Boatbuilder's Slick - What bevel angle?

[Krunch]

About 6 months to a year ago, I saw an article in WoodenBoat magazine on how to make a boatbuilder's slick from an old truck spring.

I've looked high and low but I can't find that issue anymore. I have my truck spring, etc., and I'm ready to grind a rough bevel on it, but I don't know what primary bevel to put on the edge. I'm guessing 30° to 35° but can anyone advise me on what it should be? Also, should there be a secondary bevel or "microbevel" on the edge?

Thanks for any help.

[donald branscom]

Here you go...
http://i30.tinypic.com/2ebxwtz.jpg

[skuthorp]

What a great tool! Thanks for that.

[tapsnap]

I've never heard of this tool. Can you explain what it is for and how to use it? I too have an old truck spring sitting next to my forge, waiting to be turned into something useful.

[Bob Cleek]

http://www.antique-used-tools.com/WitherbySlick4.jpg

Here ya go... a slick is a big two handed chisel with a blade anywhere between 2.5" and about 4" long. Some are larger and have a "D grip" shovel handle on them, but these are rarely seen these days.

[pcford]

Here ya go... a slick is a big two handed chisel with a blade anywhere between 2.5" and about 4" long. Some are larger and have a "D grip" shovel handle on them, but these are rarely seen these days.

Should be pointed out that a slick looks like a chisel but is used like a plane.

[Bruce Hooke]

http://www.antique-used-tools.com/WitherbySlick4.jpg

Here ya go... a slick is a big two handed chisel with a blade anywhere between 2.5" and about 4" long. Some are larger and have a "D grip" shovel handle on them, but these are rarely seen these days.

Don't you mean 2.5 to 4 inches wide?

[Ian McColgin]

Or 2.5' to 4' long.

[Bob Cleek]

Yea, wide and, yes, like a plane.

[tapsnap]

Actually, I was thinking of making one of those a few weeks ago with the very same piece of leaf spring. I didn't know it was called a slick though. I thought it was called a stick chisel.

[Draketail]

My name is Grigg and I'm a slickaholic. Somehow a fascination with timberframing led to a slick addiction. I can't pass up a good, fairly priced, one at antique shops.

But, this has all come in useful as I have shaped the keel, deadwood, forefoot, etc on my draketail (see separate thread). Some of the slicks I have sharpened straight across, some with the slightly curved edge, but most all of them are sharpened at 25 degrees. Even in dry, recycled, heart pine the 25 degree edge stands up to the sort of finishing cuts made with a slick. Most of my timberframing is done in green timber (white oak primarily). The 25 degree edge is a delight for that usage.

If you can find one of the old, laminated blade slicks, grab it! I'm particularly partial to the P S & W brand.

[Krunch]

Great replies, thank you all.

I've got my initial grind done; now, while waiting for a belt sander to arrive on the truck, I'm trying to figure out how to fab or weld up a conical socket on the dull end of the blade to fit a handle into...any ideas welcomed!