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Blacksmithing & Toolmaking

Tools for Chairmaking: Make a Compass Plane or Travisher

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Course Overview

In chairmaking, the travisher and compass plane make wonderful assistants for excavating, carving and shaping concave surfaces. The travisher is like a curved spokeshave that can hog or make nuanced cuts. The compass plane is like a scrub plane with a curved sole, fantastic for hogging seats and a great alternative to an adze. This one day course will allow students to work through the entire process of forging the blade and fitting it into the wooden body of the tool, resulting in a beautiful and useful piece ready to tackle the next project. Students will choose between making a travisher or a compass plane. Note, the materials cost will vary between the two. No prerequisites, all skill levels are welcome. This course is designed to accommodate the strength, stamina and skills of most teens or adults.

Session Information

This class is an excellent lead-in to the Windsor Comb Back Arm Chair class David will be instructing starting the next day on Tuesday the 17th.

Dates

Mon, Sep 16th, 2019

Course Details

Length: 1 Day
Skill Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Hours: 9am-5pm
Intergenerational age: N/A
Tuition: $195.00
Materials fee: $100.00

Required

You will need the following tools for this class:

  • Leather work gloves, eye and ear protection.  
  • A dust mask for those sensitive to wood dust

Optional Tools

  • A dust mask and ear plugs when sanding your project.
  • Wear comfortable clothes, be ready to be on your feet all day.
  • Orbital sander with 80, 100 and 220 grit sand paper
  • Any tools from home you would like to work with

More Information

Once registered, students will receive a confirmation email with further class information. Please call us if you haven't received it within 24 hours.

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Meet the Instructor

North House Folk School photo of instructor, David Abeel
David Abeel
Traverse City, MI

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Tools for Chairmaking: Make a Compass Plane or Travisher - 9/16/2019