Scrub plane project

[Jacob]

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I've also seen tables from the middle ages where the stretchers of the under cariage where more or less "mortised" into the top. They would chop out recesses until the table could stand on its legs without wobbling. .......

I've see this too where they have also trimmed the underside of edge with a rebate all round to make it look like (say) a 2" thick board but leaving the middle rough and a lot thicker.

I think the adze was the principle tool in many situations. The scrub plane more or less does the same job.