IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLANES AND IN CUTTING APPA- PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
Year: 1854

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Slater, of Somers Place West, St. Pancras,
in the County of Middlesex, Optician, and Joseph Tail, of Crawford
Street, Marylebone, in the same County, Tool Maker, for the Invention.
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLANES AND IN CUTTING APPA-
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Slater and Josephi
Tall at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition,
on the 30th December 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 our said In-
vention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLANES AND IN CUTTING
APPARATUS, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN," to be as
follows:-
This Invention relates to the arrangement and construction of certain parts
of hand planes and other cutting apparatus used by joiners, carpenters, and
workers in wood, and to the construction and arrangement of machinery or
apparatus employed in their manufacture, in such a manner as to render the
planes more effective in working practise than at present, whilst their first cost
is greatly reduced.

page_text: The improvements consist, first, of an improved system or mode of drying
or preparing and seasoning the wood previous to its manufacture into planes.
Second, in the employment of a suitable cutter for forming the slot or
opening in the sole of the plane, through which the cutting edge of the plane
iron projects.
Third, in the employment of a rotatory or rectilinear cutters for forming the
soles of moulding or other planes.
Fourth, of a peculiarly constructed tool for drilling or cutting the slots to
receive the "toat," or handle of the plane, and also for drilling the slot in the
back of the angular cavity, which receives the tightening screw head of the
plane iron.
Fifth, of a machine for rounding the ends of planes.
Sixth, of a peculiar construction of mortising machine, for cutting the
grooves in the side of the angular cavity, which receives the plane iron and
wedge.
Seventh, of a peculiar construction of machinery for cutting out or shaping
the handles or "toats" of planes or saws.
Eighth, of an improved tool for making the mortises through "ploughs,"
"philisters," &c.
Ninth, of an improved system or mode of securing or holding the plane
iron in its place.
Our improved system or mode of drying or preparing and seasoning the
beech or other wood employed in the manufacture of planes consists in
submitting it to the action of steam in a suitable tank for a period of from
1 to 60 hours, and whilst the wood is hot, exhausting the said tank of the
watery vapour or steam by means of an exhaust pump, until the vacuum
produced be equal to the pressure of steam in the tank at the time of com-
mencing the exhausting process. After the watery vapour has been entirely
exhausted from the wood in the tank by the exhaust pump or other exhausting
apparatus, and a consequent vacuum formed therein, and whilst the wood
remains in an exhausted state, a quantity of oil is admitted into the tank,
which oil completely impregnates the grain of the wood contained therein;
the wood is then subjected to the action of a current or currents of air until
it is properly dried and fit for use. The chamber for drying the timber may be
composed of iron or other material capable of standing heat, and of being
air-tight, and may be made of any desired size. A blower may be fitted at
one end of this drying chamber,, which will fill the width and height of the
This blower, being made to revolve, will cause a continuous current of
air to arrive at the chamber.
same.

page_text: The improvements under the second head of our Invention consists in
forming the slot or opening in the sole of a plane, by means of a circular
cutter fitter on to the end of a revolving spindle. The plane is pushed gently
forward against the cutter, which is of a width corresponding to the width of
slot or opening to be made. The soles of moulding or other planes are formed
by rotatory cutters, shaped to correspond to the sole of the moulding plane
required; or the soles may be cut by a traversing cutter, or by a fixed cutter
and sliding table or bed, similar to that of an ordinary iron planing machine.
The slots to receive the toats are formed by a rotary cutter, somewhat similar
to a drill, which is formed with three or more cutting edges, one of such edges
being situated horizontally, whilst the other cutting edges are placed vertically
round the sides of the body of the drill. This tool may be used in any ordinary
drilling machine, & is applicable for cutting any other required slots in planes.
The round ends of planes are formed by a guage-shaped cutter, working in a
vertical slide, and actuated by a crank or other suitable actuating mechanism,
the bed carrying the plane block being set up by a screw motion. The
improved mortising machine for cutting the grooves in the cheeks of planes
consists of two expanding cutters, which gradually expand or widen at each
cut, and thereby increase the depth of the grooves at each descent of the
cutters. These cutters are made to work in suitable guides, and are actuated
by cranks or eccentrics and connecting rods; on the grooves in the cheeks
may be made by a circular cutter, fitted on to the end of a vertical slide, and
driven by a band which is capable of expansion or contraction, to allow for the
traverse of the slide which causes the cutter to be rotated. The handles or
toats of planes or skews are cut by the aid of revolving cutters, somewhat similar
to drills worked by an ordinary drilling machine; but the wood from which
the toat is to be cut is placed on a metal plate, which is fitted with guide studs
on its under side, such guide studs with the plate traversing along differential
grooves or slots formed in a fixed bed or table. These grooves or slots are
curved, to suit the curve of the plane "toat" or saw handle, and the part to
be laid hold of by the hand when in use is rounded by a revolving cutter with
a curved cutting edge. The metal plate with the wood is traversed by means
of a screw or rack movement, or other suitable traverse motion. In cutting the
mortises through the planes known as "ploughs" or "philisters," a peculiar tool
is employed, which is constructed somewhat after the fashion of a punch. This
tool is worked by a fly piece, or other vertical actuating mechanism. A circular
hole is first drilled through the plough by an ordinary brace bit, and then the
required form is given to the under side of the aperture by a tool working
vertically, and shaped at its cutting edge to correspond to the form of opening

