Nice little Plane
Todd Hughes
>Picked up this nice Union block plane the other day and thought it was rather interesting and figured I would share it with you.Found it in a old pretty well made tool chest along with lots of other tools.I didn't want the chest of course or most of the other tools but I sure wanted this block plane so pulled it and a few other of the better things out and got what I wanted on the cheap. You could tell that the plane had been in the box since it was last used and that it was well protected since it was clean and still bright with no rust.I didn't do any cleaning to it at all, didn't need it,just took some old wood shavings out of it. Made by Union it is the size of a Stanley no. 15 plane [7in. long] and has the older "Excelsior" style body. I think these style planes with the swooping backs are just beautiful and I sort of collect them and buy them when ever I see one. This Union is different from other adjustable mouth block planes that I have seen in that you adjust the mouth by pushing a piece of steel under the front knob back and forth instead of the adjustment lever you see on most or nothing at all on the older ones.Really looks to be a better design and have to wonder why it never caught on.I think the plane probably dates from the late 1800's and represents an early attempt at having a lever to adjust the mouth plate....Looks pretty good setting in the tool cabinet in the Kitchen with all my other favorites Todd
