OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

274532 Charlie Driggs 2021‑09‑07 Re: ID this Moulding Plane?
Kirk, 

A few thoughts … 

The height as a ratio to length of the plane looks like it might be different
than the usual ’standard’ of length in particular, and ratio of height and
length that seems common for roughly the last 150 yrs.  That might date it
somewhat older.

The grain of the wood used for the body suggests the wood might be other than
English or American beech, yet something closely related given the rays visible
on the heel end.  The grain waviness in the blank indicates the board might have
had less than perfectly straight grain, as was typically used to make these
planes.  Maybe these two clues are characteristic of a one-off build by a
craftsperson who needed it for his own work.

The iron may not be the original, or may have been modified from another plane
for the original build, so the Butcher origin may or may not mean anything.

Interesting plane.  Good puzzle.  

Charlie

Recent Bios FAQ