page_text: required. The arrangement for holding the plane irons in their places consists
in the employment of a bracket piece inside the angular cavity, which bracket
piece is pressed down upon the plane iron by means of a thumb screw; thus
the iron may be tightened or taken out with increased facility without having
to damage the plane by hammering it, for the purpose of loosening the iron
and wedge.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Thomas Slater and Joseph Tall in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 30th June 1855.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, 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 December, 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 execu-
tors, 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 Man,
an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLANES AND IN CUTTING
APPARATUS, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN," upon
the condition (amongst others) that we, the said Thomas Slater and Joseph
Tall, by an instrument in writing under our hands and seals, should par-
ticularly 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 inime-
diately 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:-

page_text: Our said Invention relates, firstly, to an improved system or mode of drying
or seasoning and preparing the wood previous to its manufacture into planes.
Second, to a peculiar construction and arrangement of machinery or appa-
ratus for forming the slot or opening in the sole of a plane, through which the
cutting edge of the plane iron projects.
Third, to the employment of rotatory or rectilinear cutters for forming the
soles of moulding or other planes.
Fourth, to the employment of a suitably formed cutting tool or tools for
drilling or cutting the slots to receive the "toat or handle of the plane, and
also for cutting the slot in the back of the angular cavity, which receives the
tightening screw head of the plane iron.
Fifth, to a peculiar construction and arrangement of machinery or appa-
ratus for rounding-off or otherwise shaping the angles on the ends of the
planes.
Sixth, to a peculiar construction and arrangement of machinery or apparatus
for cutting out or shaping the handles or "toats" of planes or saws.
Seventh, to a peculiar form of tool or cutter for making the mortises through
ploughs, philisters, guage heads, &c.
Eighth, to an improved system or mode of securing or holding the plane
iron in its place.
Ninth, to an improved construction and arrangement of machinery for
mortising or planing the grooves or slots in the sides of the angular cavity,
which receives the plane iron and wedge, termed the abutment.
And in order that our said Invention may be more properly understood, we
shall now proceed to describe and refer to the several Figures on the Sheets
of Drawings hereunto annexed.
Figure 1, on Sheet 1 of our Drawings, represents a longitudinal vertical
section of our apparatus for drying or preparing and seasoning the wood
previous to its being manufactured into planes; Figure 2 is a transverse
section of the same; and Figure 3 is a plan of the apparatus. Figure 4
represents a longitudinal vertical section of a drying apparatus, which may be
employed in some cases for seasoning the wood; and Figure 5 is a correspond-
ing sectional plan of the same. The timber to be prepared and seasoned is
laid inside a closed chamber or vessel A, which is then filled with steam by
the steam pipe B. In order that the steam may completely surround the
pieces of wood to be seasoned, they are laid upon a series of transverse beams
or sleepers C, C, intervening spaces being left between each block of wood for
the steam to circulate. Having been subjected for a greater or less period to
the action of the steam, according to the nature of the wood, the steam is shut

