November 2012 - Handplane Central

DID YOU KNOW…

Currently the Planemaker Gallery features the work of over 100 contemporary plane makers from around the world. From larger commercial operations to individuals who just want to make planes for their own use.

The Metallic Plane Company of Auburn, N.Y. – Manufacturer And Builder (April 1878)

The article below first appeared in “The Manufacturer And Builder” in April, 1878, and highlights the benefits of metal planes produced by the Metallic Plane Company of Auburn, N.Y. While these articles were little more than advertisements in the trade papers of the day they…

A Simple Dowel Grooving Plane

Fig. 1: Handy plane for 1/4 inch and 3/4 inch dowel. The main body of the plane is in two pieces screwed together. If desired, a 1/16 inch chisel could be used for the cutter, the plane body being trenched to suit it. It is…

A Brief History Of The Woodworking Plane

A beautifully decorated 17th or early 18th century plane, probably of German origin, in the Weston Park Museum, Sheffield, by whose kind permission it is reproduced. NOTE: The following article is from a small booklet by Stanley Tools in Great Britain which was printed sometime…

An Introduction To Understanding Rebate Planes

The following article first appeared in the British magazine ‘The Woodworker’ in January, 1940. Here we take a look at the various rebate planes that are available, along with their use. At the end of the article there’s an advertisement for the author’s new book,…

Shodding Your Smoothing Plane With A Steel Sole

A disadvantage with wooden planes is that, when engaged in much repair work, the soles soon begin to show signs of wear. The smoothing plane seems to suffer the most, with the result that the sole has to be trued up frequently with an iron…

Shooting Boards And Donkey’s Ears – Appliances Used With Planes

The following article first appeared in the British magazine ‘The Woodworker’ in December, 1939. It was part of a series of articles which would run throughout the rest of that year and into 1940. Part 6 focused on shooting boards and other appliances used with…

Planemaking – Casting An Iron Rebate Plane

Fig. 1. — Section through Rebate Plane.NOTE: Click on image to enlarge. An Iron Rebate Plane. By A Foreman Pattern Maker. Purpose of Rebate Plane – Why Skew-Mouthed – Effect of Skew-Mouth – Pattern for Rebate Plane – Core Box – Prints – Mouth –…

Planemaking – Casting An Adjustable Block Plane

Fig. 1. — Casting for Block Plane, in Section. Fig. 2. — Section through A A.NOTE: Click on image to enlarge. A Block Plane And Plane With Lever Adjustment. By A Foreman Pattern Maker. A word in season – Shell of Block Plane – Patterns…