Re: Plow Plane Blade Question
Adam Cherubini
>I find most plow irons are pretty similar in terms of their taper. But what you say is true, different makers had different tapers. For this reason, I chose to get a matched set of irons from a single maker (Cam). Whether these were originally a set or whether this is an assembled set from a single maker is unknown to me. I can say that they all match in terms of taper. But I've other irons that also match, so..... I paid dearly for my "matched' set by the way. (I really like sets of things- its a character flaw)
My advice is to cut bait. You really don't need a whole set of plow irons. You need the tiniest one and the 1/4" and teh tiniest one is questionable. Examine any set and you'll undoubtedly find workmen of old similarly had a weakness for sets of tools. The 1/4" is often missing (still with the plow), or ground down shorter than all the rest.
If you have these irons and are happy with them, its a simple job to modify your plow's wedge to match the iron or, better yet, make a brand new wedge for these irons.
Also, unless your old irons are badly worn down or irrepairably mechanically damaged, they can be repaired. Don't throw them away or anything. At the very least they are an excellent source of wrought iron which can be used to make chisels, or molding plane irons.
Adam