During the 19th century, woodworking experienced a pivotal era of craftsmanship, innovation, and transition, with wooden hand planes standing as essential tools in every woodworker’s kit. These tools, used for shaping and smoothing wood surfaces, had already been in use for centuries, but the 1800s marked the height of their refinement and widespread use.
Wooden planes in the 19th century were typically made from dense, durable hardwoods such as beech or maple. They featured an iron cutting blade, often handmade or later machine-forged as the century progressed. Craftsmen adjusted the depth and angle of the blade manually, requiring skill and experience to use effectively. These tools came in many varieties—jointers, smoothers, jack planes, and molding planes, each serving a specific function in fine woodworking.
The early 1800s saw most wooden planes being produced by individual craftsmen or small toolmakers. However, with the Industrial Revolution came increased standardization and mass production. By the mid-19th century, companies such as Sandusky Tool Company and Auburn Tool Company in the United States began producing wooden planes on a larger scale. These manufacturers helped establish standard designs and broaden access to quality tools.
Despite the rise of metal planes—most notably the Stanley Bailey series introduced later in the century—wooden planes remained in widespread use. Many woodworkers preferred their lighter weight and the tactile feedback they offered during use. Even as steel-bodied planes gained popularity, wooden planes remained a staple in traditional shops well into the early 20th century.
Today, 19th-century wooden planes are cherished by hand tool enthusiasts, collectors, and traditional woodworkers alike, not only for their function but for their historical craftsmanship. They represent a time when woodworking was as much about the artisan’s hand as the tool itself.
Coffin Plane with S. Ashton Plane Iron
