The slipper fits

Okay, looks like I can get away without a major design opportunity, so pressing on with trimming and fitting the tenons. Thought I'd have a shot at the router method - no, not that kind of router. When I've come this far? How dare you... There's a design or two out on't net for "tenon routers" that basically put a great big base on the thing, the idea being that you heave down on the end of it that's on the work, which'll stop it tipping. Instead of that I just used a piece of scrap the same thickness as support. Previous trials of this router method haven't been that great, but this time it went brilliantly; I'm inclined to credit the Veritas's closed throat giving one less place for the tool to dive. Talking of which, I read someone on a forum somewhere who said they couldn't see how anyone could find anything to complain about with the Veritas's knobs. Ha hum... Still can't like them; not keen on handles that angle the focus of your efforts away from the seat of the action and, alas, that's just how 'tis. Like the rest of it okay.


Then on to cutting the haunches, which I'm sure is the wrong order to do things, but never mind. I doubt the end result will enable anyone to tell the difference. And the "old" Wenzloff comes out to play. Ack, I'd forgotten how well its handle fits my hand. How could I have thought the tenon was perfect? This is perfect. And the tenon... Notice the early Philly Plane there? I'm assuming it'll be worth thousands at some point, but, heck, I'm still using it.

A bit of judicious tweaking and it all comes together. And they're square. And they're the right size.

And the rails look like a completely different wood. Humph. 

Oh well, the assorted colours of the boards I have lined up for the panels should distract from that okay... I went through a small debate about cheating like crazy, 'cos I happen to have a piece of MDF (spit, cough, choke) that would be just right and I thought maybe painted to match the outside of the carcass...? But then I bethought me, "Self, the rest is real wood. You've been good and done proper woodworking thus far, don't spoil it for a ha'porth of tar". To which I could only reply, "Self, s'good point. Plus I'd quite like to use the panel plane." And thus both of us set to work. If I'd known I'd end up with so much disparity of colour I might have gone with the paint... Jointing and gluing up these multi-coloured toothpicks to make the panels is a joy to come.

My Lee Valley order should also be a joy to come on Monday (yes all you folks waiting for your bits and pieces - the end is nigh). Alas, I must now be firmly on the radar 'cos Parcel Force have nabbed me again (for VAT but not Import Duty? How does that work then?). That's, erm, two out of three, I think. Sheesh, pretty high percentage if other claims are to be believed. Heigh ho. Note to self: move to Canada and go broke more locally... ;-)