When I demonstrate hand tools, I bring the spill plane for people to use. Once they make a spill, I congratulate them on making something and being a woodworker.
That's a really wonderful approach to teaching and demonstration. I teach a college level biology class where I walk students through research, experimental design, and completing two studies with data they collect and append a national dataset with. I tell them something similar: they are already scientists in that they have contributed to biology. The trick is to just keep doing that.
In the Norwegian tradition there is another plane that makes a finished product, a "Flishøvel". It's a plane(høvel) that makes "takflis" a type of roofing shingles(Tak=roof). The plane is typically pulled by a horse, while you sit on top of the plane. The workpieces, would be logs, bored at the ends and pegged to the ground in a line. The logs would have halfway crosscuts at regular intervals, so that a finished "takflis" pops out of the plane. "Takflis" was the fast and easy(but less durable) alternative to "Takspon" the shingles made riven logs with axe/froe(as commonly seen on Stavkirker(Stave churches)). Typically "Takspon" is a bit thicker than the shingles froe'd in the English tradition. The word "Shingler" is also used in Norwegian, but would refer to roofing boards cut on a mill.
That is super interesting! I love hearing all the different ways things were made and in some cases still are made :) Tusen Takk! (I used google translate so i apologise if this is incorrect! :)
@@samcoote9653 Bare hyggelig!(The polite response to tusen takk). And I'm just the same, recommended feed full of craftsmen from far of lands and times. As for "takflis" there are probably machines that does it faster these days(though I've never actually seen "takflis" on a roof). And the "flishøvel" is only used for demonstrations. But "takspon" is riven and the best machine is still a human with a froe(in Norway there is also "sponkniv", kniv=knife, looks like a straight drawknife that is pushed down to split a quarter riven log). And all though quite rare, there is still some buildings that use "takspon". For instance I was taught how to make them almost 20 year ago, during the reconstruction of a local Viking farm. Also I feel like I should include: "Flis" sort of translates as splinter, or wood chips. "Spon" translates as shaving. Now you may say the naming sounds backwards, since "Takflis" is technically a shaving. But it's more about a sense of quality. Think: You can have a fine shaving, but no one talks about fine wood chips
I'm in my early 60's and grew up in a South Wales coal mining valley where everyone had - you guessed it - coal fires. I can remember my grandmother making spills out of loosely rolled pages from the newspapers and other large sheets of paper. Also, she would make thicker spills from scrap pieces of cardboard. She kept them in an old tall and wide vase by the fireside. My grandfather would cut and chop all the kindling and logs himself, stacking them to dry out in little towers - 2 one way spaced out with two perpendicular on top and so on up to as high as he could without them falling over. He had worked in the mine and so had 8 tons of free coal every year for life. It was always warm and they always had nice hot water from the back boiler of the fire...!
Because I have wood stoves, I actually bought a Lee Valley spill plane, and I love it! The spills are perfect for reaching in and lighting the stoves, much better than those long fireplace matches, and they look pretty sitting there also.
How ironic, James. I have a few original spill planes and am just as enthusiastic about them as you. Well, I was just (last evening!) describing them to my wife b/c I’ve been looking to buy a “spill vase,” or “spill holder” for my created spills. Anyway, how absolutely convenient: I can now just show her your informative and fun video! Thank you once again for reading my mind!
They do have a practical purpose, though. You demonstrated it when lighting a candle with a match. Candles that are recessed can be difficult to light with getting singed. You can also use them to light a barbecue like a Weber, where you work around the periphery of the charcoal, lighting the newspaper or whatever is going to provide the flame to get the charcoal going. You can use matches, often losing knuckle hair, and not infrequently using many matches to achieve cookage, or a long-necked lighter, which you buy and is useless once out of fuel, --- or you can use A spill, and a match. If you have a shop, and scrap wood, and a spill plane, you save money and matches and knuckle hair.
This was really cool. I gotta get one someday. I light a lot of prayer candles and I don't like having to buy long matches, so often, I light a chopstick to light the ones that have burned down. Super cool vid. Thanks.