page_text: off by a stop-cock, and the two exhaust pumps D, D, are put into action by
means of the vibrating lever E, working on a fixed centre at F, and actuated
by hand or otherwise through the rod G, which may be connected at the
upper end to a crank. During the process of pumping out the vapour or
moisture the wood is heated by means of the coil of steam pipes H, which is
placed immediately below the wood to be seasoned, the steam after traversing
along the pipes being allowed to escape at I. This heating of the wood expels
any moisture or vapour which may be contained in the grain of the wood, and
this moisture is exhausted in the form of vapour by the exhaust pumps before
referred to. When the wood is thoroughly dried, and a good vacuum formed
in the chamber, we sometimes admit a quantity of oil by the pipe J for the
better preservation of the wood, which oil is soaked up by the wood, and
thoroughly impregnates the grain thereof, thereby rendering it less liable to
decomposition from the action of the atmosphere, and the grain is more solid,
as all the pores are free from atmospheric air, and filled with oil. The com-
munication between the exhaust pumps and the interior of the chamber A may
be opened or closed by slide or other valves K, K, worked by small lever
handles L. An ordinary steam safety valve M is fitted on to the top of the
chamber, and a vacuum valve of the usual construction may be fitted at N.
O, O, are the exhaust pipes leading from the air pumps. Although we have
represented one mode of exhausting the steam and watery vapour from the
chamber A, yet we by no means confine or restrict ourselves to that par-
ticular arrangement, as many other modes of exhausting the chamber may
obviously be adopted with equal success, the main feature of this portion of
our Invention being the subjecting the wood to the action of a vacuum and
heat, and then allowing it to be saturated with oil. If found desirable, the
timber so prepared may be submitted to a subsequent process of drying by a
current or currents of air, either heated or cold. This may be effected by
placing it in the long chamber or passage A, Figures 4 and 5, in which
chamber a current of air is caused to circulate by means of the large rotatory
fan blower B. The wood will now be thoroughly seasoned and dried, and may
be manufactured into planes at once.
Figure 1, on Sheet 2 of our Drawings, represents a side elevation of a
machine for forming the slot or opening in the sole of a plane, through
which the cutting edge of the plane iron projects. Figure 2 is a corre-
sponding plan of the same; and Figure 3 is a detailed side elevation of the
rotatory cutter employed for that purpose. The plane A to be operated
upon, having had its sides previously cut parallel, and had the angular cavity
formed in it by machinery for that purpose, described in the Specification

page_text: of our Patent of the 30th of June 1854, is laid upon its side on the
traversing bed B, and is clamped thereon by the screw clamps C. The shank
of the rotatory serrated or toothed steel cutter D is screwed on to the end of
the revolving spindle E, which is fitted with fast and loose pulleys F, G, and
works in a bearing in the cast-iron headstock H, similar to an ordinary lathe
headstock, the spindle being tightened up by means of the tightening screw I.
The plane is set at an angle on the sliding bed, as shewn in the Drawing, in
order to clear the shoulder on the spindle or shank of the cutter, and to allow
of its being brought up as close as possible to the centre of the cutter. The
sliding bed carrying the plane may be slid along the fixed table J as fast as
the cutter enters the plane, either by hand, or by an actuating screw and winch
handle arrangement, similar to an ordinary slide rest. The diameter of the
cutter D should be rather greater than the length of the slot to be made, since
the thickness of the cutter, spindle, or shank prevents the plane from being
brought quite up to the centre of the cutter. By changing the cutters, this
same arrangement of machinery may be employed for forming the soles of
moulding or other planes, the rotatory cutters employed having cutting edges
shaped according to the peculiar moulding to be produced, or they may be
perfectly plain if intended for forming the soles of ordinary flat planes.
Figures 3 to 8 represent, in side and front elevation, a series of differently
shaped rotatory cutters for forming the soles of moulding planes; and Figures
9 and 10 are two of the cutting tools detached. These tools are fitted into
slots A, formed in the face of the rotatory carrying or tool-holding dises B, the
peripheries of which discs are shaped to correspond to the particular cutter to
be inserted. The actual cutting tools C are secured inside the slots A by means
of a set screw D, which is passed through a short adjusting slot E, passed
longitudinally in the cutter. The central portion of the discs is recessed
sufficiently to admit of the insertion of the set screw, as will be clearly under-
stood on referring to the Drawings, and one or more cutters may be fitted into
a disc if desired, as shewn at Figure 7. A tapped hole is formed in the shank
F of each of these discs, by which means they may be readily screwed on to
the end of the spindle E, in Figures 1 and 2. In forming the soles of
moulding planes by a rectilinear movement, we employ an apparatus similar
to an ordinary iron planing machine, the cutter being stationary, and made to
correspond to the particular moulding required, the plane being traversed
below the cutter.
Figure 11 represents a plan of the cutting edge of a tool for drilling or
cutting the slots to receive the "toats" or handles of planes; Figure 12 is
a sectional plan of the cutter, looking down on the upper side thereof;

