I've got a forkstaff plane. I've had it for a while (and can't remember where I bought it or what I paid) but I thought it was time to have a go with it. Here are some pictures.
According to the books, a forkstaff plane was used to plane a long cylinder with the grain, such as might be used for the staff (handle) on a fork. Other similar planes in other sizes were also known by their usage, such as mast, spar and oar planes.
This one looks like a common smoothing plane at first glance.
but its underneath is hollow, in this case to suit a diameter of about 1 1/2"
There's some nice geometry at work here as the iron intersects the sole - not a plane for a beginner to make.
Here's the view from above, showing how the bottom of the wear is part of a circle
Here's the iron, which in this case is double, so a rare example of a plane where the edge of the cap iron is not straight.
I've not cleaned it, but I think this will say A MATHIESON & SON in the middle, with WARRANTED at the top and CAST STEEL below. There's also the sun and crescent moon trade mark. It's all a bit clearer on the plane toe:
So, I hear you ask, does it work? A quick sharpen (no need to go into detail on this...)
and away we go
This is just a little offcut of some soft hardwood, but it soon gets down to a nice curve. If it was a longer piece (so I could hold it by the end, not the side) it would not take long to make a smooth, straight handle, planed all round. I'm sure it will come in useful some time soon and when it does, I shall be ready! :wink:
[Edited to restore missing photos.]
According to the books, a forkstaff plane was used to plane a long cylinder with the grain, such as might be used for the staff (handle) on a fork. Other similar planes in other sizes were also known by their usage, such as mast, spar and oar planes.
This one looks like a common smoothing plane at first glance.
but its underneath is hollow, in this case to suit a diameter of about 1 1/2"
There's some nice geometry at work here as the iron intersects the sole - not a plane for a beginner to make.
Here's the view from above, showing how the bottom of the wear is part of a circle
Here's the iron, which in this case is double, so a rare example of a plane where the edge of the cap iron is not straight.
I've not cleaned it, but I think this will say A MATHIESON & SON in the middle, with WARRANTED at the top and CAST STEEL below. There's also the sun and crescent moon trade mark. It's all a bit clearer on the plane toe:
So, I hear you ask, does it work? A quick sharpen (no need to go into detail on this...)
and away we go
This is just a little offcut of some soft hardwood, but it soon gets down to a nice curve. If it was a longer piece (so I could hold it by the end, not the side) it would not take long to make a smooth, straight handle, planed all round. I'm sure it will come in useful some time soon and when it does, I shall be ready! :wink:
[Edited to restore missing photos.]