93-09.89
Object Name
Plane, Molding
Artist/Maker
John Sym
Materials
Wood --Iron
Catalogue Number
93-09.89
Dimensions

Length 23.9cm x Width 2.3cm x Height 14.2cm
a- Length 23.9cm x Width 2.3cm x Height 8.4cm
b- Length 15.8cm x Width 2.0cm x Height 0.6cm
c- Length 18.1cm x Width 0.9cm x Height 0.3cm

Description

A side bead molding plane comprised of three parts, a rectangular wooden body piece with a side bead profile and 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 curved blade to match the side bead profile on the sole of the plane (c). The wedge and the iron fit together inside the plane and the wedge holds the iron in place as the plane runs along the wood beneath it. Stamped on the toe of the plane is "I BLOWER", "E B", and "I. SYM". Stamped on the heel is "I BLOWER".

History

Side beads, or beading planes, are used to put a bead along the edge of a board, and can be used in many situations, such as back boards, the bottom of table aprons, or along shelf fronts. A very versatile plane, these were, along with hollow and rounds, perhaps the most common molding plane produced. These are one of the easiest molding planes to use, with an integral fence and depth stop, and no spring. (The plane is held vertically.) Simply hold the plane against the edge of the stock being profiled, and make passes until the depth stop prevents any further cutting. For a different treatment, running the plane along two sides of a corner will produce a 3/4 bead on that corner.