I've seen spill planes occasionally offered for sale on the used tool market, but never understood what they did. I thought they somehow produced a stick, like a skewer. Thank you for the history and demonstration.
I'd like to see James reactions as he finds out about the plane used in Japan on katsuoboshi (dried, smoked tuna). The whispy shavings are incorporated into all kinds of foods (even miso soup) as a "flavor enhancer".
Those are cool, looks easy to use. I have one of those Veritas tools bench Spill plane... A little hard to get it cutting decently, but a good way to reduce a bunch of wood to shavings. I used them for packing some gifts one time aswell... worked out great.
I already knew what plane you were talking about as soon as I read the title, but they're so fun and fascinating that I just can't say no to another video about them. I really wish I could have an excuse to need one...
So cool to see you talking about spill planes ! I love this plane. I made one following the "The All-But-Forgotten Spill Plane" instructions by Popular Woodworking. I have a video demonstrating how it makes spills. Sometimes, I just like to take a piece of wood and make some spills with it, then I give the spills to friends.
I've got a spill plane. I'm always cleaning up after it. -_- Some woods are better than others. I avoid softwood spills because of the resin. I do give family members spills when I visit them as they like them for lighting candles during the year vs. using a fossil fuel based magic wand. So, still useful.
Another great video! Never heard of a spill plane before, but now I want one (or three!) Very cool and very ingenious!! Thanks for the clear explanation and demonstrations of various types! I see LeeValley sells a reproduction and Red Rose sells them ready made or plans and the iron if you want to build your own! (I see you have a Red Rose version). Thanks again!
I sometimes struggle to start my fireplace during the winter due to how the paper I have at hand is either some kind of coated plastic or burns too fast, I could see myself actually using one of those planes like that.
@WoodByWrightHowTo mississinewa 1812, Northern Indiana. We just bought our own property and will reopen next year. Largest 1812 event in the nation. Started in'89
Thanks for making a video on the Spill Plane. I love this! Very well done, as always. Your explanations are clear, and your style is very entertaining. I've always wanted someone to take some time on "hollows and rounds" planes. I've got a couple shaper planes (old ones, in need of restoration). I'd really appreciate any hints on sharpening a cove or round shaped blade, and any hints on how to restore the wooden plane sole of one of these cute, useful, fun little tools. Thanks again, James. Love your content!
And old blacksmiths lit their forge with a thin piece of steel and a hammer and anvil. You strike the thin steel between the hammer and anvil just right until it glows, then light your kindling. No previous fire or matches/lighters needed. I suppose you could light your spill off the steel, then use that to light your fire, too
I think people went to buy spills because they couldn't afford the tool rather than convenience... Thanks for an interesting video, I hadn't thought about spills or where they came from.
I was recently wondering, what type is your favorite for Stanley planes? I’ve always heard a lot of people give praise for the sweetheart ones, but I’ve also heard a lot of people say the type 11 is the best balance of features. What’s your verdict?
I do not have a favorite. They're all fairly good. Generally I like anything between a type 9 and type 18. If I had to pick one I would say something around the 14th the butter zone.
Don't cry over spilled milk. If you use the right wood, it adds a lovely flavor. Unfortunately, the spills aren't very usable for lighting fires until they dry. Then you have spoiled spills.
Oops I spilled down below. On another note, we used to make spills as a kid by rolling news paper in to a thin tight roll. One of these would have been a lot easier!
A cool video idea and possible thing for you to sell on your website would be your own design. Could do it as a kit or just the plans. Would it be possible to make one using a block or bench plane iron?
There is another plane for which the shaving is the product, and that is a spelk plane. Fancy some basket weaving? You’ll need some spelks to weave. A spelk plane will make the spelks for everything from chair seats to baskets
How very very odd... however, if you're like me, the shavings from any plane work gets used with the horses and sometimes I will just shave down some scraps to throw down on the floor. Was there ever a Stanley spill plane ???
