IMPROVEMENTS IN BENCH PLANES AND MOULDING TOOLS
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Edward Newton, of the Office of Patents,.
66, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN BENCH PLANES AND MOULDING TOOLS."—
A communication from abroad by Nelson Palmer, of Auburn, in 'the
State of New York, United States of America,
Sealed the 12th May 1868, and dated the 13th December 1867.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Edward Newton
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
13th December 1867.
I, WILLIAM EDWARD NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery.
Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the:
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BENCH PLANES AND MOULDING:
TOOLS," to be as follows:-
This Invention consists, first, in constructing an ordinary bench or other.
plane so that the throat or opening through which the bit projects shall be of
variable size to suit the pitch of the bit and the nature of the work to be
performed. In that part of the face of the plane in front of and bordering on
the throat is made an opening to receive a moveable and adjustable plate
which is capable of being moved longitudinally away from or toward the bit

page_text: according as it is desired to increase or diminish the distance between them.
A perfectly accurate bed for supporting the moveable plate or section which
regulates the size of the throat is formed by running between it and the
frame in which it is set a backing of lead or other suitable material, which
when it hardens will constitute an accurately fitting bed supporting the plate
at those points which determine its position in the face of the plane. A
perfect bed for the heel of the bit may also be formed in the same manner.
This Invention further consists in supporting the bit upon a moveable bed
whose lower end is pivotted or hinged to the frame or stock of the plane in
rear of and close to the throat. This bed is capable of being depressed or
elevated, its upper end moving in the are of a circle the centre of which is
the point at which the bed is pivotted to the stock. Its angle of inclination
with respect to the throat may thus be varied at pleasure, and the bit which
it supports may consequently be adjusted to any desired pitcb.
Another feature of this Invention is the construction and arrangement of
the mechanisms for holding the bit in position on the bed, and for adjusting
and maintaining it in and to its proper relations with the throat and face of the
plane, that is, for regulating its "cut" or the distance it shall project out from
the throat, and for keeping or preserving its parallelism with the face of the
plane. To this end an excentric disc is mounted in the frame and is provided
with a pin or stud which enters between the teeth of a rack fixed on the back
of the plane iron, so that by turning the disc the plane iron will be moved
either up or down and thus made to project more or less through the throat
on the face of the plane.
'
This Invention also consists in supporting the heel or lower part of the bit
against a solid bed or backing of metal, such as lead or other suitable material
of sufficient hardness, formed between it and the back of the throat. The
object of this improvement is to make a bearing or backing for the bit at tho
point where the strain mostly comes when the plane is in use. This object is
effected by placing an accurately fitting bed between the back of the throat
and the heel. When the bit is secured on the moveable bed its lower end is
pressed firmly and solidly against the metal backing, thereby effectually
checking and preventing any vibration of the bit, a defect to which ordinary
planes are very liable.
.
Lastly, the, Invention consists in the construction and arrangement of a
detachable and, independent cap or "break iron" for turning or bending the
shavings up out of the way. This break iron may be secured to or removed
from the bit with facility. It is further made adjustable by connecting the two
pieces of which it is composed by means of excentrics which may be operated

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Edward Newton in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 18th June 1868.
:
TO ALL TO WHOM. THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
EDWARD NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, send greeting.
'
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Thirteenth day of December, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirty-first year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and. grant unto.
me, the said William Edward Newton, Her special licence that I, the said
William Edward Newton, my executors, administrators, and assigns; or
such others ns I, the said William Edward Newton, my executors,
administrators, and 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 BENCH PLANES AND MOULDING
TOOLS," being a communication to me from abroad, upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said William Edward Newton, my executors or
administrators, by an instrument in writing: under my, or their, or one of
their bands and seals, 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 I, the said William Edward Newton; do
bereby declare the nature of the 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 bad to the Drawing. hereunto
annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon-(that is to say) :-
This Invention consists; first, in constructing an ordinary bench.'or other
plane so that the throat or opening through which the bit projects shall be of
variable size to suit the pitch of the bit and the nature of the work to be

