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Close-up
of stop pad. |
The
board, however, does raise some issues. Is it an owner-made
device and a marriage, or was it a factory job to accompany
the plane? This, too, has some telling clues for the average
rhykenologist, to aid or confuse in our investigation. Although
not marked, the board is made of beech, like the plane, and
has the same oxidation (patina), suggesting that this board
is about the same age as the plane. The two small pads at either
end of the track create the appropriate dust groove, but limit
the travel of the plane, reducing its use. Otherwise, one could
cut only one side of the joint and the backhand side at that.
This would probably cause tear-out in the workpiece, defeating
the purpose of the intended cut. Both the plane and the board
seem to have limited usage. Was there an opposite handplane?
The handle placement prevents reversal to run the other way.
In no way are we assessing usability with this investigation
and article. Just as Joe Friday wanted, we present "just the
facts".
Later, modern versions of this type of plane have been produced
in metal and have a dedicated metal track, along with a moveable
fence, which allows the user to replicate any angle.
D. S. Orr
Editor's Note:
Rhykenologist: A term invented late in the last century, meaning
a collector of woodworking planes.
It comes from the Greek rhykane, meaning a plane.
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