A beautifully hand-crafted wooden plane has been a staple in many woodworkers’ shops since time began. A true example of how ergonomics can combine perfectly with a very specific purpose, this hand-held tool is essential for all woodworkers and hobbyist’s whose need to create a curved surface requires precision to remove shavings from those curves.
Unlike the typical flat bottomed plane that uses the full width of the plane to create the surface, the round plane uses both the radiused sole (curved) and the curved blade to create a surface on any cylindrical shape. This makes it ideal for creating specialty products such as cue sticks, tool handles and decorative leg for furniture that require a constant radius curve. In addition, because the user operates this tool using the feedback from their hands, they have complete control over each movement of the tool and can therefore respect the natural grain and integrity of the wood as much as possible.
Classic in design, most round planes are made from high density hardwoods such as beech or pearwood. These types of woods provide a comfortable feel in your hand and develop a beautiful patina over time as you continue to use them. As there is no metal to metal contact while operating the plane, you will reduce the chance of marring your work and also the possibility of creating heat due to friction that could damage your work if it were a fine grained wood or an expensive blank for billiard cues. The compact size of the round plane allows the user to take the tool to the project so that they may make detailed cuts and adjustments anywhere. The weight of the wooden block creates a balanced action that keeps the blade pressed against the wood creating a smooth cutting action and preventing chatter. The round plane produces extremely thin shaving’s and leaves a glass-like finish to the wood.
The curved blade of the round plane is made from high carbon steel, which maintains a sharp edge even after long periods of repeated usage. Since it is intended for smoothing and shaping and not for removing large amounts of material, the curved blade is positioned at an exact angle to prevent tear out. Those artisans involved in crafting specialized products for cue stick making utilize the round plane to precisely taper the shaft and ensure that the circumference of the wood remains perfectly symmetrical along its entire length. Adjustment mechanisms on some round planes include a small wooden wedge or a finely threaded screw, enabling users to adjust the depth of cut down to the thousandths of an inch. It is these minute adjustments that enable artisans to produce handcrafted works of art and distinguish them from mass produced items.
For the novice hobbyist entering into traditional woodworking, utilizing a wooden round plane represents one of their first steps toward developing their understanding of proper tool care. Many aspects of tool care associated with traditional woodworking are directly related to maintaining sharpness to both the curved iron and keeping the wooden sole properly aligned. For experienced craftsmen, the round plane serves as a quiet, dust free alternative to power equipment such as routers and sanders. The round plane transforms workshops into serene environments conducive to meditation and concentrated effort. Due to the lack of noise and vibrations created during operation, craftsmen can hear and become aware of grain direction and overall wood condition through listening to the sounds emanating from the wood being shaped. This sensory awareness is what enables craftsmen to connect with their materials on an emotional level and truly appreciate their hand craftsman ship in shaping raw wood into refined and usable products.
As we move forward into an age dominated by mechanized manufacturing and the continued popularity of the wooden round plane exemplifies the value that exists in handmade goods. Its ability to produce curved surfaces that require a personal touch continues to establish itself as the industry standard. Regardless whether producing tapered cue sticks or smooth transitions on chair frames and the versatility of this tool combined with its intimate relationship with the material provides artists and craftsmen with an unparalleled means of expressing themselves creatively. By investing in a highly specialized hand tool and craftsmen and hobbyists insure that their work bears a signature of excellence and the distinctiveness that only comes from tools that extend beyond their physical capabilities.
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