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I'm thinking about getting the Ibex round sole Palm Plane. The only thing I noticed (from the Benedetto videos) is a design flaw which causes the blunt end of the blade to dig into your palm. I would imagine this could be a problem during long periods of use. It should be easy enough to carve a semi-circular shape and fit it onto the end of the blade. How do the owners of this plane feel about this?
-John

I have a couple of Ibexs but not the round palm plane. I don't think you'd want to be pressing on the back of the iron as it could cause it to slip. I'd either hold it so that you're not pressing your palm on the iron or carve something that presses on the body rather than the iron.

On the other hand, I've never tried to carve an arch top with one, perhaps the iron slip wouldn't be a problem after all - it would just make me nervous.

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http://www.birkonium.com CNC Products for Luthiers
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Hi John,
You're right, the end of the blade hurts the palm.
I made wooden things that fit the end of the blade, and the plane don't hurt my palm anymore.
It is really easy to make, and is worth the effort.
Christophe
PS : click the pics to view them full-sized

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Christophe Grellier