92-02.09
Object Name
Plane, Finger
Materials
BRASS --Iron
Catalogue Number
92-02.09
Dimensions

L 4.8 cm x W 3.9 cm x H 4.0 cm
a - L 4.8 cm x W 3.9 cm x H 2.1 cm
b - L 3.5 cm x W 2.9 cm x 0.6 cm
c - L 2.4 cm x W 2.4 cm x H 2.0 cm
d - 5.5 cm x W 2.5 cm x H 0.2. cm

Description

A small metal finger plane consisting of four parts used by luthiers to make musical instruments:

a - The brass plane base is oval in shape, with a concave interior and flat bottom. There is a rectangular fixed mouth cut out of the bottom. Two curved arms, one on each side, hold the blade clamp. Underneath the left arm, the number 86 is stamped into the side.
b - A brass blade clamp. The clamp is oblong in shape with a rectangular bottom. There is a circular hole in the top to attach the thumbscrew.
c - A brass thumbscrew. The thumbscrew base is in shape, with a circular screw attached perpendicular the bottom. The circumference of the base is stamped with a cross-hatch pattern.
d - An iron blade. The blade is rectangular in shape, with rounded edges at the top and angled blade at the bottom.

History

Finger planes are used by luthiers in the manufacturing of string instruments. Each finger plane has a dedicated purpose, and luthiers typically have several to suit their preferences. These tiny planes are used for finishing touches like leveling inlay and smoothing curved surfaces. Unlike the may other planes in the collection, Finger planes tend not to be adjustible, since they each serve a specialized purpose, and simply have a clamp and screw to fix the blade in place.