Finely Dovetailed User-Made Steel Chariot Plane

Measuring in at 3-3/8″ in length and 1-5/8″ wide, this delightful chariot plane features some high-quality touches, such as the flourishes which appear on the beechwood wedge. The dovetailing is extremely good on this user-made plane and the overall fit and finish is superb, showing a high degree of workmanship.

It’s interesting to note that, while many makers would have drastically stained the beech infill and wedge to make it appear more like rosewood or ebony, the maker of this plane has decided to go with a more “understated” look, preferring only to give it a light staining — which is nonetheless appealing and uncommon. Even Norris stained their later infills to make the beech wood appear more like ebony on their cheaper planes. No such “trickery” with this chariot plane.

As can be seen in the pictures, the wedge is of particular interest, featuring a stylised cupid’s bow and scalloped recesses in a step just before the top — unnecessary for the basic function of the plane but, then again, infills are a special breed of tool.

The chamfered edges are also nicely done and show a high degree of craftsmanship. They terminate in traditional “stopped chamfers” at the heel and toe. The heel piece has been dovetailed on three sides, and the toe also features flawless joinery. Likewise, the mouth is nice and fine.

Overall a gorgeous and beautifully made little chariot plane.

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