> first...i did go with the guillemot recess/cockpit on my great auk...it's
> looking pretty good.

> i took out the staples in the hull and tried to plane it, but the plane
> keeps stuttering. i sharpened the blade and adjusted the gap in front of
> it, but still i am mutilating the hull. Suggestions?

Hi Jessica

Don't know what kind of experience you have with the little block planes, but, those things can be tricky. A couple of minor problems could be the wood grain, if it's fairly curly or course, then the blade will hang and bounce. Another is you have to put a little pressure down on the plane. You said you sharpened it, and I'm not familiar with all planes, but, if the angle can be adjusted, it could be too steep an angle. ?? The suggestions for angling the plane as you move it forward are good ones. As that gives you a slicing effect and the blade is not likely to dig in. How far do you adjust the depth of cut? It's always best, if you're not familiar with the plane, to start off so thin that you don't think it's cutting at all. Then, adjust it down just a tad and give it another try. Keep going like that till you get the nice even, long curls. It's not easy to get the blade right the first few times. I started by laying two pieces of writing paper under the front and back of the plane and holding it firmly. Then let the blade slide down till it touches, ( on a piece of wood ) evenly across, and tighten it and try. If it's not cutting enough, then double the paper. Hopefully that will get you started. Don't want you to get discouraged with the plane. It's a good tool and works on taking lots of wood off. The scraper it good too, as is the sander, but, they are a bit slower. When you knock the edges off, then go to the lighter equipment. ( scraper, long-board/fairing-board, and the ROS ) Hope this helps.

Rehd