No. 042 Medium Shoulder Plane

These elegant shoulder planes are vital tools for trimming and improving cut joints, particularly shoulders, rabbets, tenons, and grooves.

The Bronze lever cap is higher for better grip and closer to the blade bevel for better support. The mouth geometry allows for better chip clearance, while the adjustable mouth and locking screws are large and convenient. The mouth adjustment screw is captured in the front shoe and threaded into the body so it adjusts the mouth both when turned in and turned out. The captive-nut blade adjustment is very positive.

Bodies are cast from Ductile Iron, precisely ground flat and square – an essential feature for a shoulder plane. Blades are A2 Tool Steel, hardened to Rockwell 60-62, cryogenically treated and double tempered to hold a very fine edge for a long time. Blades are bedded at 18°, beveled at 25°, and .005″ wider than the body to ensure crisp, 90° cuts.

No. 041 Small Shoulder Plane

This is the smallest of the Preston style shoulder planes, 5/8″ wide, 5 3/4″ long. The blade is .140″ thick, and the tool weighs 1.35 lbs. With an adjustable mouth like its larger siblings, this tool is just right for trimming and fitting small tenons, dadoes and rabbets.

No. 042 Medium Shoulder Plane

About half the width and weight of the Large Shoulder Plane, the medium size is well suited for lighter work. Excellent size for furniture joinery. Body is 7¾” long x ¾” wide. Blade is ¾” x .140″ thick. Weight 2.35 lbs.

No. 073 Large Shoulder Plane

A versatile, general purpose Shoulder Plane with nice heft and the best size to start with. This all-metal Shoulder Plane is based on the Record 073, which in turn was based on a Preston model. Body is 8¼” long x 1¼” wide. Blade is 1¼” wide x .140″ thick. Weight 4 lbs.

View our YouTube video “Shoulder Plane Part I: Parts and Adjustment” here:

View our YouTube video “Shoulder Plane Part II: Use and Care” here:

Materials:

The body is cast from Ductile Iron, a very strong alloy that will take a lot of abuse. These castings are fully stress-relieved, a process that removes inherent stresses and ensures that the tool will remain flat and true. The cap is Manganese Bronze. Other parts are Brass; the adjuster nut is Stainless Steel.

The blade is A2 Tool Steel hardened to Rockwell 60-62, cryogenically treated and double tempered. Our heat treating technique ensures that the blade will take and hold a very fine edge for a long time. After heat treating, the blade is fully surface ground on the top, back, and cutting
edge, giving a smooth, flat surface that will take a mirror finish very quickly. The thick blade provides solid chatter-free cutting.

Maintenance:

The body casting is ground dead flat. Occasional
hand lapping with fine wet/dry sandpaper (320 grit or higher) on a
flat surface will help remove dings and keep it true. The cap can
be polished with any good brass polish, although many people like
the patina that Bronze gets with age and use. Occasionally the tool
should be disassembled, cleaned and moving parts oiled. A light
oiling on the threaded rod and Brass adjuster will keep them moving
freely. The blade should be kept lightly oiled to prevent rust,
especially when the tool is not in use. We recommend Jojoba Oil, a plant based oil product that is non-toxic, odor-free and easy to use. Also, in our shop, we use a fine abrasive handblock to remove any light surface oxide from tool bodies and blades. Jojoba Oil and abrasive handblocks are available from us.

Find everything you need for tool care.

Guarantee:

Materials and workmanship are guaranteed for the life of your tool. Call for repairs or replacement parts. We are available for advice if you ever have a problem using your tool.

Proposition 65 Notice:

Bronze and brass alloys contain lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.