Checkering a Plane tote

So after posting this http://lumberjocks.com/donwilwol/blog/30812 I had some request to show better detail on checkering. It had been a while since I checkered, but I have several firearms I did several years ago. This is just a few.

So lets look at how we would do this on a plane tote. First we need some files. I have 2 sets, 18 lines per inch and 22 lines per inch. I’m using the 18, again, because its been a while.

The four files are as follows, a 4 line cutter, a 2 line cutter, a rough single and a finish single.

First we’ll sand the tote to finish, then lay out the borders. I’ll start with a borderless again. It should come out like this.

But we’ll start with a cherry tote this time.

then we’ll lay out the borders. Note for firearms I have a bunch of templates.

But I’ll draw these freehand. Note I’m wrapping this around the back of the handle. Checkering through contours add a bit of time. I did the bloodwood shown above in one sitting. Tonight I didn’t make it.

So both sides are laid out, my magnifier lamp set up we’re ready to cut our first line.

I’m going to use the 2 line cutter. I never really liked the 4 line. It works well, but only on flat straight lines.

The idea is to cut to the border line. We’ll be using a combination of the double and single cutters.

Then just keep going, One line at a time, letting the double cutter use the last line as a guide. The trick is to get it deep enough for a good guide line.

Until one side is complete

then go back over everything one more time. I use the single cutter for this step. That way I can get all the way to the ends and keep everything clean and even. (well, that’s the theory anyhow)

Now start the same sequence again, but at about a 40 degree angle for the opposing line.

I managed to get a little further than this tonight, but must have forgot the last picture. So we’ll finish later.

So here is what I had finished last night.

Next will just just continue on side 1. After complete I’ll re-cut with the rough single cut. Then both sides get re-cut with the finish cutter. You continue with the finish until the checkers at almost to a point.

and some random shots as I cleaned it up.

And complete. You can see the one little mishap in the middle. I may be able to clean that up to.

So on to side 2.
For side 2 I’d like to present the jointer. Made for the long straight runs.

And this is as far as a got today. Off to a family affair.

well after taking a little ride this morning, I had some time to finish the tote and get the first coat of finish on it.

Set complete.