Molding planes: A'Smith Rehoboth

[gvforster]

I'm doing an informal study of A Smith molding planes; right now the earlier -yellow birch planes . I have a hollow( marked 8/8 - about 1") I'm curious how the larger/smaller H&Rs are made: i.e. are the planes graduated in terms of wedge size, bevels, etc
Maybe we can exchange tracings, photos and such.

Greg

 

[zacc]

Clark & Williams have an interesting article on British H&Rs on their Web site which includes the dimensions of the planes.  This is also included on the Lie Nielsen DVD on planemaking.

If you look up Clark & Williams, you will be directed to the new Web page.

 

[lwllms]

I think Greg is looking for specifics of one early American plane maker who didn't necessarily follow any of the standards, if there actually were any. I'm not familiar with the work of any of the A Smiths listed in A Guide to the Makers of American Wooden Planes and I doubt any complete sets of any A Smith hollows and rounds have survived.

 

[Tom M]

I took several pictures of an A. Smith ogee plane I friend lent me (with the intent of making a copy - another project on my list).  I can send them to you if you like. Here are some low res samples.

Tom

 

[gvforster]

Thanks for the responses. I am specifically interested in Aaron Smith ( lived 1769-1822, with working dates about 1790 -1822). I have a few of his planes, wish I had bought more when I had a chance. His planes are interesting in the design going from decorative bevels and gouge cuts to progressively (?) less and less detail and changing from yellow birch to beech. He also had several sons who continued the planemaking trade into the mid 1800s.

He used extensive layout marks, which he did not bother to remove in the finishing stage, including scribe lines for bevels and wedge mortises; but at the same time producing a very professional looking tool.

I'm interested seeing if his planes show a graduation in wedge sizes and other details. I'll try and post some photos later.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Greg Forster