SE-77 Procedure To Achieve Square Plane Irons?

[darita]

I'm just learning how to use the SE-77 and I'm wondering if there is a set procedure to use in order to get square plane iron edges?  If there is a specific video or thread on the topic, please let me know.  I have a Super Grind 2005, with Micro Adjust Tool Rest and SE-77.  I've also been using the TT-50 truing tool.
Thank you for all the help.

[AKMike]

I'm not sure about square edges, but here is a good video discussing the cambering feature of the SE-77.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfd-xzOF5sc

Mike

[darita]

Not into cambering yet.  That's next.  Right now, I need to master the square edge, if at all possible.

[Ken S]

Derek,

I would not have recommended the SE-77 for you at this time. Please do not misinterpret me. It is a very useful and welcome tool. It allows you to add varying amounts of camber to your plane blades in a very controlled manner. It is an advanced tool. For furniture making, this was a major advance. Unfortunately, Tormek marketing emphasized being able to adjust chisels for squareness instead of the real advance, adding camber.

The SE-77 can certainly produce square chisel and plane edges. The constraint is that the user must make sure the camber knobs are set properly. The earlier jig, the SE-76, had no adjustability. The registration fence was always square, at least in theory. Although things did not always work out perfectly, the SE-76 is easier for a beginner to use.

This difficulty has been compounded by the lack of instructional material. David Charlesworth is a fine teacher. I would not describe his video as being done for beginners. Alan Holtham includes the SE-77 as part of the T8 video he did for Tormek. Originally this was limited to registered owners, however, I believe it is generally accessible now. To the best of my knowledge, there is no video dedicated to the SE-77. That is unfortunate.

My suggestion would be to use a marker and a small square. A small stainless steel engineer's square, also called a precision square, would serve well. Use it before grinding too much. Correct if needed.

You can master grinding square edges. Have patience and perserverance. You are certainly not alone in this difficulty.

Ken

[darita]

Ken, I think you're right.  I have looked for some instruction on using the jig, but all seem to concentrate on producing a cambered edge, not a square edge.  Maybe they assume the jig will produce a square edge out of the box?  Unfortunately, for me that was not the case as one side of the blade touched the stone, while the other side was well off the blade and that was with a trued stone.
Yes, I have several precision squares, however none are quite small enough to use on the jig with the blade mounted, therefore to check the blade for square, the chisel/plane iron has to be dismounted, making the procedure very laborious.  I was hoping there is a simpler way to check for square and make the adjustment in a methodical procedure.

[Ken S]

Derek,

This is the best reference book for plane blade camber and plane usage that I have found. If you do serious handtool woodworking, it should be part of your library. (a future possible suggestion):

https://www.amazon.com/Handplane-Essentials-Revised-Expanded-Christopher/dp/1440349509


I don't know if precision squares small enough to be really useful are made. The ideal solution may be one made with a 3D printer. If you know someone skilled with 3D printing, a simple small square should be easy to program and accurate. Being plastic, it wouldn't rust.

Ken

[AKMike]

Pricey, but precision and adjustable. 14A if you want inch gradations.

http://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/14MA

Mike

[Ken S]

Derek and Mike,

I think something like this is a more practical choice:

https://pinshape.com/items/9349-3d-printed-machinist-square

I think the design could be simplified. Having several sizes might be nice. On the plus side, there would be no rust problem, it could be easily made, and it should be inexpensive. It could be flat, rather like a small drafting triangle, with or without the hypoteneuse.

Ken


(an earlier start of a post)
Mike,

I used to collect Starrett tools. The 14A square is a real gem, however, I think there are better options. Here is another configuration:

http://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/3020-3

Both of these squares are overkill.

[RickKrung]

I use one like this. 
http://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/11H-4-4R#Specifications



Small size and adjustability make it perfect for this application.  Scale is adjusted to fit the projection of the blade.

Rick

[darita]

Thanks.  I'm looking at the double square as an option.  I'm still working to simplify my blade squaring solution.

[GKC]

Derek: Ken mentioned a small engineer's square.  Some superb but pretty expensive examples have been recommended.  If you don't want to spend a lot on this tool, a simple little engineer's square should be accurate enough for this application, good (enough) ones are available at lots of places for about $15-$20.  Here is a link to the 2" engineer's square that Lee Valley sells; it is tiny and so it suits my purposes when I need a square in a tight spot:

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=32601&cat=1,42936,42941

Gord

[RichColvin]

I like buying from LittleMachineShop.com.  They have a set for a really good price :

     https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2549

Kind regards,
Rich

[RickKrung]

I like buying from LittleMachineShop.com.  They have a set for a really good price :

     https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2549

Kind regards,
Rich

I do too.  Good little company.  Chris Wood, founder, started out in the early 2000s as a hobby machinist buying Horror Freight and other brand Chinese import machines and tools.  He wanted to provide better machines and tools at competitive prices.  I think he has done an excellent job. 

If I were to buy a minilathe today, I would definitely be buying one of LMS's.  They offer a good selection of quick change toolposts for small lathes. 

Rick

[Ken S]

I'm not familiar with the Little Machine Shop. I'll take your words for it.

I have been a Lee Valley customer for ages. You won't go wrong with Lee Valley. The 2" square seems like a keeper at a very good price.

Ken

[RickKrung]

I'm not familiar with the Little Machine Shop. I'll take your words for it.

I have been a Lee Valley customer for ages. You won't go wrong with Lee Valley. The 2" square seems like a keeper at a very good price.

Ken

No question there, Ken.  Lee Valley is great for wood working tools.  LMS is entirely metal working, although some of their tools may have very useful applications in wood working. 

Rick