Weird Plough Plane?

[mahking51]

Hi All
Recent rust hunting produced this oddity for your delctation and comments:

Strangest thing I ever saw, can't imagine it is any good but it is boxed with its instructions and spares.
Anyone ever used one?
regards
Martin

 

[Alf]

According to a surviving relative of the designer and the maker (GWW #59), it was designed by Mr Sidney "Nobby" Smith of Letchworth, Hampshire (probably in the late 50s or very early 60s). He got fed up with other woodworkers borrowing it but he already had a good job, so he got his younger brother Lawrence in Dagenham to manufacture it commercially. Sales were largely by mail order although there was a local stockist in Rainham, Essex and it was demonstrated and sold at DIY exhibitions at Olympia. It'll cut both ways and cope with gentle concave and convex curves apparently. Judging by the absence of the central plate I think it must be a Mark 1.

I've been looking for one in any condition for years (cheaply, natch). Not because it's desirable especially, but I've simply always wanted one ever since I saw it. You suck. Again.

Cheers, Alf

 

[dedee]

Fire it up Martin and show us the results!

Andy

 

[mahking51]

Alf,
Did you get my PM?
Martin

 

[Alf]

Yep, just replied. Flaky connection (naturally - it's rained :roll: :lol: )

Cheers, Alf

 

[bugbear]

I've been looking for one in any condition for years (cheaply, natch). Not because it's desirable especially, but I've simply always wanted one ever since I saw it. You suck. Again.

Cheers, Alf

Oh. I see quite a few. Since I have one in a box, with instructions, I stopped looking :lol:

Sharpening 1/16" thick blades is "interesting" - I used "a jig".

It's also mentioned in Salaman, which is odd, because lots of "patent" tools aren't.

BugBear

 

[Alf]

Oh. I see quite a few. Since I have one in a box, with instructions, I stopped looking :lol:

Oh go away, you 'orrible 'Bear...

 

[bugbear]

Oh, BTW, it works quite well. It's probably best considered as a super powered string router than a small plough.

The depth of cut can be controlled by tilting the tool, since one cutter forms the "mouth" for the other. Sort of like a potato peeler.

BugBear