The Traditional Tools Group Inc.

Joshua Rose was a Victorian authority on engineering practice. His texts were standard reference for the metal machinist. The extract-below is the. first of a series of reprints of Rose’s writings in the magazine English Mechanic. It was published in the letters section of issue No.663 dated Dec 7 1897 on page 315

In this article I intend to discuss the three types of Fillister Planes used by joiners in the British Isles and overseas colonies (including America).

There are several types of woodworking chisels made expressly for cutting (chopping) mortises.

Around 1650, the newly developed process for rolling strip steel using water power allowed the toolmakers in England and Holland to make wide bladed handsaws and to be able to dispense with the tensioning frame which had characterised the necessarily narrow bladed saws up to this time.

To use a file is one thing, but to file with the same is quite a different matter, and I think a few hints upon this most important branch of mechanics will be found of much service to many of our readers.

The recent lecture by Kenneth Roberts for TTTG on Spiers and Norris planes generated discussion among the audience. This has prompted me to record the following observations on wood lined metal planes. I hope other members will be encouraged to share their knowledge in this newsletter. Roberts' “Scottish and English Metal Planes” reprints Spiers' and Norris & Son catalogues and his essay on the subject.

Note: This is a classic reprint of an article from NEWS #020, December 1994.  It originated in the magazine Science, Vol 5, February 1884.  Written by Francis Young.