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2009.lumber.rack.updates

Lumber Rack Updates

its been over a year since i packed out my rack, and i have been using much of the lumber i have been collecting. many of the air dried pieces are reaching acceptable moisture levels, and remaining straight and looking good!

i recently took a trip to my Amish lumber friends and scrounged up some really awesome lumber. i have been itching to make a set of hollows and round moulding planes, and with the recent win of some cool tool steel, i need to get some lumber drying to make the plane bodies.

originally i wanted to get some fruitwood, particularly apple wood to make my plane bodies. my reasons are simple, tools made from apple wood are often rare, extremely wear resistant, and living in New York we have an abundance of this beautiful wood. unfortunately my friend didn't have any apple wood at this time, he's looking for next year!

i did happen to find some very amazing Hickory with very straight grain and great color. it was downed in Feb. of 2008 and will sit for another nine or so months until it will be ready to begin the plane making process. i also got some great Ash for the faces of my planes, because it offers great contrasting color, and superior wear characteristics.

the rack has really packed itself out, and is working very well for my needs. its about all the lumber i can justify without being called crazy!

i also trew together a pallet smashing hammer! its a 3lb head on an old hickory axe handle and is surprisingly well balanced. its perfectly light for one handed use, and powerful enough to break pesky pallet joinery. its a great homemade tool!