Couple years ago Veritas made a metal version of a spill plane, but don’t know if they’re still available. Thinking of these spills, is there any use for normal wood shavings other than throw it away or burn them in a fireplace ? Maybe also a topic for a video 😊
If you have animals there's lots of uses for them. But very few uses for as much as you produce in your shop. Generally I just throw mine away or if I have a fire they're great for a starter but that'll leave you so much.
If you want to sell those now.. Sell them as essential oil defusers different woods might wick slower or faster... I dunno. Maybe I should get one of those....
During the 1800s they slowly died out as matches became more affordable. They weren't as much for starting fires as they were for moving the fire around and the match wasn't great for that
Very interesting indeed, James! Thanks! 😃 I wonder if you could make a different kind of table lamp with those as shades... 🤔 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Seeing you love for older, more obscure and possibly outdated planes I have another interesting plane for you, one you've likely never heard of as apparently it's local from Bavaria, Germany and only been in use for a few decades before the task was mechanized and the handplanes were obsolete: Wood wire planes. The iron had a row of small, round holes and was used to produce thin round stock of up to 6 meters length to use for blinds or as material for matches, toothpicks and other products. Here's some information on it, though unfortunately it's all in German with no translation available: th-cam.com/video/JcTVLMSsC18/w-d-xo.html de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holzdraht
@@WoodByWrightHowTo And here I thought I could surprise you with some obscure plane, and indeed it would make a great video, just like this one about spill planes!
Spills were from before Matches were common. Today, spills are a mess in the kitchen or ocean and Real Matches are made in Heaven. Met my wife on Monday, July 5th, asked her to marry me on July 9th, 4 days later, we married November 19th of that same year, 48 years ago this year. First Date , Last Date, Blind Date , still on my First Date!
When I demonstrate hand tools, I bring the spill plane for people to use. Once they make a spill, I congratulate them on making something and being a woodworker.
That's a really wonderful approach to teaching and demonstration. I teach a college level biology class where I walk students through research, experimental design, and completing two studies with data they collect and append a national dataset with. I tell them something similar: they are already scientists in that they have contributed to biology. The trick is to just keep doing that.
In the Norwegian tradition there is another plane that makes a finished product, a "Flishøvel".
It's a plane(høvel) that makes "takflis" a type of roofing shingles(Tak=roof).
The plane is typically pulled by a horse, while you sit on top of the plane. The workpieces, would be logs, bored at the ends and pegged to the ground in a line. The logs would have halfway crosscuts at regular intervals, so that a finished "takflis" pops out of the plane.
"Takflis" was the fast and easy(but less durable) alternative to "Takspon" the shingles made riven logs with axe/froe(as commonly seen on Stavkirker(Stave churches)). Typically "Takspon" is a bit thicker than the shingles froe'd in the English tradition.
The word "Shingler" is also used in Norwegian, but would refer to roofing boards cut on a mill.
That is super interesting! I love hearing all the different ways things were made and in some cases still are made :) Tusen Takk! (I used google translate so i apologise if this is incorrect! :)
@@samcoote9653 Bare hyggelig!(The polite response to tusen takk). And I'm just the same, recommended feed full of craftsmen from far of lands and times.
As for "takflis" there are probably machines that does it faster these days(though I've never actually seen "takflis" on a roof). And the "flishøvel" is only used for demonstrations.
But "takspon" is riven and the best machine is still a human with a froe(in Norway there is also "sponkniv", kniv=knife, looks like a straight drawknife that is pushed down to split a quarter riven log).
And all though quite rare, there is still some buildings that use "takspon". For instance I was taught how to make them almost 20 year ago, during the reconstruction of a local Viking farm.
Also I feel like I should include: "Flis" sort of translates as splinter, or wood chips. "Spon" translates as shaving. Now you may say the naming sounds backwards, since "Takflis" is technically a shaving. But it's more about a sense of quality. Think: You can have a fine shaving, but no one talks about fine wood chips
Finally, a tool that will help me finish a project in one day! Now, to build it!
