Union Mfg Co Featured on Hand Planes & Coffee Podcast
Bill Clark, Rob Porter & Emilio Lois are the guys bringing new life to Union Manufacturing Co.
Bill Clark talks about his machining background, training and career. Rob and Bill discuss how they met, and what inspired Bill to get involved. They talk about the various machines involved in creating the new X planes and why they decided against using a CNC machine.
“They don’t make it like they used to.” is a phrase you hear about a lot of tools produced today, but no one will be saying that about the new X Planes.
Modern Union tools will have the same marks as the originals & honors the original quality - which isn’t possible with a CNC.
“We’re making hand tools by hand for hand tool wood workers”
Bill explains what a fixture is & why it’s so important for precision and consistency.
— What Christmas gift can you get Bill?
Bill & Rob talk tools, materials and why they use a fly cutter on the soles.
Finally, Bill talks about the biggest challenges he face in machining the XOA
Viewer Questions
Bill & Rob then answer questions from the viewers including:
How are they milling the bottom of the larger plane?
Is there a swirly finish on the surface?
What do they do to the surface after milling?
When you fly cut a surface, what is your goal for accurancy?
Do you like the momack better than the rex?
What causes uneven cheeck thickness on a Stanley Plane?
Where can we get a Union hat?
Have you considered teaching the next generation of machinists?
Who was the biggest influence during your career and what advice did they give you?
Now that you've figured out production of the XOA, do you think producing a larger plane will be easier or harder?
Can you tell us about the X 4 1/4?
Why does the XOA have an adjustable mouth?
Who else is part of the Union team?
What wood will be used on the XOA?
Rob explains the benefits of joining the “Heritage club” including access to a Collectors run of tools with reserved serial numbers and insider information and access to special tools.
Rob & Bill pick a winner for a mint condition 1920 Type 4 X5 Union Plane
Watch the full podcast to learn more!