Plane Making

I have been fascinated with antique handplanes, and people making modern reproductions of and new takes on them, for years. I have a modest collection of planes, and am taking early steps into making some of my own. Plow planes of all types, wooden planes, and infill planes are my favorites.

Here I collect notes from my projects, document in-progress planes, and offer drawings and measurements of some of the antique planes in my collection.

Featured Planes

Small Infill Rabbet Plane

Unknown Maker • late 19th century

Cast shell; rosewood stuffing.

No maker's mark appears on the plane or blade. The curved edge of the side wall elegantly mirrors the bullnose on the top of the stuffing. This one is on my short list to replicate.

Sole: 2.82" x 0.45"
Iron: 0.45"
Bed Pitch: 23°

STEP Model

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No. 4 Molding Plane Pair

A.W. Gibbs • 2022

Matched pair of No. 4 hollow and round molding planes built in beech.

Mouse-Shaped Rabbet Plane

Unknown Maker • 19th century

Cast shell; mahogany stuffing.

An absolutely delightful little rabbet plane in the shape of a mouse. The touch of whimsy seems out of step with the major commercial makers of the time, which makes me think it might be craftsman-made. It appears to have been well-used as the blade has only 0.43 inches of meat left. No maker's mark appears on the plane or blade.

Sole: 5.475" x 0.480"
Iron: 0.480"
Bed Pitch: 13.25°

STEP Model

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