page_text: performed. In that part of the face of the plane which is in front of and
bordering on the throat is made an opening to receive a moveable and
adjustable plate, which is capable of being moved longitudinally away from
or toward the bit according as it is desired to increase or diminish the distanco
between them. This arrangement is productive of important results, for the
throat may be thereby so nearly closed as to cause the shaving cut by the bit
to be thrown up in an almost perpendicular direction, thus obviating tho
necessity of using in connection with the bit a cap or, as it is sometimes
called, "break iron" unless in exceptional cases, as, for instance, when tho
wood is wet or very green and tough. A perfectly accurate bed for supporting
the moveable plate or section which regulates the size of the throat is formed
by running between it and the frame in which it is sot a backing of lead or
other suitable material, which when it hardens will constitute an accurately
fitting bed supporting the plate at those points which determine its position
in the face of the plano. A perfect bed for the heel of the bit may also be
formed in the same manner.
This Invention further consists in supporting the bit upon a moveable bed
whose lower end is pivotted or hinged to the frame or stock of the plane in
rear of and close to the throat. This bed is capable of being depressed or
elevated, its upper end moving in the arc of a circle the centre of which is
the point at which the bed is pivotted to the stock. Its angle of inclination
with respect to the throat may thus be varied at pleasure, and the bit which
it supports may consequently be adjusted to any desired pitch.
Another feature of this Invention is the construction and arrangement of
the mechanisms for holding the bit in position on the bed, and for adjusting
and maintaining it in and to its proper relations with tho throat and face of
the plane (that is to say) for regulating its "cut" or the distance it shall
project out from the throat, and for keeping or preserving its parallelism with
the face of the plane. These various devices are all attached to and secured
in the bed, and are actuated and operated in the manner herein-after
<lescribed.
This Invention also consists in supporting the heel or lower part of the bit
against a solid bed or backing of metal, such as lead (or other suitablo
material of sufficient hardness), formed between it and tho back of the throat.
The object of this improvement is to make a bearing or backing for the bit
at the point where the strain mostly comes when the plane is in use. This is
effected by placing an accurately fitting bed between the back of the throat
and the heel. When the bit is secured on the moveable bed its lower end
is pressed firmly and solidly against the metal backing, thereby effectually

page_text: checking and preventing vibration of the bit, a defect to which ordinary planes
are very liable.
Lastly, the Invention consists in the construction and arrangement of a
detachable and independent cap or "break iron" for turning or bending the
shavings up out of the way. This break iron which may be secured to or
removed from the bit with facility. It is further made adjustable by con-
necting the two pieces of which it is composed by means of excentrics, which
may be operated by a lever or equivalent device, so as to adjust the blade or
lower end of the cap in its proper position on the bit.
Having thus described the general features of the Invention I will now
proceed to detail more particularly the manner in which it is or may be carried
into effect by reference to the accompanying Drawings in which Fig. 1 repre-
sents a vertical central section of a bench plane constructed according to the
Invention; Fig. 2 is a top view of the bed of the bit and its attachments,
with the bit taken off to shew the actuating parts beneath; Fig. 3 is a
detached view of the toggle joint by which the inclination of the bit is deter-
mined, and the same may be tightened or loosened; Figures 4 and 5 shew
top and bottom views of an adjustable and detachable "break iron
or cap
for the bit; Fig. 6 represents a view of that portion of the face of the plano
which is adjustable and by which the throat is enlarged or contracted in
width; Fig. 7 is a modification of the method of holding the toggle joint to
the plane; Fig. 8 represents the, method of forming the excentrics used for
determining the depth of cut and parallelism of the bit; Fig. 9 is a longi-
tudinal vertical section of the plane where the mode of operating the bit is
varied from Fig. 1.
"
The mechanism for increasing and lessening the size of the throat consists
of a moveable and adjustable plate C, which is placed in the front part of the
plane so as to be flush with and form part of the face. It is supported and
held in proper position to the face of the plane by projecting ribs a¹, or by a
backing or accurately fitting bed of suitable material formed between it and
the stock or plane. Just in rear of it is the slot or opening which constitutes
the throat of the plane. This plate is made to slide in the stock longitudinally,
its motion being limited and controlled by a stem c attached to its upper side,
which stem extends up through a slot a formed in the top of the plane.
A represents the stock of the plane. The stem c has a screw thread (which
may be either external or internal) which engages with a screw thread on the
shank of a knob B which screws down on the stock, thus holding the plate in
the desired position. The plate C is let into the stock A, and is set so as to
be flush with the face thereof. This plane is what is known as a metallic

page_text: plane, the stock being of cast metal or other kinds of metal or material. D is
the moveable or tilting bed which supports the bit, and which is binged or
pivotted at its lower end to the stock a little in the rear of the throat. The
pivotted point is marked d, and constitutes the axis upon which it is moved
for the adjustment of the proper pitch of the bit of the plane, as shown. This
bed consists of a skeleton frame which carries the mechanism for adjusting the
bit both as to the extent to which its cutting edge shall project from the
throat and also as to its lateral inclination for maintaining the parallelism of
its edge with the face of the plane, and also for regulating its pitch and
locking or fastening it in its place. For adjusting the cut the bed D is recessed
to receive a rotary disc F, which may be held in the frame by any suitablo
mechanical means. The disc carries an excentric pin, to which is attached a
plate F, which has a projecting tooth i formed on the upper face. This tooth
engages with a rack attached to or formed on the under side of the bit, so
that whatever movement is given to the plate F by the excentric is imparted
to the bit. The disc E is rotated by means of a leverf which is rigidly
attached thereto; this rotation causes a change in the position of the excentric
pine which is raised or lowered by the lever f. The movement of the excentric
is communicated to the plate F, which is raised or lowered in a corresponding
degree. The bit is made to follow the motion of the plate F by the tooth and
rack; by simply moving the lever or rotating the disc the bit may be adjusted
vertically with the greatest ease and nicety. The mechanism for adjusting
and maintaining the parallelism of the edge of the bit with the face of the
plane is seen in another disc 9 which is operated by a lever h, and which also
bas a pin placed excentrically in it by which motion is imparted to the plate D.
To effect this adjustment there is a little play left for the bit in the stock. It
will be evident that the particular arrangement of the details by which these
vertical and lateral motions are imparted to the bit may be varied. Screws
instead of excentrics may be used for that purpose if desired, the object being
to give the bit the lateral motion for maintaining the cutting edge parallel
with the face of the plane, and also an inclined motion by which to control
the cut or the distance which the bit shall project from the face of the plane.
The bit and stock are locked and bound together and held in proper operativo
position by means of a togglo joint and lever, or by some equivalent device.
This arrangement is seen in the Drawing at H, and methods of connecting the
lower end of the toggle joint to the stock are seen in detached Figures 3 and 7.
J. represents a thumb wheel by which the throw of the joint may be varied
by screwing it in and out of the stock. By this toggle joint the inclination
of the bit is regulated. The detached view, Fig. 3, shews the connection of the

