No,they are strictly manual in that size. The advantage would come where you are running production and want to run the grinder while also running your lathe or Bridgeport, then you may want a larger size grinder -- In Philip's case where he is making several plane parts at a time he can throw a bunch on the magnetic chuck & let the machine grind away (grinding as you would guess is a slow, careful process), as he does some other work. You can find a good surface grinder for 1/2 the price of one of your new planes so that's how I would suggest you start. When you begin production then begin looking for more automatic larger machines -- we will then get you into some CNC machines.

There are two things that bother me about manual feed. First, if you're doing a lot of surfacing, even on just one piece, it seems like you would get tired of cranking that feed. Second, it seems like a power feed would give a smoother more even surface.

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John

1 Toolie, 2 XL Festool Polos

Are You planning to make a few of Your own Marcou's John

John,

That is just a gorgeous machine. However, since it is in NJ, I would be willing to have it shipped here to my house. I could then have a demo and ensure that it is packed up correctly to get back to you. Any thoughts?

Fred

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Kapex, OF2200,Domino,TS 75, Trion PS 300, RO 150, ETS 150/5, ETS 150/3, DTS 400, RS 400, LS 130, RS 2, Deltex 93, RAS 115, CT 33, CT 22, CT Midi, OF 1400, MFK 700, C 12, LR 32 3 MFT/3s, 3 MFT 1080s, 4 Sysports, 2 Walko's, Marcou's J20A, S20A, M12, S45, S55A, VSP 40, Brese 650-55J, Knew Concepts 8 inch Fretsaw, Knew Concepts 5 inch Titanium Fretsaw

No, Okamisan, I'm planning on starting a new company called "Jean Thomas Lie-Marcou Planes". Any resemblance to existing companies is purely coincidental.

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John

1 Toolie, 2 XL Festool Polos

It's easier than hand planing I'm sure. The table does really glide very easily and you get into a rhythm I suppose similar to the BCT Jointmaker that I believe you have & use. Your left hand cranks the table back and forth and your right hand slowly cranks the table cross feed -- after a pass across & back, you move the vertical feed crank down a couple thousands and repeat the process until you get to where you are going. The finish is of course dependant on the wheel grit but in any case it's excellent, far better than a milled surface. The surface grinder is the tool to get precise dimensions and very smooth surface finishes.
With fixtures and a variety of wheels it is also a versatile machine. With thin cut-off wheels you can cut hardened pins, bolts, etc. in two when needed.

I've been watching Chris Schwarz use a plane in his new video and I can tell you operating a (manual) surface grinder is far less physical than how Chris planes wood.

Ron, John's not into manual labor. Been there done that.

Why do you think he's buying all those machines?

Hmmm, who knew a #7 period would turn out to be a square?

But, but, but...where do you plug those beautiful Marcou planes in?!? I guess in John's shop that is a problem at BOTH ends of the power cord.

Actually, watching Chris S. work, I question whether my back could take much planing -- S4S & the Rotex is looking better & better.

We spent some time with Chris at Valley Forge. What a nice guy!

And in his workshop we were surprised at the energy he put into each plane demo. Maybe if I did that on a regular basis I could be as thin as him.

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John

1 Toolie, 2 XL Festool Polos

Ron, you're right, the are a lot of used Harig 612s on the market, and a lot of good deals to be had.

Here's one "cream puff" I've got my eye on :

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John

1 Toolie, 2 XL Festool Polos