Krenov Wood Shooting Plane Part 2

I’m really happy with how the shooting plane turned out, especially with the knob, which can be used on either side. The bocote looks great, too.

shooting plane use

Before starting the plane, I modeled it in SketchUp to figure out the hole locations for the lead shot and the knob-bolt insert. I also estimated the weight of the lead shot using the volume of the holes. If you are a SketchUp user, you can download the model by clicking the download link below.

When I last taught the class in which I demonstrated making this plane, some of the students used steel bar instead of lead shot. That worked, but it was difficult cutting the bar to length. We had a cutoff saw, but cutting 1-3/4″ bar with that type of saw is almost impossible. I ended up asking one of the guys in the machine shop to cut it for us. If I was to attempt it again, I think I would get smaller diameter bar, maybe 3/4″, and put in more pieces.

Lead is denser than steel (.4 vs .29 lb/cu-in), but since the lead shot is a bunch of small spheres and the steel bar is solid, the weight for a given hole size in the plane was about the same. Use whatever is easiest for your situation.

Watch part 2 here.

3 Responses to “Krenov Wood Shooting Plane Part 2

  • Paul Babcock
    2 years ago

    Carl another alternative is lead “wool” which I believe is available from plumbing supply houses.

    • I was not aware of that product, but I did some looking on the web. It’s not clear to me how tightly it can be packed, but I would assume it would be at least as dense as the lead shot and much easier to deal with. Definitely worth a try. Thanks!

  • Paul Babcock
    2 years ago

    Carl, another alternative is lead “wool” which I believe is available from plumbing supply houses.

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