Exclusive Video: Re-mouthing a Wooden Plane
Added 2021-02-27 12:01:01 +0000 UTCFriends:
I've had a lot of requests for a video on fixing the mouth of a wooden plane. Well, it turns out that I have a plane that really needs a new mouth! This video will take you through the whole process.
This week's video is exclusive because I will be switching to doing 3 regular videos per month. Most of the time, I'll still do a Patron video for the 4th week, but I need to pull back a little on the content-creation schedule. There are more details in the video, but the fact is that I'm close to burn-out. Doing a fully produced video every week is just getting to be too much. I know that I could make shorter videos or less complex videos, but the fact is that I just need to make fewer videos.
My hope is that by doing one fewer video, I'll be able to make some more ambitious videos with bigger projects. Having a a little extra time should let me build more furniture, something that many of you have been asking for.
Next week, I'll have a lovely, Shaker-inspired side-table with figured wood and mortise and tenon joinery. It's a great project and one I can only do with a little extra time for the building and filming.
Thanks in advance for understanding. Our community has always supported mental health and a reasonable work/life balance. That's why I feel okay making this change. You all make it possible.
--Rex
Comments
If it's what I think, then it's mostly used my the auto-body industry to smooth body filler. I had one once b/c it's a plane after all!
Rex Krueger
2021-11-29 12:55:31 +0000 UTCRex I just rewatched this after coming across a tool called a plane float. Do you have more information about these?
Robert Mitchell
2021-11-27 14:00:52 +0000 UTCScrub Planes and Fore Planes actually have slightly different uses. A Scrub Plane's main job is to hog off a lot of material. A Fore Plane's main job is to flatten and thickness a piece of wood. The Fore Plane has a longer sole, so it will help you take out the hump or belly in a piece of wood. In fact, a Scrub Plane is really more for working riven or split timbers that are still green, whilst a Fore Plane works much better on sawn timbers. In fact, some woodworking sources go as far as to suggest that a Fore Plane is a furniture maker's tool, and a Jack Plane is a carpenter's tool.
Martin Hartley
2021-04-19 14:39:28 +0000 UTCThe last thing I want from you is to be burned out and stop making videos altogether, so please, don't wreck yourself trying to adhere to an artificial schedule. This video makes me think of a question I have about different plane sizes though. It's my understanding that a longer plane will keep you deepening a hollow spot in the center of a board as might be possible through careless (I guess) use of a shorter plane. It also seems to me that one would move from your largest plane down to your shortest. This is why I find it confusing that fore planes are shorter than try or jointer planes. I recall seeing that you set up your longer wooden planes with wider mouths and heavily cambered irons like a scrub plane, relying on a smoother to take down the peaks left by the scrub planes. Yet this plane restoration shows a small mouth. Perhaps you could elaborate a little more on why you plane in this order (or whatever order is correct) and why some mouths should be fine and others big in an article?
Robert Dennett
2021-04-01 17:38:36 +0000 UTCRex, I'm in complete agreement with the rest of these guys and gals who don't want to watch you burn yourself out just to entertain and teach us! It's not often that we see a talent such as your come down the pike, and it would be a crying shame to watch such talent self destruct. The there's your wife and daughter, who surely deserve much more of your time than we do. Give it to them! We'll be happy with a part of what's left over! Your daughter needs help with that essay,,, and your wife ? Take her on a 10 day cruise! Then come back and work on a leaner schedule. Answer questions, demonstrate techniques, pick one aspect of shop upkeep and make it an ongoing project. Just don't burn yourself out!
Howard Tuckey
2021-03-26 01:48:16 +0000 UTCRichard - Rex has a discussion group at this address -- https://rexkrueger.discourse.group/ -- and I bet you can find plenty of people who can help you with that question. I'm not that knowledgeable about adzes (yet) but it's probably going to depend on what the use of the adze is to be.
Mike Washburn
2021-03-17 17:30:42 +0000 UTCAgreed. I have also noticed that some of the videos have gotten quite long - to about a half hour and once they get to that length, I think he should seriously consider doing more of then as 2-part of multi-part videos. I particularly loved the multi-part series Rex did last year on making cabinets. I was visibly excited with the anticipation of each part coming out and would binge watch the whole series each time. LOL!
Martin Hartley
2021-03-07 04:34:33 +0000 UTCI am new to being a patron, so this might not be the place for this question, but I'll ask anyway. 😁 I have acquired an adaze head that I want to put a handle in. It has a 3.5 lb head with an almost flat, skewed, slightly chambered edge. How long would an appropriate handle be?