page_text: and Figures 13, 14, 15, and 16 are side elevations of the tool in different
positions. This tool when used is fitted into an ordinary drilling machine, or
into a lathe, and is capable not only of cutting downwards into the wood, by
means of the horizontal cutting edge A, but also of cutting laterally when
pushed sideways by means of the vertical cutting edges B, B. It is composed
of steel, and formed with a shank or spindle C upon it, for fixing it into the
spindle or shaft of a drilling machine. Figures 16 and 16" are, respectively, a
side elevation and plan of a slightly modified cutter on this principle, the actual
cutting iron A being fitted into the socket B, and having a horizontal and
vertical cutting edge at C and D. In cutting slots or recesses in planes by
this tool, the plane is fixed on to a sliding bed beneath the cutter, and the
bed is then raised gently until the cutter commences its action. The raising
of the table or bed may be effected by a screw spindle, or other suitable
mechanism, and is continued until the cutter has penetrated to the desired depth
into the plane, when the vertical motion of the table is stopped. In place of
the table or bed being elevated as the cutting or drilling action proceeds, the
cutter itself may of course be made to descend, in the manner adopted in
drilling machines at present in use. The sliding bed, with the plane clamped
upon it, is now moved laterally in the direction of the slot to be made, such.
movement being effected either by hand, or by a screw spindle, as in an ordinary
slide rest. The lateral pressure thus produced against one side of the tool
causes it to cut away the material on that side where the pressure occurs by
means of the vertical cutting edges B, thus forming a slot or recess, which may
be continued to any desired length by keeping the plane fed up to the cutter.
This peculiar form of cutter may obviously be employed for making other slots
in planes, as, for example, it may be advantageously used in cutting the slot or
recess in the back of the angular cavity of a plane, for receiving the head of the
tightening screw of the plane iron, the plane being placed in a suitable position
for that purpose, so as to bring the sloping side of the angular cavity to be
recessed into a horizontal position.
Figure 17 represents a full-sized detail elevation of a gouge-shaped tool
or cutter, for shaping the sides of the end of a plane; and Figure 18 is a
corresponding plan of the same; Figure 19 is a full-sized vertical sectional
elevation of another gouge-shaped tool or cutter, for rounding the upper
edge of the end of a plane; Figure 20 is a corresponding front elevation of
the same; and Figure 21 is a sectional plan of the cutter, taken along the
dotted line in Figure 20. These cutters, when required for use, are fitted
into the machine, represented in front and side elevation at Figures 1 and 2,
on Sheet 3 of our Drawings; the cutters being screwed on to the lower

page_text: edge of the vertical slide A, which works in dovetailed grooves in the cast-
iron standard B. This slide is actuated by a connecting rod C, and crank
or eccentric D, which is fast on the end of the actuating shaft E, carrying a
pair of fast and loose driving pulleys F, G. The plane to be operated upon is
laid in the holder or trough H, which is just large enough to receive it. The
end of the plane to be rounded projects some inches beyond the trough, which
slides in dovetailed grooves in the table I, and is moved forward a short dis-
tance after each cut of the rounding or shaping tool, either by the winch handle
J, which is connected with an ordinary slide rest movement inside the table I,
or by suitable self-acting mechanism. The ends of the two vertical sides of the
plane having been thus shaped or rounded, the cutter is replaced by the gouge,
illustrated by Figures 19, 20, and 21, on Sheet 2, and the plane is turned over
on its side, when the upper edge is rounded by the action of the gouge, herein-
before described. The heads of the screws for securing the cutters to the
slide A are countersunk in the cutters, in order that no obstacle may be
presented to the downward cut of the tools when working close up to the end
of the plane. As the shaping on the end of the plane does not extend the
whole depth of the same, the stroke of the cutter will not require to be so great
as when rounding the top edge of the plane, which rounding extends com-
pletely across the plane. In order to allow for this, the crank D may be slotted,
and the pin of the connecting rod adjusted therein, so as to obtain the amount
of stroke required.
Figure 22, on Sheet 2, represents a side elevation, full size, of a rotatory
cutter, employed for cutting out or shaping certain portions of the handles or
"toats" of planes or saws, and Figure 23 is a corresponding plan of the same;
Figure 24 is a full-sized side elevation of a second rotatory cutter, for shaping
certain other parts of the "toats," which we shall herein-after more particularly
refer to; Figure 25 is an elevation of the cutter, seen at right angles to
Figure 24; and Figure 26 is a plan of the cutter. These cutters, when required
for use, are fitted into an ordinary drilling machine or lathe. The rough blank
from which the "toat" is to be shaped is fitted on to a sliding plate or table
beneath the cutter. Figure 3, on Sheet 3 of the Drawings, represents a side
elevation, half size, of the table which carries the blank. The blank A is
clamped firmly down on to the top plate B, which has two pins C, C, fitted to
its under side, and rests upon the slotted plate D, the pins C fitting into the slot
E of the plate, as represented at Figure 4, which is a plan of the slotted plate
attached. Another slotted plate, but with a different arrangement of slots in
it, is represented in plan at Figure 5. The slots in these plates are of a form
corresponding to the particular curve to be cut. For example: the slotted plate

