Molding planes, or “moulding planes”, as they are spelled in British English, are timeless tools that have been integral to woodworking for centuries. These antique tools, with their rich history and enduring functionality, continue to captivate collectors, woodworkers, and enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of antique molding planes, exploring the different types, their uses, and what makes them so special. Whether you are a seasoned woodworker or a curious novice, understanding these vintage tools will enrich your appreciation of woodworking’s rich heritage.

And BTW, you can see a link to Bill’s amazing workshop tour at the bottom of this article! 

The Four Groups of Molding Planes

Molding planes can be broadly categorized into four main groups based on their function and design:

1. Dedicated Molding Planes
2. Hollows and Rounds
3. Cleanup Planes
4. Miscellaneous Tools

Each of these groups plays a crucial role in creating intricate moldings and finishes in woodworking projects.

1. Dedicated Molding Planes

Dedicated molding planes (which this article discusses) are designed to cut specific profiles and sizes. These planes are crafted for a single purpose and are invaluable for achieving precise and consistent results. Let’s explore four essential dedicated profiles that every woodworker should be familiar with:

a. The Ogee Plane

The ogee plane is renowned for its elegant, double-curve profile known as the “Cyma reversa” in Latin. This profile combines a convex and concave curve separated by a fillet, creating a visually appealing design. Ogee planes feature a spring line, a scribed line on the plane’s nose, that guides the user to hold the wood plane at the correct angle. This ensures that the profile is cut accurately.

b. The Cove Plane

Also known as the covetto, the cove plane produces a concave, semicircular profile. Like the ogee plane, the cove plane also has a spring line, fence, and depth stop. These elements work together to guide the user and control the depth and angle of the cut, ensuring a uniform profile.

c. The Ovolo Plane

The ovolo plane, or quarter round, creates a convex, outward curve. This profile is commonly used for decorative edges and moldings. The ovolo plane features sharp corners that can sometimes become rounded over time due to extensive use. Regular maintenance and the use of shoulder planes or scrapers can help restore the sharpness of these profiles.

c. The Beading Plane

The beading plane can also technically be placed into the category of a dedicated molding plane, because it cuts just one specific profile. A bead is cut to give a nice shadow between two butted boards, like “bead board”. They are also used to give a rounded edge where a sharp edge would show dings, like on window trim. 

2. Hollows and Rounds

Hollows and rounds (discussed in-depth in an upcoming article) are versatile tools used to create a variety of concave and convex profiles. Unlike dedicated molding planes, these tools are not limited to a single profile. Instead, they can be used in combination to produce complex moldings. A typical set includes various sizes of hollows (concave profiles) and rounds (convex profiles), making them indispensable for custom work.

3. Cleanup Planes

Cleanup planes, as the name suggests, are used to refine and clean up the moldings created by other planes. These planes are essential for achieving a polished and professional finish. They help remove any imperfections or rough edges left by the initial cuts. We’ll also cover these planes in an upcoming video & article. 

4. Miscellaneous Molding Tools

This group includes a variety of tools such as scratch stocks, hand routers, and hand beaders. These tools are useful for creating small, detailed moldings that add a unique touch to woodworking projects. Scratch stocks, for example, can be used to carve intricate designs, while hand routers and beaders are perfect for creating grooves and beads.

The Anatomy of a Molding Plane

Understanding the anatomy of a molding plane is crucial for using and maintaining these tools effectively. Here are the key components:

1. The Spring Line

The spring line is a scribed line on the plane’s nose that indicates the correct angle at which the plane should be held. This ensures that the profile is cut accurately and consistently. In the photo above you can see that white pencil was used to highlight the scratched spring line. 

2. The Fence

The fence is a non-cutting part of the plane that rests against the side of the stock. It prevents the plane from moving laterally, ensuring a straight cut.

3. The Depth Stop

The depth stop is another non-cutting component that limits the depth of the cut. When the depth stop hits the top of the stock, the plane stops cutting, ensuring uniform depth.

4. The Iron

The iron is the cutting blade of the plane. It is crucial to keep the iron sharp to achieve clean and precise cuts.

5. The Wedge

The wedge is a tapered wooden part of the molding plane that holds the iron tightly inside the body. The wedge is tapped on with a small hammer to tighten it down in the wood plane body.

6. The Boxing

Boxing refers to the insert of dense, hard wood (often boxwood) in the plane. It is used to preserve the edges and maintain the accuracy of the profile over time. The boxing is particularly important in beading planes, where it helps maintain the shape of the bead.

Tips for Using Antique Molding Planes

Using antique molding planes requires skill and attention to detail. Here are some quick tips to help you get the best results:

1. Start with a Light Pass

When using a beading plane, for instance, start with a light pass to establish the initial cut. This helps guide the plane and ensures that the profile is cut accurately.

2. Maintain the Spring Line Angle

Always hold the plane at the correct angle as indicated by the spring line. Deviating from this angle can result in an inaccurate profile.

3. Regular Maintenance

Regularly check the sharpness of the iron and the condition of the boxing. Sharpen the iron as needed and ensure that the boxing is even and not worn down.

4. Use Cleanup Planes

After cutting the initial profile, use cleanup planes to refine and smooth out any imperfections. This step is essential for achieving a professional finish.

Collecting Antique Moulding Planes

For collectors, antique moulding planes offer a glimpse into the history and craftsmanship of woodworking. For a more in-depth guide, read our hand plane buyer’s guide, here. Here are some tips for starting your own collection:

1. Identify Authentic Pieces

Look for authentic markings and stamps that indicate the plane maker, the size of the profile, and the owner’s mark. These markings are often found on the heel or toe of the plane.

2. Condition and Wear

Examine the condition of the plane, especially the sharp corners and boxing. While some wear is expected, excessive rounding or damage can affect the plane’s functionality. Also be wary of vintage molding planes that have worm holes or “checking” (i.e. splits in the wood). 

3. Provenance

Research the history and provenance (i.e. origin) of the plane. Knowing the background of the tool can add to its value and interest. Some historically significant moulding planes probably shouldn’t be used, but kept in a safe place. For example, if Thomas Jefferson’s cabinetmakers used a moulding plane to cut moldings at Monticello, then those molding planes probably shouldn’t be used. But most antique molding planes aren’t particularly rare or valuable, and should definitely be used!

4. Variety

Aim to collect a variety of profiles and sizes. Having a diverse collection allows for greater flexibility in your woodworking projects. You can see a variety of vintage molding planes at Ebay here. I try to buy from Ebay or tool sales, where the molding planes are quite affordable, rather than antique stores (where the planes are usually broken, incomplete, or overpriced). 

Conclusion

Antique molding planes are more than just old tools; they are pieces of history that connect us to the rich tradition of woodworking. Whether you are using them to create intricate moldings or adding them to your collection, these vintage tools offer endless possibilities and insights into the craft. By understanding their functions, maintaining them properly, and appreciating their history, you can keep the art of woodworking alive and thriving.

About Bill Anderson

Bill is a handplane expert, and an accomplished maker and restorer of wooden hand planes. His workshop is full of both wood planes and metal planes, and he teaches classes on making, refurbishing, and sharpening hand planes. See Bill’s classes at our school here. Bill is also now (as of 2024) teaching small, private classes at his workshop outside of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. You can see his website here.