Planemaker Wayne Anderson has developed a beautiful infill smoothing plane that is – for custom work – remarkably affordable at $600.
I ran into Wayne this weekend at the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association meeting in Medina, Minn., and he showed me his latest tool. It was purchased immediately at the meet, but Wayne said he had another one just like it with cocobolo infills ready at the shop and was happy to build more.
The reason the plane is only $600 is that Wayne eliminated some of the time-consuming work that doesn’t improve the cutting performance. Instead of making the sidewalls curved, Wayne makes them straight on this plane. Also, he eliminated the “overstuffing” on the the sidewalls. Overstuffing is where the wood is rabbeted away so the wood is flush to the exterior of the sidewalls.
Each one of Wayne’s planes is a little different in the details, but all of them perform magnificently. I have owned one of his small smoothers since 2006, and even though I have been trying to cull my tool set down to the bare bones, I cannot bear to get rid of my Anderson plane. It just works too well and looks too nice.
If you’ve always wanted a new infill but couldn’t manage the price, this is your chance. Get in touch with Wayne at AndersonPlanes.com.
— Christopher Schwarz
I know the haters are going to hate, but that is a nice piece of art.
I looked at that plane and thought it seemed priced low for a custom infill. Had a great weight and feel to it. Someday…
An after thought… this would have the makings of a great kit for someone to try their hand at plane making.
I too saw the Plane at the MWTCA meet in Medina. Worth the trip for that in itself. Wayne is a nice guy and makes great tools, not just eye candy.
That’s awfully tempting. Contemplating what tools I could sell off now to get me to $600. What is the size of these planes?
They are small smoothers. About 7″long.
Chris, how does an infill smoother compare to a LN 4 or 4.5?
Charlie,
I don’t think the wood cares much. Any plane with a well-bedded sharp iron will handle everything you throw at it.
The reason to buy an infill is you like they way they look, you like the guy who makes them, you like things that are handmade, you like supporting individual artisans, or you have some special request that only an individual toolmaker can fill.
Thanks Chris. I’ve learned a lot about planes in the last year but I’m realizing I’ve just scratched the surface. I’m currently reading “Hand Plane Essentials” and learning something new on every page.
I was watching a video the other day and the experienced presenter, like Chris, suggested keeping the pool of tools on the smaller side, but also suggested that a small smoother comes in handy for short work, or getting into low spots that larger planes can’t get. Got me thinking…and now Chris’s post, uncanny timing…Wayne’s plane is on the list.
Hey Chris you gonna come out to area “F” MWTC spring meet, near bloomington, IN. It’s a lot closer than Minnesota. Lots of old tools of course, Slav is usually there peddling his files and rasps. I will even pay your admission fee!
Nate
Hey, can you post more details of this…I’m not too far from bloomington!
You have to be a member of Midwest tool collectors association! It’s only 25 bucks year, and a pretty good deal. Google them up you can pay dues online
New Wayne Anderson plane, new Bridge City try squares… I don’t know how you go from tool whore to tool pimp, and back again so often, but you do it well.
I really don’t know why I read your blogs sometimes. It’s hard enough to stay profitable in this business.