The bar clamps were due to be delivered today. Early this afternoon, while checking my email from work, I was surprised to see an "Exception Notice" from UPS. They attempted delivery but since, "recipient [that would be me] was not available to sign for delivery" they were unable to deliver the package. They promised to try again on Monday. When I got home the UPS notice stuck to my door said the package was delivered to the office. Nope, not there. The manager did say she was out of the office for a bit late this morning tending to some maintenance problem or another. So, I must wait until Monday for my new bar clamps.
No bar clamps means I will not be able to glue up the rudder blank this weekend.
I can however glue up the stem blank, so that is still on the list.
A minor miscalculation the other day at the lumber store takes the workbench off this weekend's work list, too. When I priced the materials I completely misread the tags on two major components. It was enough of an error that I changed my mind about building the workbench this weekend. That is okay, I was sorely disappointed in the quality of the 2x4 stock needed for the legs and supports of the bench. I will bring my old Stanley workmate home from storage (which I should have done already) for the remaining weekend projects.
However, I did purchase a Japanese saw this afternoon. I have read about these tools, and I watched Ed use his last weekend. Since I planned to purchase one at some point, I made today that point! Another purchase was an inexpensive miter box. When I got home from shopping, I tested the saw and the miter box, and I am very impressed! I will explain later what parts I intend to cut using the miter box.
Work continues on the sole of the plane. There is progress but the closer I get to the finishing the flattening, the slower the progress. As the low spot is reduced in size, the "flat" surface of the sole becomes larger, thus the area to be sanded becomes larger and it takes longer. It is reassuring to see progress.
There are three things to note about tonight's picture. First, the black marks are nearly gone. Second, the reflection of the blue tape in the sole of the plane. Third, the reflection of the flash off the sole onto the sandpaper. All of these indicate the sole is getting closer to being flat and smooth.
Something I have noticed as the flattening of the sole has progressed: The sound and feel of moving the plane across the sandpaper has changed. When I started the process it sounded raspy and felt gritty under my hand. Tonight I could barely hear anything - and at first I thought the sandpaper was worn out. But when I tried a few strokes on the side of the plane (pretty rusty) it sounded raspy and I could feel the grit. And the feel of the sole over the sandpaper is getting smoother. Before long this plane will be looking good!
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