Molding plane design considerations

Proper mechanical bond in a mortise and tenon joint requires tight contact between all the mating surfaces. It's arguable that this joint is the most important single joint in woodworking and probably the most common. Those interested in the study of old tools depend on a knowledge of joinery and other woodworking techniques; most authorities have a strong background in woodworking technology. It's unlikely any serious students of old tools would lack a knowledge of this joint.

It's only natural that these people apply the properties of mortise and tenon joints to the similar wedge and mortise of a side escapement molding plane. The purposes of the two are, however, vastly different but share some similar requirements.

We first found the difference when trying to complete a full set of MOSELEY hollows and rounds. This set was missing the #12 and #15 rounds. We found, at a tool meet, a GRIFFITHS, NORWICH #12 round with nearly exactly the same features as the existing 34 MOSELEY planes. We added the GRIFFITHS to the set.

Some time later, we decided to make a #15 round and used the #15 hollow for a guide. Whelan in Making Traditional Wooden Planes, Goodman in British Planemakers from 1700 and Roberts in Wooden Planes in 19th Century America, VII all state or imply that the mortise of a molding plane is set out with a marking gauge. We have planes in our collection in which the original marking gauge lines are still visible. This is the method we used to lay out our plane.