Length 24.2cm x Width 2.0cm x Height 14.5cm
a- Length 24.2cm x Width 2.0cm x Height 7.8cm
b- Length 14.6cm x Width 2.5cm x Height 0.6cm
c- Length 16.9cm x Width 1.3cm x Height 0.3cm
Molding plane comprised of three parts, a rectangular wooden body with an angled cutout through the middle (a), a wooden wedge that tapers to a point at the bottom and has a rounded top (b), and an iron with a wide blade that curves to match the sole of the body of the plane (c). The wedge and the iron fit together inside of the angled cutout in the plane and the wedge holds the iron in place as it cuts the wood below. Stamped on the toe of the plane is "JOHN GREEN", "I BLOWER", and "[C.DUCER]". Stamped on the heel is "T. HOWES" and "I BLOWER". There is also a piece of tape stuck to the the proper left side of the front of the plane with the numbers "[14450]" written on it in pencil.
Though they consist of only three parts—a body, a blade, and a wedge—molding planes are actually complex precision tools. The sole is shaped to the reverse of the molding and the bedding angle of the blade (its pitch) is directly related to the material it is intended to cut: 45º for softwoods, 50º for general use and 55° to 60º for hardwoods. Some planes have strips of a dense wood (usually boxwood, though lignum vitae was occasionally used in early planes) inserted where the sole receives the greatest wear. Known as boxing, these strips extend the life of the tool. During the first few passes, the plane may be tilted or ‘sprung’, with its fence running along the edge of the work. Springing gives greater control, but it also allows the mouth to be of a consistent width to support the shaving and take a smooth cut. Multiple passes take wider and wider shavings until the integral depth stop makes contact and the molding is complete.
