IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLANES AND IN CUTTING PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION THEACHINERY EMPLOYEDRE
Year: 1854

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Slater, of Somers Place West, St. Pancras,
in the County of Middlesex, Optician, and Joseph Tall, of Crawford
Street, Marylebone, in the same County, Tool Maker, for the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLANES AND IN CUTTING
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Slater and Joseph
Tall at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition, on
the 30th June 1854.
We, THOMAS SLATER, of Somers Place West, St. Pancras, in the County of
Middlesex, Optician, and JOSEPH TALL, of Crawford Street, Marylebone, in
the same County, Tool Maker, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLANES AND IN CUTTING
APPARATUS, AND IN THE MACHINERY EMPLOYED THEREIN," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to the arrangement and construction of the hand
planes used by joiners, carpenters, and workers in wood, in such manner as to
render the tools more effective in working practice than at present, whilst their
first cost is greatly reduced. In making the actual cutting iron of a plane, the
main body of the iron is moulded or shaped from one end to the other out of
a piece of wrought iron, about half of the lower length being formed with
dovetail edges, standing up from the front face to a sufficient height to receive

page_text: a thin plate of steel to form the real cutter. This inserted plate is fitted in
tight enough to stand the planing action, but so as to be capable of being set
down as it wears by a simple tap of the workman's hammer. The cutting
edge is ground and sharpened in the usual way, the holding body iron being
bevilled off to suit the angle of the steel edge; and as the body iron is hardly
subject to any wear, the steel edge piece can be constantly set up as wear
takes place, until several steel pieces are worn out in one holder. The back
iron is of the common kind, but a screw lever is used for holding the compound
cutter in its place. This screw lever is formed with a broad palm piece at its
lower end, this palm part being set upon a transverse stud centre passed
through the body of the plane where the cavity is formed for the cutter. The
upper end is a plain lever, and it has in it a transverse stud screw, with its
head towards the front side. This adjustable lever is in front of the cutter, so
that when the workman inserts the latter beneath, the stud screw is made to
press by its protruded end upon the upper end of the cutter or holding iron piece,
whilst at the same time the lower palm end presses upon the lower end of the
iron. In this way the cutter is firmly held in position, whilst it can be easily
removed and set at pleasure by a tap of the hammer. The wearing steel edge,
being thin and of uniform section throughout, scarcely ever requires to be
ground, as the workman can sharpen up entirely upon the oil stone, the thick
back or holder being never touched, except a serious injury to it should require
it. The cavity in the centre of the wood block is cut out by means of a self-
acting mortising machine, consisting of two cutting irons, worked from an
overhead crank or other movement, each iron being set at the angle of the
front and back of the intended cavity in the wood. These two cutters work
down simultaneously, being inclines, with their cutting edges towards each
other, and guided by plane angular pieces, like the slide rests of a lathe; for
example, at each stroke of the cutters the wood block is set up slightly from
below, and thus the two cutting edges, which begin their work close together
upon the face of the block, gradually widen in their cutting effect, until the
required angular cavity is cut out. These compound irons are obviously
applicable for various classes of cutting apparatus, whether of rectilinear or
rotatory action, such, for instance, as are used in planing machines. The
mortising process and apparatus are also suitable for cutting cavities with
inclined sides for various other purposes. The parallel sides of the plane blocks
are accurately cut by means of two opposed cutting discs, adjustable at varying
distances asunder by screws. The curved or differentially shaped surfaces are
cut by means of a die of the necessary form set in a fly press.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters. I atent, med
by the said Thomas Slater and Joseph Tall in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 30th December 1854.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, wе, THOMAS
SLATER, of Somers Place West, Saint Pancras, in the County of Middlesex,
Optician, and JOSEPH TALL, of Crawford Street, Marylebone, in the same
County, Tool Maker, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Thirtieth day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, in the eighteenth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us,
the said Thomas Slater and Joseph Tall, Her special license that we,
the said Thomas Slater and Joseph Tall, our executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as we, the said Thomas Slater and Joseph Tall, our
executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle
of Mau, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLANES AND
IN CUTTING APPARATUS, AND IN THE MACHINERY EMPLOYED THEREIN," upon the con-
dition (amongst others) that we, the said Thomas Slater and Joseph Tall, by
an instrument in writing under our hands and seals, or under the hand and
seal of one of us, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
"
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said Thomas Slater and Joseph Tall, do
hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and
to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
Our said Invention relates to the arrangement and construction of certain
parts of hand planes used by joiners, carpenters, and workers in wood. and to
the construction of machinery employed in the manufacture of such planes, in
such a manner as to render the planes more effective in working practice than
at present, whilst by bringing machinery to bear in their manufacture, in place
of using hand labor, their first cost is greatly reduced.