page_text: shewn at Figure 4 is intended to be used when cutting the curved side A, A,
of the "toat" represented at Figure 6. The slotted plates are secured by pins
Fon to the fixed plate G (Figure 3), which pins enter the holes F¹ in the
slotted plate, the table G serving as a stationary support or bed. In order to
ensure a correct parallel movement of the sliding plate B, duplicate slots are
used, the guiding pins C, C, being in the duplicate or corresponding portion
of the slots, as shewn at Figures 4 and 5. By sliding the top plate B, either
by hand or otherwise, along the slots E, it follows that the contour of the curve
which is cut by the rotatory cutter will correspond to the curve of the slot. In
cutting the side A, A, of the "toat," which is always cut square, the tool
represented in Figures 22 and 23, on Sheet 2, may be employed, but this
cutter does not quite clear out the angle at B in the "toat" (Figure 6, Sheet 3).
This is easily effected, however, by hand. The side A having thus been shaped,
the position of the partially formed toat is changed, so as to bring the side C
under the tool. As this side is rounded in place of being square, the cutter,
represented at Figures 24, 25, and 26, is substituted for the last-described
cutter. The form of curve being also different, the slotted plate B, Figure 4,
is removed, and the plate shewn at Figure 5 is fitted on to the bed G. The
slot H in this plate, it will be observed, is also made double, for the purpose
herein-before described, and contains the guide pins I, I,.of the upper or sliding
plate. In cutting the rounded side C of the toat, the cutter only penetrates
about half the thickness of the "toat," that is to say, it rounds only one side at
a time, the toat being turned over on to the other side when the first side is
completed. The central opening D in the "toat" now remains to be made, and
this is accomplished on the same slotted plate; but the sliding plate containing
the guiding pins I, I, is removed, and another one substituted, containing the
pins J, J, which work in the two oval slots K, K, corresponding to the shape
of opening in the "toat." In cutting the central opening, two holes are first
drilled through the toat near the ends of the opening D, and the cutter, repre-
sented in Figures 22 and 23, is fitted into the drilling machine or lathe, for the
purpose of cutting the oval opening, the plate carrying the "toat "being slid by
hand or otherwise along the oval slots K, K. This cutter is then removed,
and the rounding cutter, Figures 24, 25, and 26, Sheet 2, is substituted, for
the purpose of rounding the side E of the central opening in the "toat," as
shewn in Figure 6, Sheet 3. The toat is now completed, and will merely
require the edges smoothing up a little with sand or glass paper, when it may
be inserted at once into the slot cut for that purpose in the plane by the peculiar
cutter herein-before described.
Figure 27, on. Sheet 2 of our Drawings, represents a plan, full size,

