Izzy Berger

Hi Derek,

Thank you for your kind words! I’m so pleased to hear you are enjoying the site!

Kind Regards,
Izzy

Hi Stefan,

Paul says:
I probably would not use shellac because it is a slippier surface. I have been very successful with two coats of a water based finish, the type used to finish floors.

Kind Regards,
Izzy

Hi Clem,

Paul says:
You have nothing to lose using the handyman plane because it’s of little value or use to you anyway. Just try it and see how it feels.

Kind Regards,
Izzy

Hi Paul,

I passed your message on to our Paul and he said:

No, this sometimes happens and you can try lubricating the snail with either oil or furniture polish. If that doesn’t work, make 3 turns forward and o […]

Hi,

Paul says:

I feel the same way about these newer models, the older ones are definitely better and of course the Stanley Handyman range was a dumbed down version that should never have emerged. Personally I […]

Hi Paulo,

Paul says:

I think the pre 1960’s are a better made option, but that’s all I can say.

Kind Regards,
Izzy

Hi Jack

Paul says:
I would recommend the medium 600 grit first.

I talk about some lower cost stones in this blog here: https://paulsellers.com/2020/03/edge-sharpening-under-10/

Kind Regards,
Izzy

Hi Bob,

Paul says:

I think the cabinet style is more user friendly, I don’t really like tool chests because often they take up floor space that is too valuable to lose.

Kind Regards,
Izzy

Hi Sam,

Paul says:
Personally, if it’s possible, I would cut a hole in the shed wall front and back and have trap door on it. I’ve done it myself, even put a trap door in the shed door and it worked well.

Kind Regards,
Izzy

Hi,

Paul says:
You could buy a plough plane for much less than that, you’re not likely to use the other blades for anything as they don’t work that well.

Kind Regards,
Izzy

Hi James,

Paul says:
It sounds as though you may be putting leverage inappropriately, it may have nothing to do with the chisel hammer but more with you levering or pressing the gouge one way or another. I […]

Hi Charlie,

Paul says:

There is no doubt that early craftsman had access to very fine natural stone that equal anything we have today. Also, it is unquestionable to believe that we produce superior tools today, […]

Hi Cle,

Paul says:

In my view no, because you can find really good quality braces online secondhand.

Kind Regards,
Izzy

Hi Piotr,

Thank you for the kind words, I’m pleased to hear you’re finding our site useful!

Kind Regards,
Izzy

Hi Darren,

Thanks for your question, I passed this on to Paul and he says:

I don’t have a formula for this, I just sense the amount I need after all these years so unfortunately I am unable to help. You can r […]

Hi,

Paul says:
Without having them and using them, I can’t pass a comment.

Kind Regards,
Izzy

Hi Jim,

Unfortunately Paul cannot answer this as there are so many variables that could affect the answer he would give. I’m sorry we could not be of more help!

Kind Regards,
Izzy

Hi Christopher,

Thank you for the feedback, I’ll be sure to pass this on.

Kind Regards,
Izzy

Hi,

The following guide gives more detail on buying bits: https://commonwoodworking.com/buying-a-brace/ it also links to our guide which shows you how to sharpen secondhand bits.

Kind Regards,
Izzy