I'm in my early 60's and grew up in a South Wales coal mining valley where everyone had - you guessed it - coal fires. I can remember my grandmother making spills out of loosely rolled pages from the newspapers and other large sheets of paper. Also, she would make thicker spills from scrap pieces of cardboard. She kept them in an old tall and wide vase by the fireside. My grandfather would cut and chop all the kindling and logs himself, stacking them to dry out in little towers - 2 one way spaced out with two perpendicular on top and so on up to as high as he could without them falling over. He had worked in the mine and so had 8 tons of free coal every year for life. It was always warm and they always had nice hot water from the back boiler of the fire...!
Neat story about your grandparents. Thanks for sharing.
Spills are great for lighting a propane forge or a gas grill. They definitely still have some uses (in case you need an excuse to buy another tool).
Because I have wood stoves, I actually bought a Lee Valley spill plane, and I love it!
The spills are perfect for reaching in and lighting the stoves, much better than those long fireplace matches, and they look pretty sitting there also.
How ironic, James. I have a few original spill planes and am just as enthusiastic about them as you. Well, I was just (last evening!) describing them to my wife b/c I’ve been looking to buy a “spill vase,” or “spill holder” for my created spills. Anyway, how absolutely convenient: I can now just show her your informative and fun video! Thank you once again for reading my mind!
Even more ready for the apocalypse now, thanks!
My grandfather had these and he would never tell me where they came from. Thanks :)
If your board already had your customary BLO application, the first pass would produce an oil spill.
As an historian, this is an awesome video
Love it! Informative and fun
They do have a practical purpose, though. You demonstrated it when lighting a candle with a match. Candles that are recessed can be difficult to light with getting singed. You can also use them to light a barbecue like a Weber, where you work around the periphery of the charcoal, lighting the newspaper or whatever is going to provide the flame to get the charcoal going. You can use matches, often losing knuckle hair, and not infrequently using many matches to achieve cookage, or a long-necked lighter, which you buy and is useless once out of fuel, --- or you can use A spill, and a match. If you have a shop, and scrap wood, and a spill plane, you save money and matches and knuckle hair.
This was really cool. I gotta get one someday. I light a lot of prayer candles and I don't like having to buy long matches, so often, I light a chopstick to light the ones that have burned down. Super cool vid. Thanks.
I've seen spill planes occasionally offered for sale on the used tool market, but never understood what they did. I thought they somehow produced a stick, like a skewer. Thank you for the history and demonstration.
Thank you so much for spilling the beans on this type of plane.
That is cool! Watching the use of it and how it works very differently from most other planes is really interesting!
I'd like to see James reactions as he finds out about the plane used in Japan on katsuoboshi (dried, smoked tuna). The whispy shavings are incorporated into all kinds of foods (even miso soup) as a "flavor enhancer".
Those are cool, looks easy to use.
I have one of those Veritas tools bench Spill plane...
A little hard to get it cutting decently, but a good way to reduce a bunch of wood to shavings.
I used them for packing some gifts one time aswell... worked out great.
This is the funnest fact I've learned in a while! Thank you!
Thanks, James. I really enjoy your channels.
I already knew what plane you were talking about as soon as I read the title, but they're so fun and fascinating that I just can't say no to another video about them. I really wish I could have an excuse to need one...
CDB. Thanks James and Family. Take care & stay safe.
So cool to see you talking about spill planes ! I love this plane.
I made one following the "The All-But-Forgotten Spill Plane" instructions by Popular Woodworking.
I have a video demonstrating how it makes spills.
Sometimes, I just like to take a piece of wood and make some spills with it, then I give the spills to friends.
Something I'd never heard of before. Cheers and here's to you.
Learned something new. Had never heard of a spill.Thanks
I've got a spill plane. I'm always cleaning up after it. -_- Some woods are better than others. I avoid softwood spills because of the resin. I do give family members spills when I visit them as they like them for lighting candles during the year vs. using a fossil fuel based magic wand. So, still useful.
Another great video! Never heard of a spill plane before, but now I want one (or three!) Very cool and very ingenious!! Thanks for the clear explanation and demonstrations of various types! I see LeeValley sells a reproduction and Red Rose sells them ready made or plans and the iron if you want to build your own! (I see you have a Red Rose version). Thanks again!