Richard Hale
2021-03-06 14:33:39 +0000 UTCI'm a recent member, and I'm much more concerned with the quality of your videos than the quantity. Take care of yourself.
Paul Harker
2021-03-05 02:59:16 +0000 UTCI really like that Moravian design. I think it's the best portable bench.
Rex Krueger
2021-03-04 13:06:32 +0000 UTCMan, the early ones make me cringe a little. I was pretty clueless about making videos.
Rex Krueger
2021-03-04 13:06:05 +0000 UTCGood stuff - I haven't found one of those wooden planes yet, but having watched this video I have a much better idea what's possible in terms of restoration. BTW, I had occasion to go back and watch some of your earlier videos and want to say how impressed I am with how they've evolved over time. Nothing wrong with the earlier ones, but the time and effort you've put into continuously improving your craft in terms of creating these videos really shows. If part of the next step in that evolution includes slowing down the pace a little bit, so be it. Especially this year.
Brian Schwarz
2021-03-04 03:48:12 +0000 UTCTake care of what you need to, Rex. Mental health comes first always. You inspired me to shift more to hand tools as I've been building up my shop and I just finished a Moravian bench that I did about 90% with hand tools. Definitely the biggest project I've tackled. Thanks for the inspiring and top-quality content!!
mike neff
2021-03-03 18:30:38 +0000 UTCImma increase my Patron donation, your work and content clearly deserve more!
Christian Tremblay
2021-03-02 12:52:23 +0000 UTCLast Friday, off the back of the last plane video I went back out to the shed to have another look a a couple of planes I got as a £35 job lot from EBay when first getting into woodwork last spring. Now that I know how to "read" the plane, it turns out I have a very capable jack plane and a jointer... But the jointer needs some work around the mouth. Thinking to myself "I wonder how to fix that"... Thanks Rex for reading my mind over a few 1000 miles!
Duncan Barclay
2021-03-01 17:21:47 +0000 UTCMan, I would LOVE a video every single day from you. But I also want you to continue past next month. If you need some time to do your thing? Take it!
Braden Mabry
2021-03-01 14:52:32 +0000 UTCThis was a great video. I was given a jointers plane that someone tried to repair with a padauk inlay behind the mouth, and it has cracked beyond repair, so I will need to replace the repair. And, burnout is a very real thing. Do what you must to keep yourself from self-immolation. Hang in there, those vaccines are coming, and you will be able to get some help post pandemic.
Peter Baum
2021-03-01 07:02:57 +0000 UTCThank you Rex for a great video. I understand about burn out. I was working full time when I started my channel. Even in retirement I am pretty busy with life issues and it has been a year since I posted anything. Take care of yourself first always.
Skully Wood and Metal
2021-02-28 17:18:48 +0000 UTCTake your time, you do great videos. I you need to make less for them to be better, so be it. However, what I've seen in some woodworking channels are shorts. 2-3 minute video explaining a single detail. You might prepare a bunch of these up front every time you make a long video and release them as you see fit. Have a nice weekend.
stlmch
2021-02-28 16:22:28 +0000 UTCI’ve been continually floored by your rate of content creation - so yeah, ease up, we’ll be fine. And great info, thanks for this! I have a fore plane that I picked up last year and it has a steel patch screwed in at the mouth - have you seen something like that before? Do you know if this was common?
Matthew Hughes
2021-02-28 15:28:17 +0000 UTCI do appreciate the regular content but, of course, your life is more important than that. Easier to make videos, articles or just a "see you next week" are all fine. Besides, my daughter is keeping me busy by overselling some items I've been making so I really do need to spend more time in the shop. Be well!
Jeff Stauffer
2021-02-28 15:24:57 +0000 UTCTake care of yourself. Besides your health — including your mental health — being more important than your production output, we would much rather have you produce fewer videos for a longer time than have you make as many as possible until you burn out.
Ragnhild
2021-02-28 09:58:23 +0000 UTCWhy not? I see lots of very inspiring projects over on the discourse group. And whilst "Rex Reacts" was a bit of a throw-away suggestion, I am starting to like the sound of it, and perhaps a monthly round up where he talks about the stuff he has seen and his likes and ideas must surely be a bit less work than trying to make a video about making things.
Martin Hartley
2021-02-28 03:56:57 +0000 UTCTake the time you need Rex. You slowing down might actually allow some of us to get caught up to you. Thank you for taking the mystery out of fixing the mouth of a wooden plane. I have two that need this done and was not sure what or how to start. Would it be possible to fit a brass plate in there for a patch or would that be too much? Take care and stay well.
