Traces Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 Traces of Texas reader Sean Forkner graciously sent in this fantastic photo of carpenters planning a floor with old-fashioned hand planes in Austin back in the 1890s. Sean found it while going through some old boxes at the Carpenter's Union Hall. Interesting comments written on the back: "1890, Dick Coon's House, 14th @ West Ave. The First 8 Hour Job in Austin. Carpenter work was day work, $2.50 to $3.00 per day for 8 hours work, which was the prevailing wage for Union men on all 10 hour jobs at the time." Thank you, Sean! This photo is so good I can hardly believe it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying V Ranch Posted January 31, 2023 Share Posted January 31, 2023 As a lifelong woodworker, I find it interesting how they had their bench planes set up with push poles. Judging from the size and quantity of the shavings on the floor, they were taking fairly deep bites into the wood with each pass and the long poles gave them good leverage. The gentleman directly behind them is on his knees doing the finish planing in the usual manner. Lastly, the man in the back looks to be doing the finish sanding or perhaps scraping which would be the last step. Great photo! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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