Drivel Starved Nation!
Whenever I disappear from this totally awesome and worthless blog it usually means one of two things, either I am in trouble with my parole officer or I am busy with the muse – you do the math…
I started work on the HP-9 a couple of years ago, and I thought I finished it on my work retreat in February. However when I opened the file recently, I didn’t like what I saw, so I started over.
This block plane is the son of the CT-17, and it too is a dual angle block plane, it is either a low angle or a regular block plane depending on the which end of the iron you are using. It is a hybrid plane, the sole is stainless steel and the sides and linkage are aluminum. And no, the sides are not held in place with three screws, they press fit to the sole via dowel pins – the screws are added for shock protection.
The HP-9 features a zero backlash modified Norris adjuster, A2 Iron, and is one of the finest feeling block planes you have ever used. For those of you who own the limited edition CT-17 Dual Block Plane, feel free to chime in with your thoughts on how this plane works in the hand.
We are working on the pricing and it will be south of $300, how much I don’t know yet- I am shooting for $200.
Unlike the CT-17, we do plan on making this plane again, likely every 3 years or so.
Let the debate begin!
-John
PS: Last summer John Easley interned at BCTW and has now branched out on his own designing and manufacturing carbon fiber rings. You can learn more here. We wish him the best!
He is handsome. That is all.
…well, just to ask. Any chance of CoLoRs besides BC gold annodization?
I definitely want one of these, but Please, please please also make a smoother with this design/price…
Thank you
Wow, John! You’ve outdone yourself on this one. It’s hard to believe that this will be less than $300! You’d better make lots of them – the CT-17 is my all-time favorite block plane (and I have quite a few). Definitely my go-to plane.
I don’t have a sense of the size of this. Will it be about the same as the CT-17, or smaller?
Iggy Pop couldn’t have said it better; it is a wild one.
Looks like a getter! When can I get one?
Also, please consider taping the sides for the HP-8 Depth Skids, or equivalent skids. Thank you
Gasp. Price is too low. I want one and will commit now before you become sober.
Wow, that is a sexy plane!
The price is fantastic and after using the HP-10, I’m a fan of light weight planes- they just seem to fly across the wood.
Is the size the same as the CT-17?
Best,
Rutager
The size is almost identical to the CT-17.
– John
Deal!
I love the direction I see across the planes. Great stuff John.
Working on it – this is a tough one for skids.
Soon.
Same size as the CT-17.
Thanks.
Something tells me you are figuring out my madness… Smoother is in the works.
-John
Different colors? Maybe. But probably maybe not counselor.
I second the (I don’t really get a vote here do I 😉 motion. Depth Skids on all the things!
Hi John,
I am probably not the only one surprised by the projected price. Thanks for coming to Boston and the North Bennett Street School last month. I loved hearing the stories behind the tools – such stories unfortunately did not find their way into the book.
I am a bit concerned to hear that you have slipped to #2 on the list of coolest guys in the Pacific Northwest. Apparently Pete Nelson’s star continues to rise.
Steve
Steve-
That was a fun evening at the school.
I don’t know who Pete Nelson is, but I wish him the best based upon your recommendation!
-John
He is a treehouse builder in Washington state who has a show on one of the cable channels. He has written books on the subject and seems to be partially responsible for the renewed interest in tree houses.
John,
The CT-17 is my favourite of all the BCTW designs, and I regret not ordering one on a bi-monthly basis. Looking forward to learning more about this plane.
Chris
John: might the exhibit make another stop? I’d intended to go to Boston but the past few months have been…well, now I miss my mom, too. 🙁
I am clueless as to the exhibition plans, I have nothing to do with it. But, as soon as I know something I will pass it on.
– John
John, thanks for making such a beautiful block plane. Mine just arrived. Even my wife likes it.
I have been wanting to ask you to consider something else for your upcoming SMOOTHER. Please consider offering a second high angle iron, like you have for the CT smoother. I have always had the hots for a high angle frogged smoother, and your new smoother would be the perfect way to enjoy getting it.
Thank you
Wow, that is something that we can please the spouse!
Thanks for the thanks and your wish will be granted…
🙂
-John