page_text: Our improvements consist, first, of a peculiar construction & arrangement
of machinery for cutting the parallel sides of the plane blocks or rough
blanks.
Second, of certain peculiar constructions and arrangements of self-acting
machinery for mortising the angular cavity which contains the plane iron.
And, third, of an improved construction of plane iron.
The parallel sides of the plane blocks or rough blanks are accurately cut by
means of two opposed serrated cutting discs, adjustable at varying distances
asunder by suitable setting screws, and driven by a belt or other suitable
driving gear.
The angular cavity in the plane is cut out or mortised by suitable mortising
machines, consisting of two cutting irons, worked from an overhead crank or
other movement, such iron being set at the angle of the front and back of the
intended cavity in the wood; or the angle of cach cutter may be the same, and
the plane block itself slightly inclined on its bed, in order to allow for the
difference of the slope of the back and front of the cavity. These cutters
work down simultaneously, being inclined with their cutting edges towards
each other, and guided by plane angular pieces, like the slide rests of a lathe;
for example, at cach stroke of the cutters the wood block is set up slightly
from below, either by the attendant or by self-acting machanism; thus the
two cutting edges, which begin their work close together upon the face of the
block, gradually widen in their cutting effect, until the required angular cavity
is cut out.
In making the actual cutting iron of plane, the main body of the iron is
moulded or shaped from one end to the other out of a piece of wrought iron,
about half of the lower length being formed with dove-tail edges, standing up
from the front face to a sufficient height to receive a thin plate of steel, which
forms the real cutter; this inserted plate is fitted in tight enough to stand the
planing action, but so as to be capable of being set down, as it wears, by
a simple tap of the workman's hammer. The cutting edge is ground and
sharpened in the usual way, the holding body iron being bevilled off, to suit the
angle of the steel cutting edge; and as the body iron is hardly subject to any
wear, the steel edge piece can be constantly set up as wear takes place, until
several steel pieces are worn out in one holder. The back iron is of the
ordinary construction, and the whole may be secured in the plane by a wedge
in the usual manner. The wearing steel edge, being thin and of uniform
section throughout, scarcely ever requires to be ground, as the workman can
sharpen it up entirely upon the oil stone, the thick back or holder being never
touched, except a serious injury to it should render it necessary. These com-

page_text: pound irons are obviously applicable for various classes of cutting apparatus,
whether of rectilinear or rotatory action, such, for instance, as are used in planing
machines. The mortising process and apparatus are also suitable for cutting
cavities with inclined sides for various other purposes. And in order that our
said Invention may be more readily understood, we shall now proceed to
describe and refer to the several Figures on the Sheets of Drawings hereunto
annexed.
Fig. 4 is a
6 represent
"trying"
Fig. 1, on Sheet 1 our Drawings, represents a side elevation of the machine
for cutting the parallel sides of the plane blocks, drawn to a scale of one-
fourth the real size; Fig. 2 is a corresponding transverse section of the
same. Fig. 3 is a plan of the machine corresponding to Fig. 1.
sectional detail of one of the circular cutters; and Figs. 5 and
respectively a longitudinal section and corresponding plan of
plane, as partly constructed by our machinery. The working parts of
this machine are supported by the cast-iron bed A, which is of a construc-.
tion similar to an ordinary lathe bed, and upon this bed is situated the
transverse slide rest B, which carries the rough blank C, between the two
revolving circular cutters D, D'. These cutters are composed of a number of
steel segments, with serrated or toothed edges, bolted on to a metal disc E, E',
as clearly shewn in the transverse section, Fig. 2, and sectional detail, Fig. 4.
The edges of the cutters next the block are slightly dished or inclined inwards,
as shown in Figure 4, for the purpose of forming a smooth cut, free from
marks. The holding discs E, E', are screwed or otherwise secured on to the
ends of the respective spindles F, F, which work in the headstocks G, G',
secured to the bed A. These spindles may be driven by belts, and are fitted
with suitable fast and loose driving pulleys H, H, and H', H'. The block C is
secured upon the slide rest by the screw clamps or brackets I, and is traversed
forward between and against the two circular cutters by turning the hand
wheel J, made fast on the front end of the horizontal screw spindle K, which
revolves in collar bearings at each end of the slide-rest frame. The distance
between the cutters is varied, according to circumstances, by adjusting the head-
stocks on the bed A, after the mode adopted in ordinary lathes. Two sides of
the block having been thus cut perfectly smooth and parallel, it is taken out of
the clamps and turned over, so as to present the other two uncut sides to the
action of the cutters, the slide rest in the mean time having been brought back
again to its original position in readiness for the second traverse of the block.
The four sides of the block having been thus cut perfectly smooth and parallel,
it may be removed to one of the mortising machines, for the purpose of
having the angular cavity which holds the iron cut therein. These circular

