Tool Tuesday; The plane

[johan_steele]

A plane is a common tool in every tool chest used for a variety of tasks. Most common use is to smooth a piece of wood or to contour the edges of a project. Many of the planes in the US are made by prison labor in Ohio or New York and are actually of rather good quality. Many an immigrant artisan brought tools with them from the continent and the fanciest one above came from Switzerland and is dated 1797 under the blade. Its quality is beyond reproach. I also have spill plane for making spills to light the candles and lanterns about the place and a smaller plane of Norse manufacture. I'm not one to take a gift for granted and as I have paid for very few of the tools I own who am to complain?

Some of the tools I own came as payment for work or lodging while others fell into my tool chest from a poorly watched wagon. I have to admit I have actually paid for a few tools that I needed and was unable to acquire through other methods. There is something soothing about nice grain and color in wood and in a tool. I have seen some of these new cast iron tools and I question how robust they might be after being dropped on a hard surface. I suspect they might break. On a cold morning they might also be a bit uncomfortable in the hand. Time will determine if I am right or not; though I think I will always prefer the feel of wood in my hand over that of cast iron.

 

[UCVRelics]

Another great post. My friend who owns a custom cabinet shop and make furniture also has several of the old wooden ones he still uses.