Matt Evans-Koch
2021-02-28 02:24:55 +0000 UTCRex, I watch 4 other woodworking channels here on YT. Yours, Paul Sellers, Matt Estlea. Shawn Graham and Nathan Elliot. Nathan is the only one that comes close to your production schedule and a grueling schedule it is. If you need more time, take more time. What you give us on YT and in Discourse is certainly enough to keep most of us busy for hours each day. Heck, I still need to build a 2x4 stool.
Jim Williams
2021-02-28 01:17:22 +0000 UTCGreat craftsmanship! Lovely job. You make the mouth repair look it easy but I’m sure it is not, at least the first time around. Take as much of a break as you need. I’d be more than happy with two videos per month. Your content is so inspiring 🙂
Laura Reutter
2021-02-27 22:40:05 +0000 UTCI fully understand burn-out and you've got my support and will continue to have it. Do what you gotta do.
Michael Bennett
2021-02-27 22:21:01 +0000 UTCI feel you mate. I'm like that with my corporate job. Take some time, be with your family. We are just happy to be along for the ride.
Pete McKinlay
2021-02-27 22:13:49 +0000 UTCVery helpful video! Thanks, Rex! By all means get the rest you need. You obviously have a VERY supportive group of patrons, so heed our advice and manage your time to your and your family’s benefit. Your content can only BENEFIT from this restructuring.
Russell Gough
2021-02-27 21:11:47 +0000 UTCGood idea to dial it back a bit. I got to tell you that I've been amazed at the consistency you've maintained for what seems like forever. Being an idea machine will make you a crispy critter if you don't watch out. Others may disagree but for me, two a month is still a swinging deal for the quality of the information I get. Have you talked with anybody about seeing if there's more efficient means of doing some of your stuff? I'd be happy to talk with you about anything related to marketing/design/content if you need. Least I could do given the massive effort you've put forth.
Sean McGown
2021-02-27 20:16:44 +0000 UTCThank you my friend for showing this video, and ofcourse your effort in everything. Take the rest you need. I had sort of a burnout last year. Working on a career switch as we speak.
Bas Noblesse
2021-02-27 19:50:32 +0000 UTCOh nice, I've actually seen that shape of patch on a plane, and wondered if it was done deliberately from the factory on to get a piece of harder wood around the mouth but still make the plane cheaper than when making the whole sole out of harder wood. Now I know! :-)
Daniel Bohrer
2021-02-27 19:16:27 +0000 UTCNice work. I’m always amazed by how easy you make precision appear, even though I know—all too well, alas—that it’s not easy at all.
Richard Hunt
2021-02-27 17:34:35 +0000 UTCRex-I’m so glad you did this video. It really completes the series on the restoration and use of these vintage wooden planes, since so often the mouth area needs tlc. I totally get your need to take a step back-we all get to a point where we can be on overload, particularly over these past almost 12 months of Covid, etc. I’ll be keeping you in prayer as you do what you need to do for yourself and your family. And thank you for all you do for those interested in this craft, especially your patrons. Be well, my friend!
Sean O'Neill
2021-02-27 17:12:23 +0000 UTCI like this idea! I’ve done several of the woodwork for humans projects. Feed back from the Master would be awesome. I’m so not worthy. 🤓
Christopher A Howlett
2021-02-27 17:08:18 +0000 UTCFamily comes first brother. Taking time for yourself makes our work and family life so much more enjoyable. You are smart to recognize it, and wise to practice it.
Pete seddon
2021-02-27 16:25:29 +0000 UTCThanks for the great video. By all means take some time for you, and your family. A video every other week is fine by me, and probably better for you. Take care.
Kevin S Thomas
2021-02-27 16:20:23 +0000 UTCLove what you're doing. Do what you need to do to keep on doing it!
Bill Smithem
2021-02-27 16:06:55 +0000 UTCI'd rather have a few fewer great quality Rex Krueger videos than rushed, watered-down videos, if you get my meaning. Keeping the quality in your brand that you've built so far rather than just pushing content out should be your priority, but not at the expense of your health and family!
Kevin Lundquist
2021-02-27 16:06:00 +0000 UTCJust to echo everyone else: Slow down as much as you need to! You health, and your mental health are more important than pushing out a video every week.