page_text: cutters are obviously applicable for grooving moulding pianes, coumnomy camed
"boxing.
Fig. 1, on Sheet 2 of our Drawings, is a side elevation of a self-acting
mortising machine for cutting the sloping sides L, L', of the cavity, as shewn
in Figs. 5 and 6 on Sheet 1; Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the same,
taken along the centre thereof. Fig. 3 is a detail section of the frame
and slide, taken along the line 1, 2, in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a sectional
<detail of the vertical sliding frame, taken along the line 3, 4, in Fig. 1;
and Fig. 5 is a detail plan of the setting-up motion, herein-after more fully
referred to and described. A, A', are the cutting irons, which are bolted to
the slides B, B', working in dovetail guides B" on the face of the inclined
standards C, C', as shewn by the sectional detail, Fig. 3. The upper end
of each of these slides is connected to a connecting rod D, D', both rods
being attached at their lower ends to the crank pin E in the disc F; this
disc is keyed or otherwise secured on to the end of the driving shaft G, which
works in suitable bearings in the bracket H, bolted to the central framing I
of the machine. The driving shaft G is fitted with fast and loose driving
pulleys J, J', and may be actuated by a driving belt, or any other suitable
driving gear. The plane block K is securely and firmly held upon an inclined
bed L by screw clamps or brackets M, and this bed is cast in one piece with
the metal slide N, which works in dovetail grooves in the framing I, as shewn
in the detail, Figure 4. The vertical slide N is actuated by the screw O, which
works through a boss formed on the lower end of the slide. The lower end of
the screw works in a collar-bearing P, and is fitted with a ratchet wheel Q
(Figure 5), for the purpose of turning the screw when the plane block requires
setting up. This ratchet wheel may either be worked by self-acting mechanism
connected with the driving shaft of the machine, or it may be worked by a
treadle or a lever handle, as shewn in our Drawings. The pall of the ratchett
is carried by the end of a lever R, working loose on the bottom of the screw
spindle below the ratchet wheel, and a link S connects this lever with another
lever arm T, on the bottom of the vertical spindle U, which is fitted at its upper
end with an actuating handle V, conveniently situated for the hand of the
attendant, who, by simply working it backwards and forwards, is enabled to
set up the block as required. The bed L is set at such an angle as to suit the
different inclinations of the sides L, L', of the cavity, Figs. 5 and 6, Sheet 1.
By this means both the cutters may work at the same angle; but the same
effect will be obtained by inclining one cutter more than the other, and having
the bed horizontal, as is clearly shewn by the detail, Figure 6. In operating by
this machine, the two cutters descend simultaneously, and commence their cut

page_text: close together upon the face of the block, and gradually widen in their cutting
effect as the block is set up, until the required angular cavity is cut out. The
angular cavity, when cut by the last-described machine, will have its sides or
cheeks perfectly vertical, the width of such cavity corresponding to the width
of the cutters A, A'. In order to form the inclined cheeks or sides to this
cavity, a second unortising machine, of a somewhat similar construction to the
one herein-before described, is employed, but fitted with a peculiarly shaped
cutter.
Fig. 1, on Sheet 3 of our Drawings, is a front elevation of the self-acting
mortising machine for cutting the cheeks of the cavity; Fig. 2 is a cor-
responding vertical section of the same, taken at right angles to Figure 1.
Fig. 3 is a detail section of the vertical slide in Fig. 1, taken along the line
1, 2 and Fig. 4 is a plan of the under side of the setting up motion. Fig. 5
is an edge view of the cutter used in this machine, drawn to a scale of half
the real size; Fig. 6 is a corresponding side view of the same; and Fig. 7 is
a diagram side view of the cutting edge of the tool. The cutters A, A', are
screwed to the lower ends of the slides B, B, which work obliquely in grooves
in the face of the standard C. They are each fitted with a stud pin D, D';
which work through slots in the standard, and are connected to the respective
connecting rods E, E¹. These rods are attached at their upper ends to a crank
pin F, fitted into a disc G, which is made fast on the end of the overhead
driving shaft H. The plane block I is supported at the requisite angle by the
inclined bed J, and held therein by fixing screws, in the manner herein-before
described. This table is cast on to the upper edge of the vertical slide K,
which is set up, as the cutting action proceeds. by the screw L and ratchet
wheel movement, in the manner described with reference to the first-mentioned
mortising machine. The inclination of the cutters A, A', is made to suit the
inclination of the inside of the cheeks, and the action of the cutters upon the
plane block is the same as that of the cutters in the first described mortising
machine. The cutter employed in this machine is formed with two cutting
edges M and N, formed to suit the angle of the checks a, a, and sloping side
L(Figs. 5 and 6, Sheet 1), the broad edge M cutting the cheek whilst the
projecting smaller edge N cuts along the sloping side L' of the cavity. The
lateral slots or grooves B, B, (Figs. 5 and 6, Sheet 1,) which serve to hold
the plane iron and wedge, may be cut by the first-described mortising machine,
one cutter only being in action; and this cutter is of a somewhat similar con-
struction to the cutter shewn at (Figs. 5, 6, and 7, Sheet 3,) of our Drawings;
it is made to take a shaving off the side of the slot at each cut, a requisite
lateral movement being given to it for that purpose. For this purpose three

