English Molding Plane

As with our Vintage American Molding Planes, we recently uncovered these professional cabinetmakers’ molding planes from the UK and are thrilled to be able to offer you a set of genuine antique tools that are still in prime working order. Available in two different cutting profiles, these vintage molding planes were made in England in the 1800s—perhaps the pinnacle of toolmaking on this planet in both location and era. The Complex Profile planes bear the mark of Sims of London, and the simpler English Planes were made by Edward Preston & Sons. These aren’t simple rabbet planes—they’re genuine molding planes that will cut a decorative edge on any board in minutes. Practice on a scrap until you get the feel for it (and you’ll get the feel quickly). These tools are responsive and intuitive, and they’re quicker and more convenient than a noisy, dusty router. The feel of these planes in your hand as they slice away ribbons of wood to create an ornamental edge … well, it’s a feeling you get hooked on. Use them alone or in combination to create moldings of varying complexity.