Router Plane KIT Update

You are always so supportive of all that we do and we wanted to let you know that news about our new router plane instructional video was one of our most popular ever. When we asked who would be interested in a kit of component metal parts we did get a large enough response to go ahead and source the supplies and that is what we have been doing. For some components, it was a question of finding good quality parts available off the shelf and then negotiating prices that guaranteed consistent specs, quality and supplies.

*My router plane showing the metal components in the kit but please note, you supply your own wood!*

The components that were trickier were the ones we had to have made and that's the retainer bar and the tool steel cutting iron. We put it out to different manufacturers for a price but in most cases, the prices came back prohibitively high. It was not a question of looking for cheap prices but realistic ones resulting in the quality parts we required. We searched far and wide for manufacturers only to discover a local engineering company three miles from us that could custom make the retainer bar to give us exactly what we wanted straight off. They delivered right on cue and we have already taken delivery to meet our immediate needs.

*The first batch of retainer bars arrived and were made less than two miles away from my garage workshop as the crow flies!*

For the blades, we were quoted prices from different sources. We wanted something made here in the UK with a short supply-chain and quality we can verify. We got a few different quotes but the prices came in at too high a cost to package and pass along. We kept going until we arrived in Sheffield, England, the home of the steel industry and tool manufacturing. Sheffield still has a reputation for good steelwork and engineering. Our last piece in the puzzle came in at the exact price we needed to put together all of the components for completing the kits. All that is left now is for the first test batch of 100 pieces to arrive so that we can ensure the quality we want before placing a bulk order. There are a few steps to the process of making a good blade with a retentive, long-lasting edge and that is what's happening now.

*Anchor bolts with screw and machine threads in the equal lengths* *we need*.

We aren't quite there yet but we are at the important stage of figuring out, handling, stocking up, packaging and shipping safely around the world.

*I must admit, I loved the way these actually worked in my designing and making my router plane. Strong and durable and beautiful smooth action.*

So far, we think we can have everything lined up to ship out the first thousand or so in February with additional batches in the months after that until everyone who wants to place an order can get hold of it.

*We had the packaging custom-made for safe handling and shipping and this is how the prototype looks.*

Update

The metal parts are either readily available or can be made but if you want to buy a kit with all the metal parts ready to go we have you covered:

We have put together all the metal parts needed to make your own router plane. The parts are high quality off the shelf parts in the case of the washers, bolts, and nuts. In the case of the retainer bar and blade those are both made here in the UK by trusted manufacturers to a high standard. The blade is made from O1 tool steel and hardened, tempered, and ground to a 25-degree angle. You just need to hone the edge and it is ready to use in your router plane.

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Update

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