Tools Man

Moulding planes are decidedly quieter and cleaner than a powered router. While they cannot work on curves, you need to use a scratch stock for working. Molding planes are the oldest planes and that is still functional and easily used without “guilt.” However, in woodworking projects, a molding plane is considered to be a specialized tool, which is used for making the complex shapes in wood. The moulding planes are typically used for cutting decorative shapes, known as mouldings, along the edge of a piece of wood.

Characteristics of a moulding plane

One plane, one moulding: In the past, a traditional cabinet maker’s shop would have many, usually hundreds of moulding planes for the full range of work to be performed. This was because each moulding plane could cut only one style of moulding. Also it’s sole, and the iron’s cutting edge was shaped specially for that style.

One plane, many moldings:

The metal combination planes with a range of molding irons were introduced in the late 19th century. These were mostly given with interchangeable irons for performing different molding designs.

Uses of the molding planes

Moulding planes are incredibly useful tools that can be easily set up and easy to use. The moulding planes can take the place of most router bits and provide a much cleaner surface than any router can. However, moulding planes self-sharpen, which means it’s incorrect to lift off the plane on the returning backstroke as some people do and say. The plane stays in contact with the mold whole time. However, this saves multiple realignments at the start of the cuts when you land the plane each time. The second advantage that’s generally overlooked is that the molded stock hones the bevel on the returning back stroke, which keeps the edge sharper for a more extended period of time.

Sharpening moulding planes

The blades of the moulding plane are the critical mechanism. The blade plays a vital role in shaving over the workpiece and help you design your work. Therefore, the knife requires to be sharp enough to perform woodworking tasks. As you might have thought that sharpening moulding irons can be a challenge. However, their irregular shape calls for a sharpening device able to cope with varied curves and corners. You will be happy to hear that you can also use ceramic slip stones or files for sharpening the blades.

Conclusion

Traditionally, the moulding planes were blocks of wear-resistant hardware, often beech or maple, which were usually worked to shape of the intended moulding. The blade was, therefore, formed to the expected moulding profile and secured in the body of the plane with a wooden wedge. There are numerous moulding planes available in the market. They vary in sizes, shapes, and functions. Depending upon your projects, you can grab these tools from the market that suit performing your work. Professional woodworkers prefer to buy old tools rather than new ones. The reason for buying the old ones is they were manufactured in the past and were manufactured with quality mechanisms.