Thanks for sharing 👍. I always enjoy learning something new.
Wow you could use those spills in bushcraft for fire starters Awesome
I’ve never heard of them and the plane looks so satisfying to use. Thanks this was interesting.
I’ve never heard of a spill plane. Great video.
Was waiting for a twist yet the hopes were spilled and spiraled. The plane Dad joke toward the end, saved by a close shave.
My Dad was a Capenter, had one. He died, my Mum remarried, my StepDad was a Butcher, didn't know what it was an chucked it.
So fun to learn about this, had no idea!
I sometimes struggle to start my fireplace during the winter due to how the paper I have at hand is either some kind of coated plastic or burns too fast, I could see myself actually using one of those planes like that.
Wow a plane I've not heard of and I do reenactments of 1812, I've invited you to it before. Tks very awesome
That would be a lot of fun. I've done a bit of reenacting in the past.
@WoodByWrightHowTo mississinewa 1812, Northern Indiana. We just bought our own property and will reopen next year. Largest 1812 event in the nation. Started in'89
Thanks for making a video on the Spill Plane. I love this! Very well done, as always. Your explanations are clear, and your style is very entertaining. I've always wanted someone to take some time on "hollows and rounds" planes. I've got a couple shaper planes (old ones, in need of restoration). I'd really appreciate any hints on sharpening a cove or round shaped blade, and any hints on how to restore the wooden plane sole of one of these cute, useful, fun little tools. Thanks again, James. Love your content!
Fascinating. Thanks James
I love spillplanes. I need to build one still
Now you done it - you spilled the spill!
Fire starters!
fire transportion devices!
Good lesson! Thanks!
They are practical for historical and movie uses.
Another way I can remember this date…
My daughter was also born on that day 4 years later. We have 2 sons as well( who were born before her).
Giving Dad Jokes is getting easier with age and I’m as happy as a pig in mud.
Thanks for spilling the beans…
Dry episode since nothing got spilled. 😊
Snide Remark of the Day: Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelled of elderberries.
We have come seeking the spill plane! "I dont think he'd be very keen! He already got one!"
@@samcoote9653 If that's the case, I fart in your general direction.
And here I thought Reed Planes was coming out with one from the title page. :)
Thanks for sharing that, something new!
Huh. I've seen demonstrations of japanese spear planes that produced spills. Apparently, they say the cut conditions the wood against decay.
To spill or not to spill, that’s the question for Spillane!
And old blacksmiths lit their forge with a thin piece of steel and a hammer and anvil.
You strike the thin steel between the hammer and anvil just right until it glows, then light your kindling. No previous fire or matches/lighters needed. I suppose you could light your spill off the steel, then use that to light your fire, too
Thanks for Spilling you mind. 😜
Thanks for sharing.
Thrills, chills, and spills
Fun video. Thanks.
You should make a drawing showing the critical dimensions of a couple styles, and do a build-along class!
I think people went to buy spills because they couldn't afford the tool rather than convenience... Thanks for an interesting video, I hadn't thought about spills or where they came from.
Thinking there must be a market for spills with people who do reenactment stuff.
What you did, was spill the beans on, spills.
I was recently wondering, what type is your favorite for Stanley planes? I’ve always heard a lot of people give praise for the sweetheart ones, but I’ve also heard a lot of people say the type 11 is the best balance of features. What’s your verdict?
I do not have a favorite. They're all fairly good. Generally I like anything between a type 9 and type 18. If I had to pick one I would say something around the 14th the butter zone.
Don't cry over spilled milk. If you use the right wood, it adds a lovely flavor. Unfortunately, the spills aren't very usable for lighting fires until they dry.
Then you have spoiled spills.
So where does the expression "spill the beans" fit in? LOL. I know I can make a mess but wow that would be impressive.
Save those for the apocalypse!
Oops I spilled down below.
