About Old Wood Planes

Wood planes are tools used in beveling, trimming and fitting wood. By applying the plane to the wood, rough spots are smoothed and the surface is leveled. Wood planes have been around for centuries.

History

The oldest known planes come from first-century Rome. A wooden body was attached to an iron cutter and the mechanism functioned as a plane. It is supposed that other versions used iron bodies and wood handles.

Ancient Use

For centuries, craftsmen have used wood planes for instruments, carpentry, ships, barrels and furniture. Beginning in the 1800s, companies started mass-producing planes based on the needs of each industry.

Use

Planes operate slightly differently based on the manufacturer's design, but most planes require moving the plane in the same direction that the wood grain runs. Since planes require both hands, it is best to secure the wood with a clamp or vise.

Brands

In the past two centuries, several brands of planes were produced, including Norris, Stanley, Record, Spiers and Mathieson. While some are still common today, others are virtually unknown except for as rare antiques.

Types

Smoothing planes cut a very fine shaving off the wood; jack planes are longer and cut larger portions of wood. Block planes are often used in trimming and fitting, while miniature planes are ideal for reaching difficult places and for small areas.

References

• HardwareStore.com; All About Wood Planes
• Old Tools; Woodworking Planes
• Sawdust Making 101; Hand Planes