This content describes the construction and features of a large mitre plane made of brass and steel. The plane has a skew mouth and an adjustable toe section that allows the mouth to be adjusted. The brass bridge pivots on a pin and the front handle or tote is removable to access the nut that tightens the mouth piece. The wood used in the construction of the plane is boxwood and the entire construction is traditional fabricated and dovetailed.
A mitre plane is a hand tool used to shape and smooth the edges of woodworking projects, especially mitre joints. The plane works by removing thin shavings of wood as it is pushed along the surface of the workpiece. A heel at the rear of the plane keeps the blade at an angle to the workpiece, while a skew mouth allows the blade to cut at an angle to the direction of travel. The adjustable toe section of this particular mitre plane allows for even more precise control over the cut.
The mitre plane is made primarily of brass and steel, with a wooden handle or tote. Brass is a good choice for the bridge and other parts of the plane because it is highly resistant to corrosion and has a low coefficient of friction, meaning that it allows the blade to move smoothly over its surface. Steel is used for the blade and the other parts of the plane because it is hard enough to hold a sharp edge and tough enough to withstand the stresses of use.
The skew mouth of the mitre plane is created by cutting a bevel into one side of the mouth so that the blade is angled slightly to one side. This creates a shear angle that helps to slice through the wood fibers more cleanly and reduces tear-out. The adjustable toe section allows the position of the mouth to be changed, giving the user even more control over the cut. The brass bridge that carries the blade pivots on a pin so that it can be moved up and down to adjust the depth of cut.
The front handle or tote of the plane is removable to allow access to the nut that tightens the mouth piece. This nut can be adjusted to change the width of the mouth, which can affect the quality of the cut. The handle is made of boxwood, a hard, dense wood that is resistant to wear and can be polished to a high shine.
The construction of the mitre plane is traditional fabricated and dovetailed. Fabricated construction means that the plane was made by cutting and shaping the individual parts and then assembling them into the final shape. Dovetailing is a traditional method of joining two pieces of wood at a right angle by cutting interlocking “tails” and “pins” into the ends of the boards. This creates a strong joint that resists twisting and warping.
In conclusion, this content provides a detailed description of the construction and features of a large mitre plane made of brass, steel, and boxwood. The plane is designed to shape and smooth the edges of woodworking projects with precision and control. Its skew mouth and adjustable toe section make it a versatile tool that can handle a variety of cutting tasks. The traditional fabricated and dovetailed construction ensures that the plane is strong, durable, and able to withstand the rigors of use.
Posted by Justin Barrie Kelly on 2011-02-26 22:27:02