We have added two new types of floats to our offerings. The Bed/Tenon float is designed to flatten the bed and breast surfaces of bench planes, and is thin enough (1/8″) to extend through the mouth of the plane. This float also excels at sizing tenons for a perfect fit. Floats cut more rapidly than rasps, but will leave a smoother surface, so they can be used for curved work or chamfers also. They also have “safe” edges, and will not undercut when working into a corner. They come in both push and pull cut versions; helpful when grain direction is being considered, especially with plane making. A push version can be used more aggressively by tilting the float upward slightly and using the first tool as a scraper.
The Large Cheek Float is shorter, with slightly tapered sides, making it easier to check progress while using. This float is useful for working the bed and wear surfaces of wide side escapement planes, and also for working inside mortises or into corners. Also available in push and pull cut versions.
As with all of our current line of floats, these are made of A-2 tool steel, hardened to Rc 50-52 for easy sharpening with a file.
Note: This batch was not vacuum tempered, a mistake by the heat treater. The difference between vacuum and atmospheric treatment is the presence or absence of oxygen during the tempering process. This affects how the steel looks when complete; vacuum has a brighter, steely grey appearance while atmospheric has a more black appearance. The steel hardness is the same, and the difference is cosmetic only.
We make our floats with full length blades through the length of the tool, which gives the tool better balance and is a more durable design. The handles are grain matched maple, held in place with three brass rivets. Made in USA.
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