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Sometimes language just seems to confuse communication with complication, and the result is a compilation of misinformation..

I like hand planes. They're fascinating tools.

I decided to build a miniature 1/4 scale #4 sterling silver smoothing plane.
I had forgotten just how much of a challenge it was to build a...

Thanks, Will. I appreciate your thoughts. Ralph

Thanks, Jeff. I have also posted a series of "miniature tools by Art Rafael" on Youtube. Ralph

My first post on this forum featured a pair of miniature hand planes which were fabricated from brass sheet stock with the parts silver soldered together:

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When someone asked for details on how the solenoid powered lathe worked I realized that I had not documented the miniature lathe well. I went back and did a sketch and took some pictures that will...

Hi, Chuck. I have had some recent posts including a new silver plane on Nov. 11.
But this string has become quite complicated to follow. You might try to tap in at a lower spot. Ralph

I have posted some smatterings of miniature tools in my collection - some with limited exposure.
This post features my miniature rendition of the Knowles Patent Block Plane of 1827, thought to be...

Thanks, Doug. I've been at this a while, and I know what you mean about the music that a good plane makes.
Appearance is important, but, ultimately, I judge my planes by the music they make. ...

Thanks, Jim. Perfect question -- I have used both procedures in the past.
Some models were cast in the "lost wax process".

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After some diversions, I'm back to building miniature tools and thought that some might find this interesting.
This is a sterling silver plane with Ebony tote and knob, brass turn knob and a sharp...

The miniature horse drawn road grader is finished.


The blade detail:


http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s405/flyingtractors1/WheelGradeBladeFrame004_zps41941ef4.jpg

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Progress every day. Ralph


http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s405/flyingtractors1/Wheels4Grader018_zpse3fc2bbe.jpg

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Main frame fabricated -- "T" beams measured, cut and silver soldered for strength and rigidity: Ralph


http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s405/flyingtractors1/Wheels4Grader001_zps77e5fc75.jpg...

Two wheels built to resemble antique equipment.


http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s405/flyingtractors1/Wheels1023_zps0cca32e6.jpg


Then two more and we have enough to build a four wheeled...

Thanks, Dan. The miniature wheelbarrow was fun to build, though challenging.
I've started a new project - light on wood and heavy in Brass, but I think that it may be of interest to some.

The...

The miniature wooden wheelbarrow is finished. Ralph


http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s405/flyingtractors1/Wheelbarrow8006_zpsdf44a2d2.jpg

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It's slowly taking shape. Ralph


http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s405/flyingtractors1/Wheelbarrow5002_zpsa409cdda.jpg

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Metal bracing installed. Ralph


http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s405/flyingtractors1/Wheelbarrow7015_zps191b7e1f.jpg

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Progress. This build may have turned out to be more complicated than at first it may have seemed
due to the many angles built into it and the need for perfect symmetry and, of course, the small...

New project:


http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s405/flyingtractors1/Wheelbaro002_zps182b2613.jpg


Based on an old idea.

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Thanks, Jim. I did see that movie just this weekend. Funny - cute scenes. Would have been nice to land the contract for building those little prop tools. The credits listed 8 or 9 people as...

That is a beautiful instrument, Jeff. I am thoroughly impressed and amazed - especially with the hand cut knurls . Ralph

Progress. Ralph


http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s405/flyingtractors1/DansHammertwonobuff_zps189fb564.jpg

Miniature framing hammers. Ralph


http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s405/flyingtractors1/DansHammer001_zpsec0de456.jpg


Built 1/4 scale master wax pattern:

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