richarnold
Established Member
I spotted an interesting looking moulding plane on ebay the other week, and decided to take a chance on it.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antique-woodw ... true&rt=nc
Well it arrived today and to say I was pleased would be an understatement. I know that a lot of people will think I'm mad for getting exited by what is esentualy a very battered and wormeaten beech moulding plane, but this plane happens to have been made by one of the first ever british plane makers, a certain Francis Purdew. His makers mark is unusual in that it is placed on the side of the plane rather than in the end grain of the front. It is in the form of a small oval containing the words "this is fran purdus make". unfortunately due to the mark being struck into the side grain, the actual letters are usually worn away leaving just the oval depression visible. This is not that surprising as purduws planes are about 300 years old!. unfortunately this example has been shortened at the heel, but it does retain it's original wedge and iron byThomas Hildik.
Oh to be able to talk to all the craftsmen who have used this plane for the last 300 years. I feel privileged just to be able to hold it in my hands.
Cheers from a very chuffed Richard
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antique-woodw ... true&rt=nc
Well it arrived today and to say I was pleased would be an understatement. I know that a lot of people will think I'm mad for getting exited by what is esentualy a very battered and wormeaten beech moulding plane, but this plane happens to have been made by one of the first ever british plane makers, a certain Francis Purdew. His makers mark is unusual in that it is placed on the side of the plane rather than in the end grain of the front. It is in the form of a small oval containing the words "this is fran purdus make". unfortunately due to the mark being struck into the side grain, the actual letters are usually worn away leaving just the oval depression visible. This is not that surprising as purduws planes are about 300 years old!. unfortunately this example has been shortened at the heel, but it does retain it's original wedge and iron byThomas Hildik.
Oh to be able to talk to all the craftsmen who have used this plane for the last 300 years. I feel privileged just to be able to hold it in my hands.
Cheers from a very chuffed Richard