page_text: of a tool or cutter for making the transverse mortises through "ploughs
and philisters; Figure 28 is a corresponding front elevation of the same;
Figure 29 is an elevation of the back of the tool; and Figure 30 is a
vertical section of the same. This tool, when required for use, is fitted
either into a press or into the vertical slide in the machine, represented in
Figures 1 and 2, on Sheet 3, which we have herein-before described with
reference to the operation of rounding-off the ends of planes. In making the
mortises through ploughs and philisters, a round hole is first drilled through
them by an ordinary brace bit in the planes where the mortises are to be made,
and one side of these holes is then cut away slightly by the cutting edge A of
the mortising tool, the circular portion B of such tool corresponding to and
fitting accurately into the round hole previously drilled by the bit. This round
or circular portion of the tool does not require to be made with a cutting edge,
as it is merely intended as a guide to the cutting edge A when working through
the hole in the plane. The cutting edge A is slightly curved in Figure 27,
but it may be made flat, as in Figure 31, if required. The interior of the
tool is made hollow, similar to a punch for cutting gun waddings, so that
in mortising the hole the cutter may readily clear itself from the chips as the
mortising proceeds, and thus prevent all chance of its becoming choked up.
Figure 7, on Sheet 3 of the Drawings, represents a side elevation of an
ordinary headstock, fitted with a small rotating bevilled cutter A, for cutting
longitudinally dovetail grooves, termed dovetailed boxing, in planes to receive
the sole piece, which is usually of harder wood than the body of the plane.
The plane to be grooved or boxed is clamped down on to the slide rest B
by the screw clamp C, and is traversed forward, by hand or otherwise, as fast as
the cutting proceeds; corresponding dovetail projections or ribs are formed on
the sole picce to be inserted by the bevilled cutters, represented in side elevation
at Figure 8, and in corresponding plan at Figure 9. The sole piece A
is secured on to the sliding box or table B between the two serrated bevilled
cutters C, C. These cutters are fast on the vertical spindles D, D, which
rotate at each end on adjustable centre pins E, E. A speed cone F is keyed
on to each spindle for the purpose of driving them by a suitable driving band.
The centre pins E work through nuts G, G, which are capable of lateral
adjustment in the slots H in the framing I. By this arrangement, any desired
width of dovetail may be cut by simply bringing the cutters nearer together,
or removing them farther asunder, as the case may be; or the position of the
dovetail on the sole piece may be varied, by moving both cutters to the right
or left accordingly. The sole piece is pushed forward as the cutting proceeds,
either hand or otherwise, and when the dovetail is formed on one side, it

page_text: may be turned over on the sliding bed, and a fresh side presented to the action
of the rotatory cutters.
grooves
Figure 10, on the same Sheet of Drawings, represents a longitudinal vertical
section of a smoothing plane, fitted with our improved arrangement for
securing or holding the plane iron in its place; Figure 11 is a correspond-
ing plan of the same; and Figure 12 is a transverse section, taken through
the central cavity in the plane. By this mode of securing plane irons the
wedge is dispensed with, and consequently the necessity for forming the
in the cheeks is obviated, while at the same time the iron is more
speedily adjusted and set than by the ordinary wedge system. A is the body
of the plane, fitted with our improved compound plane iron B, described by us
in the Specification of our Patent of the 30th of June 1854. The iron is held
secure against the hind portion of the angular cavity by the metal bracket
piece C, in which turns loosely the thumb screw D, this screw being retained
therein by a transverse pin, fitting into a ring groove formed on the end of
the screw spindle, as shewn in the Drawing, Figure 10. The bracket piece C,
which bears upon the plane iron, slides freely on the front side of the angular
cavity. The upper portion of the tightening screw D works through the head of
the pin E, which is fixed into the plane. It will thus be obvious, that by turn-
ing the thumb screw D more or less in one direction or the other, the bracket
C will be raised or lowered accordingly, and the plane iron will either be held
tight or released, as the case may be. This mode of fastening or securing
plane irons, although shewn only as applied to a smoothing plane, is equally
applicable to "jack" and "trying planes," and may be fitted with great facility
to ordinary planes of this class, which have been constructed to receive a
wedge as the means of securing the iron.
Figure 1, on Sheet 4 of our Drawings, represents a front elevation of a
mortising machine for mortising or cutting the grooves or slots in the cheeks of
the angular cavity of a plane, termed abutment; Figure 2 is a vertical section
of the same; and Figure 3 is a side elevation of the machine. This machine
is fitted with two expanding cutters A, A, which expand gradually at each cut,
and so deepen the slots or grooves 'in the cheeks as the cutting proceeds. These
cutters are attached to the slide B by small screws C, C, on which they work as
fixed centres or fulcra. One of these cutters is represented in front elevation
at Figure 4, and the peculiar form of its cutting edge is shewn by the diagram
plan, Figure 5. A small stud pin D is fitted into each cutter near their lower
extremities, as shewn in the enlarged detail, Figure 6, which represents a front
elevation of a portion of the expanding mechanism. These stud pins fit into
the two slots E, E, in the small plate F, the slots being made to approach to

