Length 24.0cm x Width 2.7cm x Height 14.7cm
a- Length 24.0cm x Width 2.7cm x Height 8.5cm
b- Length 16.2cm x Width 2.0cm x Height 0.4cm
c- Length 16.1cm x Width 1.5cm x Height 0.3cm
A quarter round molding plane comprised of three parts, a wooden rectangular body with an angled cutout through it and a quarter round profile on the sole (a), a wooden wedge that tapers to a point at the bottom and has a rounded top (b), and an iron with a blade at the bottom that has the same grooves as the profile on the sole of the body (c). The wedge and the iron fit together inside of the body and extend out of the top. The wedge holds the iron in place while it cuts the wood below. Stamped on the toe of the plane is "MOON 145 ST. MARTINS.LANE", "I BLOWER", and "E. RE. B." Stamped on the heel of the plane is "I BLOWER", "E.B", "T. ST JOHN", and the numbers "8" and "3".
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.
