Popular Woodworking 2004-10 № 143, страница 76

Hand Plane

Cabinet

Hard-working tools deserve a decent place to rest.

On certain holidays, such as New Year's Day, craftsmen in Japan clean their tools, put them on a shrine and offer them gifts such as sake and rice cakes. It is their way of thanking the tools for the service they have provided and will provide in future days.

As my own collection of hand planes grew from a few rusty specimens handed down from my greatgrandfather to a small arsenal of new high-quality instruments, this Japanese tradition began to weigh heavily on my mind. My planes generally squatted on my workbench when not in use, and I had to constantly move them around to avoid knocking them to the floor as I worked.

After some thought, I decided that a cabinet dedicated to my planes was the best way to protect

them from dings and to thank them for the service they provide almost every day of the year.

This piece is designed to be used either as a traditional tool chest that sits on a bench or as a cabinet that hangs on the wall on a tough French cleat. Because planes are heavy tools, the case is joined using through-dovetails. The lid is a flat-panel door assembled using mortise-and-tenon construction. And the dividers inside the cabinet are screwed together so the configuration can be rearranged easily as my collection (or needs) change.

As you design your own version of this cabinet, you should measure your planes to ensure there's enough space for everything you own, or plan to own. This cabinet should provide plenty of room for all but the largest collections.

by Christopher Schwarz

Comments or questions? Contact Christopher at 513-531-2690 ext. 1407 or chris.schwarz@fwpubs.com.