page_text: or incline towards each other at their upper extremities. The slotted plate or
expander bears upon the upper face of the cutters, and is retained in
position by the two guide pieces G, G, shewn more clearly in the horizontal
section Figure 7, which corresponds to Figure 6. These guides are screwed to
the face of the slide B, which works in oblique V grooves at H, formed in the
cheeks of the side standards I, I; a spindle J screwed at its upper extremity
is fitted at its lower end into a projecting lug K on the expander. The
screwed portion of this spindle, which serves to actuate the expander, works
through the boss of the bevil wheel L, which has an internal thread formed
in it for that purpose, and this boss turns freely in the short bracket M,
screwed on to the top of the slide B. The bevil wheel L is actuated by the
corresponding wheel N, which is fast on one end of the short spindle O, shown
more clearly in the detail plan, Figure 8. This spindle works in a collar bear-
ing P, cast in one piece with the bracket M, and carries a ratchet wheel Q,
which is actuated at each ascent of the cutters by the pall R, jointed to the
lever arm S, this lever arm being forked, and working loosely on the spindle O,
on each side of the ratchet wheel. This lever projects behind the machine,.
and as it rises and falls with the slide B, with which it is connected, it comes
in contact with one or other of the studs T, T', which are fixed in a slot in
the vertical bracket U, bolted to the back of one of the side standards. The
slide B is caused to rise and fall by means of a disc or eccentric V, keyed on
to one end of the main driving shaft W, such disc having a stud pin X fixed
therein, to which is attached the upper end of the connecting rod Y, which is
secured at its lower extremity to a transverse spindle Z, carried between the
lugs a, a, which are fitted or cast on to the back of the slide B. It will thus
be obvious, that on the rotation of the disc V, the slide B with the cutters A, A,
and the whole of the expanding mechanism, will have an alternate upward and
downward motion communicated to them, and when the tail of the lever S in
its upward movement comes in contact with the upper fixed stud T (sec the
detail, Figure 9,) it will be depressed slightly, and will consequently draw over
the curved pall R. and turn the ratchet wheel Q and spindle O to a certain
extent, according to the amount of depression of the lever S, its movement
being adjusted or regulated to any required extent by raising or lowering the
stud T in its slot. This partial turn of the spindle O turns also the bevil
wheel L through the wheel N, and consequently elevates slightly the spindle
J and expander F, which, by reason of the inclination of the slots E, E,
therein acting upon the pins D, D, in the cutters, causes them to expand
slightly. This expansion of the cutters will therefore take place at each up
stroke of the machine, so that on the succeeding descent of the cutters they

page_text: d
will each take a fresh shaving off the cheeks of the plane. This action
proceeds until a proper depth of groove is obtained, when the expanding
mechanism is thrown out of gear, and the plane is set up slightly on the
adjustable inclined table or bed 6 by a tap of a hammer or a screw, and
this setting up of the plane causes the already formed groove or slot to be
widened at each descent of the cutters, the peculiar form of cutting edge
thereof serving to clear out the wood at right angles; that is, the cutting edge e
(Figure 5) of the tool will tend to widen the slot at each descent of the cutters,
whilst the cutting edge d will clear it from the cheek. In widening the slot or
groove, the third cutting edge e, Figure 5, will not of course be in action, that
is, it will have no material to operate upon. The three cutting edges c, d, and e,
however, will all effect a cut when first commencing the slot or groove, the
edge & tending constantly to deepen the slot, whilst the edges c and e will clear
out the wood at the sides of the same; as the slot or groove to be cut is not
parallel, however, but tapered, in order to receive the wedge, it is necessary to
elevate or wedge up slightly the lower end of the plane, and this wedging is
gradually increased until the cutters descend in the direction of the inclined
edge f (Figure 2) of the slot, when the operation of grooving is completed.
The supporting bed or table 6 may be adjusted vertically in the V grooves g,
formed in the inner sides of the main standards by the vertical screw spindle h
and hand wheel i, the upper end of the screw working loose in a boss cast
on the under side, of the table, whilst the screwed portion of the spindle works
through a fixed nut j bolted to the framing. Figure 10 represents a detail
plan of the table, shewing the mode of securing or holding the plane thereon;
aud Figure 11 is a corresponding transverse section of the same. The plane to
be operated upon is laid on the bed or table b, and is then grasped between
the two parallel sliding angular bars or jaws k, k, which are screwed together
by the screws 1, 1, and winch handles m, m. Small screws n, n, working
through slots in the bars screwed into the table, serve to keep the bars parallel
to each other when being tightened up.
Figure 12 represents a side elevation, and Figure 13 a corresponding edge
view, of a modified arrangement of cutter for expanding mortising machines.
According to this arrangement the cutter A is considerably reduced in length,
and is secured by screws B, B, to the bar C, which works at its upper end on
a fulcrum or fixed centre, similar to the cutters shewn in Figure 1. The screws
B are passed through slots in the cutters, so that the cutters may be widened
or set out slightly to admit of greater expansion of the cutters.
Figure 14 represents a side elevation of an arrangement of rotatory cutting
apparatus for cutting the grooves or slots in the cheeks of planes, and also

