Reviews of
Classic Plane Making, Hollows & Rounds
Classic Plane Making, Hollows & Rounds
As most of you know, I'm a big fan of Tod Herrli and his planemaking
classes, so I was really looking forward to this video. My only concern was
that I was not sure how well it would work to compress 2 days of hard work
into a 90 minute video. Tod is an outstanding teacher, and having seen his
TV appearances I know he's comfortable in front of the camera, but there's a
LOT of material to cover here.
Well having watched the video, all I can say is... WOW! It moves quickly,
but it is really easy to follow. The production quality is outstanding (as
I have come to expect from Anatol), with great camera work and clear sound,
and Tod comes across just as naturally as if he were in his shop.
I'm surprised at how much they were able to cover-- Tod not only details the
planemaking, but also covers heat treating the irons, sharpening (using his
simple but effective method), float making, and even a little bit on fine
tuning. IOW, there's a LOT here, and it's all good...
While I would still recommend taking a class with Tod if you can (nothing is
better than hands-on learning), this video is the next best thing. As my
fellow Chicagoans Roeper and Ebert (famous move critics, Jeff) would say,
two thumbs up! (and remember, that's more than many Normites have! )
Hats off to Tod and Anatol for creating this outstanding resource. I can
hardly wait for volume 2.
Ralph Brendler
Got mine yesterday and watched it last night. Simply the best woodworking
video I've ever seen, and I've seen a bunch. I actually think I could succeed
in making a round and hollow after studying Tod's presentation another time
or two.
John Wadsworth (no affiliation, bla bla bla)
Ralph Brendler's comments about Todd Herrli, Anatol Pollilo and the
Classic Planemaking video were right on the mark. The video was shot in
my workshop and I was privileged to watch Todd and Anatol through the
entire process.
Todd literally made the hollow and round in real time and good time
from beginning to end. I note Ralph's comment about the lack of information
about fine tuning the completed planes. Ralph notes that time was of the essence
and to cover what was covered in 90 minutes was extraordinary. Another reason
was that when Todd completed the planes no final adjusting was necessary!
He is incredibly gifted. Todd explained and demonstrated all the steps necessary
to get to the final product. That no final adjusting was necessary was hard to
believe but I saw it with my own eyes.
I am reminded of the story that Carl Swensson told me about his decision
to take up hand tool woodworking. He attended a demonstration by a master
Japanese craftsman who handed one half of a dovetail joint around the room
for inspection as he made its mate. By the time the first piece returned to him,
the craftsman had completed the second and mated the two without further
adjustment. It would be nice to be so skilled.
Todd shows us the way to begin.
john alexander/greenwoodworking
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