Hello every one
Here is a product you may be interested in picking.
It is a Cap Iron Plane Screwdriver.
A regular screwdriver just doesn't work well on cap iron screws. A narrow blade can mar the cap-screw slot, and there's always the risk that the screwdriver tip will slip out of the slot altogether.
We designed this screwdriver to make it both safe and easy to remove, replace or adjust cap irons.
It has a turned brass collar surrounding the tip to capture the head of a cap iron screw up to 21/32" in diameter, and a generous bubinga knob for a comfortable, secure grip.
The slot-style tip is durable alloy steel. Not only for Veritas® planes, it fits all standard cap iron screws on current and vintage Record and Stanley planes as well as others based on them.
A convenient tool for safely loosening or tightening stubborn cap iron screws.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=60111&cat=1,230,41182 (http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=60111&cat=1,230,41182)
Dan
Dan,
This has been on my "want to buy" list for some time. It looks like a very useful and well designed tool. In fact, it looks more practical than its Lie-Nielsen equivalent.
Just curious, but, "We designed this screwdriver"; did you work on the design team? If so, good job.
Thanks for a useful post.
Ken
No not me.
I wish I did!
The text was the description from Lee Valley.
I did buy it & it works amazingly good.
Dan,
Don't forget the important part you (and all of us) play in the chain. All the brilliant engineering and precision machining would come to naught if not for the guy with the plastic wallet!
Actually, I have been a Lee Valley customer for many years. Other than the fact that they don't sell Tormek, they are very nice innovative people to deal with. Leonard Lee's sharpening dvd is now a little dated, but the good dry humor is as good as ever. Their small plough plane is a delight to use.
Ken
Thanks for the post. I get a Lee-Valley newsletter (email), but don't remember seeing that screwdriver. Good idea. I suspect more than just a few people have stabbed their palms while trying to remove the cap iron screw with a standard screwdriver. I try to follow Jim Kingshott's recommendation of placing the iron on a flat surface, but sometimes that's just not handy.
Dan,
Do you happen to know if this screwdriver might also fit the tightening screw on the Eclipse (and clones) side clamping honing jigs?
Ken
Quote from: Ken S on February 08, 2011, 02:20:34 AM
Dan,
Do you happen to know if this screwdriver might also fit the tightening screw on the Eclipse (and clones) side clamping honing jigs?
Ken
The inside ring diameter that sits over the screw head is
.658 or 21\32 or 16.70mm
The screw from my plane is
.630 or 16mm
By looking at your Eclipse (and clones) side clamping honing jigs it may work perfectly.
But you can check with the measurements to see.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=60111&cat=1,230,41182 (http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=60111&cat=1,230,41182)
It has a turned brass collar surrounding the tip to capture the head of a cap iron screw up to 21/32" in diameter, and a generous bubinga knob for a comfortable, secure grip
Hope this helps you.
Dan
Thanks, Dan. I think it will work. The pal design certainly puts the torque axis much closer to the screw head. I think it would be more controllable, too. It's on my short wish list for the next time L-V has a free shipping promotion.
Ken
Yes it is much more controllable than a screwdriver.
I wish they had more free shipping events.
Steve and Dan,
Congrats on your second stars. (I hope Jeff ordered enough stars.)
Ken
Thanks
Can we trade in the stars for Tormek Accessories ::)
Dan,
Your good idea + Lee valley free shipping through 3-28 = new cap iron screwdriver for me.
thanks.
Ken
Ken S,
Oh! My Stars. Thanks for noticing. What's next? Maybe in ten years or so we'll be up there with Jeff.
Steve
hi guys , the cap iron itself is designed to remove the screw holding the chip breaker to the blade, no special screwdrivers needed ;) with that said, i do really like lee valley and have been ordering from them for many years ...... i just figured i would post this so you can save your money for other lee valley stuff ;D
Got to love free shipping!
Now they need to have a points system based on money spent at leeValley to go into store credit.
Thanks for the tip, grizzz.
My order was already in pixelland.
Ken
Dan,
The Plane Cap Screwdriver arrived yesterday. What a quality tool; it's well made and beautifully finished.
It fits my plane screws perfectly. It also fits the screw on the eclipse jig nicely. It's not a perfect fit, but very functional.
Thanks for the idea.
Ken
Your welcome Ken
Yes it is very well made & finished.
I keep mine in the bubble package it came with in the drawer with my planes so it does not get scratched.
Glad it works with your eclipse jig
Dan,
Funny that you keep your plane Cap Screwdriver in the bubble wrap; so do I. The wood finishing is so nice. I like the subtle turned circular line. It looks like the finish was applied on the lathe, and maybe burnished with chips. I have it sitting next to my 1909 Bedrock 604 Smoothing Plane. I bought it from the original owner almost forty years ago. If planes could talk......this one has seen service in Florida during the "boom" and Goodyear Aerospace during WWII.
Ken
Nice
1909 That would have some stories.
What shape is it in?
Two careful owners; it's in nice shape.
My planes are Stanley/Bailey the oldest was made in 1932
I will be picking up the Tormek® Hand-Tool Kit today but may not be able to play with it (or should I say use it) untill aprill 4th on my birthday. ;D ::)
hi all ,
that cap iron trick works with the stanley/baileys/bedrocks....i don't know if it works with LV planes....i probably shoulda thought of that before ::)
grizzz,
I have actually used the cap iron trick. It does work. However, I think the Lee Valley tool gives more control. It also fits very well.
Ken
Dan,
I inherited a Bailey (number 4) of about your vintage from my grandfather. It's a well made plane. I wouldn't trade it for a new one. I like using old tools. They may have retained some of the experience of some of the old craftsmen who have used them, as well as some nice patina.
Ken
Yes I agree Ken
Dan (and forum),
I have just ordered a copy of Ernie Conover's new plane book and DVD. Ernie is an excellent teacher and an old hand at plane restoration "tuning". His handplane class is most informative. I'll post an update on the book and DVD after I study them.
Ken