On another note, we used to make spills as a kid by rolling news paper in to a thin tight roll. One of these would have been a lot easier!
So that makes me wonder, what is spilt milk? And what does a block plane make? Blocks? And don't get me started on rabbit planes!
Fascinating
Is Jeff working on a spill plane? Spill the beans!
Lol no there are already a few kits with that.
Well, a new one for me. Now I may have to go look for one.... I do not have a tool buying problem. It is all for "research"!
Those are way before my time, maybe my grandparents know of them
A cool video idea and possible thing for you to sell on your website would be your own design. Could do it as a kit or just the plans. Would it be possible to make one using a block or bench plane iron?
Fantastic!
Cool. Thx!
Whoops, spilled my comment down below
How about a video on the Travisher? Butt scoops!
I can picture them being used to light a pipe from a candle
My comment is spilling over
Keep it away from your beer
There is another plane for which the shaving is the product, and that is a spelk plane. Fancy some basket weaving? You’ll need some spelks to weave. A spelk plane will make the spelks for everything from chair seats to baskets
Very cool!
How very very odd... however, if you're like me, the shavings from any plane work gets used with the horses and sometimes I will just shave down some scraps to throw down on the floor. Was there ever a Stanley spill plane ???
I don't think Stanley ever made a spill plane. they were on there way out when Stanley was getting started.
I'm just here for the puns!
Have never seen one B4
You've spilt a lot on your bench today
I’ve been looking for one of these in the uk for about 30 years and still not found one 😢
Did you clean up your spill?
Couple years ago Veritas made a metal version of a spill plane, but don’t know if they’re still available. Thinking of these spills, is there any use for normal wood shavings other than throw it away or burn them in a fireplace ? Maybe also a topic for a video 😊
If you have animals there's lots of uses for them. But very few uses for as much as you produce in your shop. Generally I just throw mine away or if I have a fire they're great for a starter but that'll leave you so much.
@@WoodByWrightHowTo Put them around your blueberries. They like the acid.
I still use spills.... except theyre made of spagetti 😅
Could these also have been used with a thick cut to make wall anchors?
so many wood curls they'll will spill off the table soon.
If you want to sell those now.. Sell them as essential oil defusers different woods might wick slower or faster... I dunno. Maybe I should get one of those....
Don’t cry over spilled wood
oh I like that one!
How do spills work as candle wicks?
I have not tried it.
What era are we talking about? I mean: the Andersen story about the poor girl selling 'sulfursticks' (actual matches) dates as far back as 1845...
During the 1800s they slowly died out as matches became more affordable. They weren't as much for starting fires as they were for moving the fire around and the match wasn't great for that
Mean, rude, snide comment!
Very interesting indeed, James! Thanks! 😃
I wonder if you could make a different kind of table lamp with those as shades... 🤔
Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Make a router plane using every day tools buy using only 3 tools drill ,saw, screw driver if you can
I've done it with just a drill saw and chisel. I don't know why I would need a screwdriver.
Seeing you love for older, more obscure and possibly outdated planes I have another interesting plane for you, one you've likely never heard of as apparently it's local from Bavaria, Germany and only been in use for a few decades before the task was mechanized and the handplanes were obsolete:
Wood wire planes. The iron had a row of small, round holes and was used to produce thin round stock of up to 6 meters length to use for blinds or as material for matches, toothpicks and other products.
Here's some information on it, though unfortunately it's all in German with no translation available:
th-cam.com/video/JcTVLMSsC18/w-d-xo.html
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holzdraht
I have seen those in use before. I've always wanted to get my hands on one and make a great video.
@@WoodByWrightHowTo And here I thought I could surprise you with some obscure plane, and indeed it would make a great video, just like this one about spill planes!
Spills were from before Matches were common.
Today, spills are a mess in the kitchen or ocean and Real Matches are made in Heaven.
Met my wife on Monday, July 5th, asked her to marry me on July 9th, 4 days later, we married November 19th of that same year, 48 years ago this year. First Date , Last Date, Blind Date , still on my First Date!
Snide comment below. You're welcome, sir.