Recent Plane Purchases.

The shape of Spiers shoulder planes is more attractive and comfortable to use than the Norris versions. But this plane by George Miller beats them all. It has brass sides and a steel sole with a curvaceous wedge which sits nicely in the palm of your hand. The up-sweep of the front fits the thumb really well for a two handed grip.

I had one of these a few years ago but sold it and always regretted it. This is a nice undamaged version with what looks like the original Ward blade, it cost me £210.

This little chariot plane is by Henry Slater, the father of Benjamin Slater who went on to become one of the most prolific plane makers of the late Victorian era. The planes I have seen made by Henry, seem to be of much better quality.

It's a sweet little thing with a seemingly oversized wedge, although it's very comfortable.

I bought the plane from E Bay for £178 which was a bit more than I wanted to go (it's amazing how that happens!) I had my doubts about the blade as the wedge normally goes down further under the brass bridge, but when I got the plane I found all the parts were numbered 4 and obviously original, which was a bonus. Usually the things left out of E Bay ads are negatives!

The wedge is a beauty showing the dual colours often found in Brazilian Rosewood, a wonderful wood that has long since been banned.