Hi Chuck, yes, listening. Having trouble seeing the plane (log-in trouble) but I
assume from the description that it is indeed a backing out plane, used to
hollow the back of a plank so that it fits more snugly to the curved wooden (or,
sometimes, bronze) frame to which it will be fastened. Most of the ones I've
seen, or used, have been coffin planes modified to a specific camber, but IIRC
Cecil Pierce in his book "Fifty Years a Planemaker" describes these planes and
explains how shipwrights frequently made their own from dunnage or whatever hard
wood was available.  A fore plane would be about right for somewhat larger
planks.
In passing, I might note that by "fitting snugly", it was shown to me that the
fit is within a sixteenth of an inch, if not even closer.  The whole point of
wooden boat construction is to tie the elements of the hull together so that
they act as one engineered unit, not just a collection of somewhat related
pieces.
WR/Pete LeenhoutsPort Ludlow WA   


-----Original Message-----
From: Chuck Taylor 
To: Porch ; Dan Beck 
Cc: Pete Leenhouts 
Sent: Sat, Sep 25, 2021 9:14 pm
Subject: Re: [oldtools] What’s up with the wood body fore plane?

Dan Beck wrote:

====snip====

The blade is heavily cambered which you can see in this photo:


https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/268441/3308617?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0%2
C0


But here’s where I need help - the entire sole of the plane is also heavily
cambered:


https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/268441/3308618?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0%2
C0


I’ve not seen this before. Is there a reason for this heavily cambered sole?
Perhaps this was meant for boat building or some other specific task? I’m in the
dark but intrigued so if anyone can enlighten me, I would appreciate it.

====end snip====

I agree with Bill Ghio that it is a backing-out plate. Did it come from an area
where wooden boats are made or maintained?

I had to have some planks replaced on my wooden boat a few years back, and the
shipwright doing the work showed me a backing-out plane and explained what it is
used for (fitting the back of the plank to a curved frame).

Peet Leenhouts has experience in this area. Pete, are you listening?

Cheers,
Chuck Taylor
north of Seattle USA