Mick.

[Rob.Wilson]

Great stuff Ralph   

I always enjoy seeing your latest miniature masterpiece 

Rob 

[flyingtractors1]

Well, here's that pair -- for ear rings?   Ralph





Another comparative scale shot.

[dsquire]

Ralph

  and  .

What else is there to say.

Cheers 

Don

[spuddevans]

I'm very impressed with the level of your work  But please keep it up, I'm really enjoying watching it 


Tim

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks Gents.  Here's one out of the old archives.  I was impressed with this Knowles plane (circa 1827) that appeared in an old book.  It is said to be among the first metal planes.  I formed a wax pattern and cast it (lost wax) in sterling silver some time ago, and it is still among my favorites.  Ralph





I don't know if I should start a new thread or if this one can be renamed now that it includes more than the original intent " Miniature Scraper Plane ".  I have other items to post but wonder if they will get lost under the current title.  Can someone help?

[micktoon]

Hi Ralph , I cant hep with your thread question but think you are right , other items will get lost under the title of scraper plane so probably better being called Micro engineering or something  .
  Those earings will be perfect for those occasions when you go out for a mean and have a rocky table  ........... excuse me Dear could you lend my one of your earings to take a tad off the bottom of this table leg  ...................... useful as well as good looking , what more could a lady want   

 Cheers Mick

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks Mick.  I appreciate your continued presence and encouragement - not to mention your practical advise, quick witt and keen sense of humor.  With this in mind we'll just keep on making chips, raising saw dust and having fun on the forum.  I think that I will start a new thread with the next article.  Micro Engineering sounds just right.  Ralph

[micktoon]

Hi Ralph , glad to know I am encouraging you along  , its people like you taking the time to put varied and interesting things on the forum that makes it what is is so keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing what you get up to next, whatever the post title 

 Cheers Mick

[flyingtractors1]

Here is one from the archives.  Ralph





Another comparative scale.

[micktoon]

Ralph , I am starting to wonder if you have MASSIVE hands  , My got that one is small  You could plane down the ends of your finger nails with that plane    That must have been hard to see never mind hold as your were making it. Top marks again Ralph 

 Cheers Mick.

[doubleboost]

This is some serious small kit 
John

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks again, gents.  Finally got a video made.   Ralph


       

[DMIOM]

Ralph,

Your video says it all, so the best I can say is:

                 

Thanks for sharing

Dave

[flyingtractors1]

And now there are two.






What else to do with such a tiny pair?   Ralph

[micktoon]

 I like it Ralph , I wonder how many people would notice, say at a woodworking show, if your wife just went about the place wearing them. How about making yourself a nice tie pin or some cufflinks Ralph, after all you don't want to be out shone by your lass 
  Excellent work as usual Cheers for posting 


 Cheers Mick

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks Mick.  Wife has worn them about town and never fails to catch compliments and requests.  But I don't think that I can build another pair. These tested me thoroughly, and I was very challenged to build two alike.  Think I'll go back to something I can handle more readily - 1/4 scale is tough enough (but might think about another pair when I need another challenge that's bigger than I am).  In the meantime, I've started work on a sterling silver model.   Ralph