page_text: joint with the bed plate D; m, m, represent pivots which connect it with the
bed, and n represents a lever by which the joint is operated. O is the con-
necting link by which the two parts of the joint are united; by elevating or
depressing the bed by the toggle joint, or by any equivalent device, the plane
is adapted to a greater variety of uses, as, for instance, when cutting across
the end of timber or directly across the grain, by depressing the upper end of
the bit or lessening its angle its effectiveness will be greatly increased, as
shewn in Fig. 9. The width of the throat of the plane may also be varied in
the same manner, and for certain purposes the adjustable plate C might
perhaps be dispensed with. When the bit is to be removed from the plane
the toggle joint is thrown back by the lever n and the bed drawn down far
enough to allow the bit to be withdrawn. To give additional support to the
bit I place between it and the rear of the throat a stationary bed p against
which the heel of the bit bears firmly, thus preventing vibration when the
plane is used. This backing may be formed with the stock, or may be attached
in any suitable manner, and be made of any suitable material. In connection
with the bit I use a cap or "break iron" on its face, which is adjustable and
detachable, and which can be removed or adjusted to the mouth or throat of
the plane with the greatest facility. One method of attaching this adjustable
"break iron or cap to the bit is represented in Fig. 1, a detached view of
which is also seen in Fig. 4. This "break iron" is adjusted by an excentric
and screw, as seen in the Drawings. By means of the moveable plate C, by
which the size of the throat may be varied, the use of the "break iron" may
be dispensed with, unless under certain circumstances or when the plane is
used on certain kinds of wood.
"
The Invention is capable of being modified in many particulars, as shewn,
for instance, in Fig. 9, where the bed and bit are supported and held by two
curved and slotted arms which overlap each other.
The different mechanism which have been herein described may in various
ways be modified or varied without departing from the principles or main
features of the Invention:
Having now described the Invention that has been communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent as aforesaid I claim,-
First. The recess, Fig. 6, in the face of the plane for receiving the moveable
plate C for the purpose described.
Second. Adjusting the cut or feed of the bit of a metallic or other plane
by an excentric lever or by any equivalent mechanism.
Third. Tilting the bit on the heel by any suitable mechanism, so that the
throat may be made broader or narrower thereby.

page_text: Fourth. Adjusting the bit of the plane laterally by means of an excentric
and lever or equivalent mechanism.
Fifth. The use of the toggle joint or any equivalent mechanism for altering
the inclination of the bit, and for releasing the same from the plane, as
described.
Sixth. The bed p under the heel of the bit in combination with a metallic
or other plane, as described.
Seventh. I claim the methods herein described (or any equivalent devices)
for adjusting the bits of moulding tools or rebate planes in combination with
metallic or other stocks.
Eighth. Any of the mechanism herein described for adjusting the bit of the
plane or varying its throat when applied to a wooden stock plane as well as
when applied to a metallic plane.
Ninth. The particular formation of the face of the plane between the cutting
elge and backing p, whereby a space beneath the bit which is usually left
open is filled, as shewn.
Tenth. The ribs a' in the recess for the plato C.
Eleventh. I claim the adjustable cap consisting of an upper and a lower
plate or section connected by an excentric rod or disc, whereby the lower
section may be adjusted in its proper relations to the cutting edge of the bit,
as shewn and set forth.
Twelfth. I claim the combination with the moveable section for adjusting
the size of the throat of the knob for securing the same under the arrange-
anent herein described, so that the knob shall not only serve to adjust and
hold the section in placo but shall also be a handle for guiding the movement
of the plane, as set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Edward Newton, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, the Thirteenth day of June, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.
Witness,
J. W. MOFFATT,
66, Chancery Lane.
W. E. NEWTON. (L.S.)