Adam Corbett
2021-02-27 15:58:37 +0000 UTCThank you for another great video, and ofcourse I understand that you have to slow down. Your health is much more important than anything else. I hate to say it, but I was expecting it for a while now. Numerous YT-ers come down with that exact complaint. They feel some kind of pressure to have to produce content. And all the time they want to produce more and better content. Until it bites them in the "behind". I can't speak for the others here, but I doubt that they would mind if you would produce less content. I know that I won't mind it at all. You do better than great job the way things are tight now. If you do a bit less, it'll still be a great job. We are lucky to have YOU. NOT the other way around... So take enough time for yourself. We'll survive...
Frans van Ballegooijen
2021-02-27 15:54:38 +0000 UTCYou call the shots, man. I'm a big fan and understand completely how time-consuming all this is. Besides, fewer is sometimes better in this world of information overload! Thank you for everything!
Chip
2021-02-27 15:51:23 +0000 UTCIf you need to slow down, then slow down. We would rather you not burn out, please! I know the content grinds is, well, a grind. I would rather have 3 high quality videos, produced by rested and energized Rex, than 4 high quality videos, produced by grim and exhausted Rex. Also, we get a bonus fourth video, anyways (mostly)? Fine with me. Just let us know if there's no bonus video coming. Saturday is like Christmas.
Geoffrey Wilson
2021-02-27 15:36:10 +0000 UTCTake your time buddy. I’m a firm believer in quality over quantity. Also you need time for yourself. I appreciate all the videos you have put out and thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
Jacob Downing
2021-02-27 15:19:57 +0000 UTCMaybe he can react to Martin's Little Bench! It's been a hit over on Discourse.
Jim Williams
2021-02-27 15:16:21 +0000 UTCTalking about your mistakes might be the most helpful parts. It makes us feel better about ourselves and drives home the mantra to simply stop, figure it out, fix it and move on.
Jephrey South
2021-02-27 14:41:45 +0000 UTCThank you Rex. I’m glad you are able to recognize burnout before it fully sets in and you have to quite. It’s a real thing and nothing to be ashamed of. Thanks for sticking around. I am praying for you as you make the transition. This weeks video is perfect. I messed up a through mortis on a project for my wife and I think putting in a patch is a great solution. I was trying to think how one might do it but now I know. Thanks.
Clint
2021-02-27 14:35:44 +0000 UTCI appreciate any content, be it less or not. Get some rest and thank you.
Clive Vella
2021-02-27 14:35:40 +0000 UTCTake care of yourself Rex. With how crazy the world has been I think a lot of people are close to burnout. Can't imagine how much more the pressure a public audience adds to that.
Steven Soulen
2021-02-27 14:34:55 +0000 UTCI've been self employed for the better part of 20 years. I made this decision so I could do what I wanted, how I wanted. Take care of yourself, and make sure you are doing what want to do.
North Road Woodwork
2021-02-27 14:18:29 +0000 UTCThanks so much for this video. I have a coffin smoother with a hole at the mouth in the shape of that patch. Now I know that it was patched once that it can be done again! And like others have said here, I'm perfectly happy with 3 videos/month, or less if you need the time. Find the work-life balance that works for you!
Alex Lopatka
2021-02-27 14:14:54 +0000 UTCAwesome video rex! Take all the time you need!
Jeremy Carlsten
2021-02-27 13:52:54 +0000 UTCTake care of yourself Rex. Your content is worth the wait. I can't tell you how much I've learned from you or how much you've helped me grow in the craft. My first bench was your joiners bench, still going strong (though I mucked up the dog holes pretty bad, but she's still the center of all my work). The first plane I ever built is your rabbet plane. I never thought I could do that. You make the craft approachable, and it has meant so much to me. As much as I look forward to these videos every week, I'll like them even more knowing that the guy making them has time to balance his life. Take your time and be well, we'll be here for you
Nathan Welsh
2021-02-27 13:43:56 +0000 UTCRex, great video. I understand the pressure of making videos and content. Watching a few over YouTubers who have made the same comment. Take time for yourself and family. We have lots of content we can rewatch and make stuff with. Stay safe Rex.
Jason Ransom
2021-02-27 13:40:03 +0000 UTCRex, I have to admit that the same fear of burnout is what prevents me from going all in on my channel. With what content I do create, I can already sense how that can creep in pretty fast. You have my continued support no matter what route you take, your content gave me the encouragement to experiment and do more woodworking projects through out the pandemic that I would never have attempted before for fear of failing. I will continue to send good thoughts and prayers your way. Thank you for your content.
Marty Ford
2021-02-27 13:38:13 +0000 UTCI feel like you are speaking directly to me and I’ll reply as if I’m speaking directly to you and not judged for honesty. I joined Patreon for your plans and the discussion group and to support your content not for “exclusive” access. I also am a proud Union member, we all know quality comes before quantity.