page_text: cutting edges will be required, such cutting edges being at right angles to each
other, by which means the three sides of the slots will be cut simultaneously.
In cutting these grooves or slots, the plane block will of course be elevated to
an angle suitable for the descent of the cutter. The slot or groove c, Figs. 5
and 6, Sheet 1, may be formed by a separate cutter attached to the back of
the cutter A, in the first-described mortising machine, in Sheet 2, by which
means the slot or groove will be made simultaneously with the sloping side L
of the cavity.
It will be obvious to the practical man that in some cases the cutters in
the herein-before described machinery may be stationary, whilst the plane block
is caused to rise and fall for each cut. Fig. 8, on Sheet 3 of the Drawings,
is a back elevation of our improved plane iron, represented full size; Fig. 9 is
a front or face view of the same. Fig. 10 is a face view of the cutting steel,
detached from the holding iron; and Fig. 11 is a section across the steel cutter
and holding iron. A, A', are the dovetail edges, standing up from and formed
on the front face of the holding iron B, and are of sufficient height to receive
the thin plate of steel C (Fig. 10), which forms the real cutter. This inserted
plate is fitted into the iron B sufficiently tight to stand the paning action, but
so as to be capable of being set down by a tap of the workman's hammer.
This cutting edge is ground and sharpened in the usual way, the holding body
iron being bevilled off to suit the angle of the steel edge; and as the body iron
is hardly subject to any wear, the steel edge piece can be constantly set up as
wear takes place.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of our said
Invention, and the manner in which the saine is or may be used or carried
into effect, we would observe, in conclusion, that we do not confine or restrict
ourselves to the precise details or arrangements which we have had occasion
to describe or refer to, as many variations may be made therefrom without
deviating from the principles or main features of our said Invention; but what
we consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention
secured to us by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,-
First, the general construction and arrangement of machinery or apparatus
employed in the construction of planes used by joiners, carpenters, and workers
in wood, as herein-before described and illustrated on the Sheets of Drawings
hereunto annexed.
Second, the system or mode of cutting the parallel sides of plane blocks or
of "boxing" moulding planes, by the aid of one cutting disc or two opposed
cutting discs, as herein-before described.
Third, the peculiar construction and arrangement of machinery for cutting

page_text: the parallel sides of plane blocks, as herein-before described, and illustrated on
Sheet 1 of our Drawings.
Fourth, the system or mode of forming the angular cavity in planes by the
aid of self-acting mortising machines, fitted with one or more cutters, working
either vertically or at an angle, the plane block being either horizontal or
inclined to suit the angle of the cut.
Fifth, the peculiar construction and arrangement of self-acting mortising
machinery for the construction of parts of hand planes, as herein-before
described, and illustrated on Sheet 2 of our Drawings.
Sixth, the peculiar construction and arrangement of self-acting check mor-
tising machine, and cutters to be used in connection therewith, as herein-before
described, and illustrated on Sheet 3 of our Drawings.
Seventh, the peculiar construction and arrangement, herein-before described,
of cutting irons for planes or other cutting apparatus, whether of a rectilinear
or rotatory action, the steel cutting edge of the "cutting iron" being made
separate and distinct from the main body of such cutting iron, in place of
being welded thereto, as in the ordinary cutters.
In witness whereof, we, the said Thomas Slater and Joseph Tall, have
hereunto set our hands and seals, the Thirtieth day of December,
One thousand eight hundred and fifty