page_text: for cutting the recess in the back of the angular cavity of a plane to receive
the head of the set screw of the plane iron; Figure 15 is a front elevation
of the same; and Figure 16 is a corresponding sectional plan of the apparatus.
The cutter A consists of a serrated or toothed disc, the diameter of which
corresponds to the width of slot or recess to be cut. This cutter is fast on a
short spindle B, being screwed on to the end thereof, and this spindle is free to
revolve in the end of the sliding bar C; it is fitted with a grooved pulley D at
the opposite end to the cutter, and is driven by a suitable driving band. The
slide C works between suitable guides E; bolted to the face of the fixed trans-
verse bar F, which may be supported in any suitable framework. A lever G,
working on a fixed centre at H, and connected by means of the link I to the
upper end of the slide C, serves to depress or lower the slide and cutter as
the cutting proceeds; when the slot is of the desired length, the lever handle
is raised and the plane removed from the machine. A suitable bed or table,
somewhat similar to that shewn in Figure 2, is fitted in the machine for
supporting the plane in the requisite position to receive the cutter.
place of causing the cutter to descend, the plane may be made to rise and
fall, in which case the tension pulleys, which would be required to keep the
driving band stretched if the cutter has a vertical traverse imparted to it, will
be dispensed with.
In
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of our said
Invention, and the manner in which the same 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
for manufacturing planes, as herein-before described.
Second, the system or mode of forming the slot or opening in the soles
of planes by means of a rotatory cutter.
Third, the application and use of rotatory cutters for forming the soles of
moulding or other planes.
Fourth, the application and use and peculiar construction and arrangement
of the rotatory tools or cutters, having combined horizontal and vertical cutting
edges, as herein-before described and illustrated by Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 16, and 16, on Sheet 2 of our Drawings, for cutting slots or recesses in
nlanes.

page_text: Fifth, the peculiar construction and arrangement of machinery and cutting
apparatus employed in rounding or shaping the ends of planes, as herein-before
described.
Sixth, the system or mode of cutting out or shaping the toats or handles of
planes or saws by means of rotatory cutters and suitably shaped templates, as
herein-before described.
Seventh, the peculiar constructions and arrangements of rotatory cutters for
shaping the handles or toats of planes or saws, as herein-before described, and
illustrated by Figures 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26, on Sheet 2 of our Drawings.
Eighth, the peculiar construction and arrangement of tool or cutter for
making the mortises through "ploughs" and "philisters," as herein-before
described and illustrated by Figures 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31, on Sheet 2 of our
Drawings.
Ninth, the system or mode of securing or holding plane irons by means of
a thumb screw and bracket piece, as herein-before described.
Tenth, the application and use of expanding tools or cufters of the con-
struction and arrangement herein-before described, for the purpose of cutting
the slots or grooves in the cheeks of planes to receive the wedge, termed
abutment.
Eleventh, the application and use of a rotatory cutter for cutting the grooves
or slots in the cheeks of planes, or in other parts thereof, as herein-before
described and illustrated by Figures 14, 15, and 16, on Sheet 4 of our
Drawings.
In witness whereof, we, the said Thomas Slater and Joseph Tall, have
hereunto set our hands and seals, the Thirtieth day of June, One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.