Byron
2021-02-27 13:30:53 +0000 UTCFor sure three a month is a huge schedule! I know, I’ve made a few myself. Try one each two weeks, seriously. That gives you time to decide what to do, script it, story board, acquire materials, film, post produce and edit, and post. Even that is an ambitious schedule. Paul Sellers does about 1 per month, ish. He also does blogs, commentaries, and other non-project videos. Seriously, examine how much time you ***need*** to continue to make content. Patreon is the better platform for sure, as it allows us to support you directly, it also allows you to create content that matters, rather than content that gets YouTube likes, click throughs, and comments.
William Allen
2021-02-27 13:11:38 +0000 UTCHey Rex, absolutely take good care of yourself! If you want to do special patreon videos: fine by me, i'll watch them. But if you don't get around doing them, it's also fine by me. Even if they are shorter, they still seem like a lot of work. If you want to answer a recurring question by patreons, a article, maybe with a few fotos would absolutely be enough in my book! And not answering every question to take care of yourself is also good. It's better to have you still around in a few years than to have a few answered questions/videos now.
Jonas Oßwald
2021-02-27 13:06:28 +0000 UTCGreat video. One question for you Rex: do you make money if we watch it on YouTube (instead of here)? I like some of the YouTube player, so I like to go there anyways, and I notice there are ads playing. I'm just hoping that going there to view will put a (very little, unfortunately) cash in your pocket. Thanks!
Chris and Julie Anne
2021-02-27 13:04:22 +0000 UTCI'm with the rest the team here, take care and keep making what you can and want, not what you think you should. Great video by the way, again, concise and very informative.
Francis
2021-02-27 12:51:47 +0000 UTCLooking back, I'm amazed you've made so many informative and engaging videos, Rex. I echo others saying "Take care of yourself and your family first". All the best.
Dean Wight
2021-02-27 12:51:15 +0000 UTCIf you're travelling with others who require your assistance, put your own oxygen mask on first. You don't want to turn around and wonder what your daughter was like when she was younger. Much love, Rex. It's the right decision.
Jon Linna
2021-02-27 12:37:20 +0000 UTCHonestly Rex, I'd drop it to one a fortnight, max. Then when you happen to be over-productive, you can throw in an extra video that month, or save it for when you're less energetic. Health first, always! And, I love Martin's idea of Rex Reacts to Patron's Projects. Could be fun for us all, and much easier on you.
Guy
2021-02-27 12:36:02 +0000 UTCI would rather have fewer, more detailed, more build related videos than more that are less so. Cutting back is a difficult decision, but quite often the correct decision. Satisfactory.
Bill Brisky
2021-02-27 12:33:34 +0000 UTCYou know, I was just about to cut up a damaged Mathieson Fore Plane when I saw this video posted. Now you've got my wondering if I can fix it! If you need to slow down a little to prevent burn-out, just take a break or slow down the production pace. Hows about a video project involving your Patrons? Perhaps an overview of some of our projects, or "Rex Reacts" videos?
Martin Hartley
2021-02-27 12:31:37 +0000 UTCThanks for making any videos Rex! We're with you!
Nic Beurskens
2021-02-27 12:26:40 +0000 UTCI'm glad to hear you are taking care of yourself. I'd sooner have you make 1 video a month (which I would anxiously await each time), than have you burn out.
Robert Storey
2021-02-27 12:24:21 +0000 UTCChoose the pace that suits you. If it quits being fun for you, you are doing too much or you are doing the wrong things.
Bob Templeton
2021-02-27 12:20:24 +0000 UTCNone of us want you to burn out. I'll still be a proud patron even if you only post once a month. Do what excites you. Thats what will help you the most. And some rest is a good thing.
Shanni Marmen
2021-02-27 12:18:46 +0000 UTCTake care, Rex! Burnout is no joke. That side-table sounds very interesting!
Tsani Rósenov Sábev
2021-02-27 12:13:47 +0000 UTCTotally understand. The standards of your videos are very high and i go back to them many times as referance. if you can keep them that way by making them less frequent i’m all for it. 👏👏👏 And if you would stop doing patreon ex content i would totally understand that as well. Health before all.
Oscar Karlsson
2021-02-27 12:12:02 +0000 UTCThanks for the heads up - also, thanks in advance before I look at the remouthing video. Am sure it will be up to your excellent standards and hoping that your dry wit will help transition me to a post pandemic summer. Keep up the good work!
Casimir Iwaszkiewicz
2021-02-27 12:06:43 +0000 UTC
