Chalking it up.

[Stewie Simpson]

Forming a perfectly flat bevel can be a challenge.

You've removed most of the waste with you bench plane but are now left with a slightly convex profile. What to do next. You may want to adopt the following chalking technique, as it provides an excellent visual indicator to gauge your progress.

(before)

(after)


As an addition to your straight edge and carpenters square, the chalking technique can also be used when jointing a perfect 90 degree profile.





Something to consider.

Stewie;

[Phil Mueller]

Great tip, Stewie, thank you. Gives me a good use for all that sidewalk chalk left over from when the kids were young.

[Frederick Skelly]

That's a good tip. Thank you.

[Stewie Simpson]

Applied the final coat of garnet shellac to the pair of Winding Sticks. (L) 16" (H) 1 3/4" (W) 7/8". The critical top edges were trued by rubbing a chalk coated straight edge along their surface.

Stewie;

[Robert McNaull]

Those at sharp Stewie. Is there a function to the taper on the sticks?

Bob

[Stewie Simpson]

Robert; the narrowness along the top edge of the winding sticks aides in line of site. The top edge of my Winding Sticks are only a 1/4" in thickness, compared to the base line which is wider at 7/8", to aid stability.

Stewie;

[Robert McNaull]

Thanks Stewie, that makes good sense.

Bob

[Stewie Simpson]

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[David Eisenhauer]

Thanks for the tip. I have zero experience with chalking and will try this out. In this particular case, is there any way to use the chalk to ensure that the two winding sticks remain the exact same height after addressing any levelling issues along their respective top edges?

[Stewie Simpson]

David; once you have chalked the top edges for straightness, you then need to work within the constraints of common height when dealing with the bottom edges. A common steel rule may not be precise enough for this job task, requiring the need for a digital calliper to end with tighter tolerance. A range within 0.25mm in common height should be deemed good enough for this purpose.

Stewie;

[Dale Murray]

This is a new one on me but a trick I will, no doubt, use.

[Stewie Simpson]

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[Pat Barry]

Interesting technique Stewie. Thank you for posting the process you use.

[Prashun Patel]

Thanks for these tips, Stewie. I will definitely use this.

One question: does the limestone in the chalk dull the blade?

[Derek Cohen]

Stewie, what can you tell us about an oil, shellac or other finishes over chalk residue in the grain? I know that one is advised against using these finishes on top of chalk paint. Pencil is a safe option. I've never considered chalk.

Regards from Perth

Derek