It's time to install the threaded inserts for the locking nut. It would work just as well with the thread tapped directly into the dense ebony but as I had to use an insert for the blade nut (best not to tap into end grain) I thought it would look better to be consistant. The M5 inserts are from Lee Valley (their shelf support inserts) and the M4 inserts were bought on E Bay. The photo shows me using a lip and spur bit which is the same size as the slot to locate the exact centre of the slot in the head below.
Now the 7mm outside diameter insert requires a hole of 6.75mm to give a nice tight fit, that is unless you are using ebony or something equally as dense. This wood has no give and a trial fit as suggested simply split the wood. So the only choice was to drill a 7mm hole and glue it in with a dab of epoxy resin. The rather nice knurled nuts I'm using were made by Phil Edwards of Philly Planes. Phil can make various sizes and the prices are very reasonable even for small orders.
Here are the inserts installed, they look very neat although in use they are hidden, shame!
With the blade prepared and honed here is the finished gauge, sorry about to poor picture! The concave notches on each side are not just for show, they are there for your second finger to drop into and provide lateral pressure keeping the head agianst the work. The left hand notch is for lefties.
The giudes were finished with two very thin coats of Osmo Matt Hardwax Oil which gives a nice looking durable surface which feels good in the hand. With batch complete they are ready to box up.
It's time to install the threaded inserts for the locking nut. It would work just as well with the thread tapped directly into the dense ebony but as I had to use an insert for the blade nut (best not to tap into end grain) I thought it would look better to be consistant. The M5 inserts are from Lee Valley (their shelf support inserts) and the M4 inserts were bought on E Bay. The photo shows me using a lip and spur bit which is the same size as the slot to locate the exact centre of the slot in the head below.
Now the 7mm outside diameter insert requires a hole of 6.75mm to give a nice tight fit, that is unless you are using ebony or something equally as dense. This wood has no give and a trial fit as suggested simply split the wood. So the only choice was to drill a 7mm hole and glue it in with a dab of epoxy resin. The rather nice knurled nuts I'm using were made by Phil Edwards of Philly Planes. Phil can make various sizes and the prices are very reasonable even for small orders.
Here are the inserts installed, they look very neat although in use they are hidden, shame!
With the blade prepared and honed here is the finished gauge, sorry about to poor picture! The concave notches on each side are not just for show, they are there for your second finger to drop into and provide lateral pressure keeping the head agianst the work. The left hand notch is for lefties.
The giudes were finished with two very thin coats of Osmo Matt Hardwax Oil which gives a nice looking durable surface which feels good in the hand. With batch complete they are ready to box up.
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