chisel plane

[jgraham]

I'm almost done my second track, using the Keld/Dremel method for the first time. I was worried about getting the depth right for the lane change plates, until I found a nice little tool for the job. It's called a chisel plane and holds a chisel in a cast frame at a constant angle and depth. I used a 1/4" wood chisel and set the depth by setting the plane on two lengths of the piano wire. I chiseled and glued four lane changes in about 5 or 10 minutes. They all worked first time once the wire was put in the Dremel grooves.

Plane.gif (197.67 KiB) Viewed 13103 times

I don't have a steady hand, so freehand Dremel cutting is not an option. Instead, I built two jigs for the Dremel, one for cutting curves and another for cutting straights. The jig for curves rotates around a nail held in a hole drilled in the board. The jig for straights slides along a straight edge tacked to the board.

Jigs.gif (190.69 KiB) Viewed 13103 times

I'll post a video of my new track once I have a few people over to race on it, but I thought I'd share these now. I hope someone finds them useful.

[Keld]

oh Yes this is very useful,
the chisel plane, I did see that many years ago, but forgot, that is perfect for the job. thanks
looking forward to see more

[Kellerkind]

Very easy, great idea. Thanks for sharing. Regards Jens

[Ned]

John,
Can you tell me the brand and model number of the chisel plane?
Any idea where I might buy one?
Ned

[jgraham]

It is a Veritas® Chisel Plane purchased from Lee Valley Tools.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=32661

[Ned]

Thanks John.