Plane Sailing

This is an image of a Record No 77A bullnose rabbet plane.

This type of plane was manufactured continuously between 1933 and 1994, although the example above was probably made in the late 1950s or early 1960s. However, the basic layout must have been in use for hundreds of years. As a piece of industrial design, it is flawless. It fits in the hand perfectly - being about four inches in length and just over a pound in weight.

The nose of the plane is removable - by releasing the screw that can be seen towards the top of the front elevation. This is to enable the user to work right into rebates or other awkward places.


The construction is of cast iron, with a tungsten blade. The cold, hard surface focuses your complete attention on the hand in which you are holding the tool. Your entire being is reduced to your mind, your hand and whatever lies in between, connecting the two.



The Record trademark - shown in the image to the left - is printed into the leaver cap. This adds to the tactile experience of using the tool, as the letters press against the palm of your hand.

The fact that this particular plane has been used is evident from the image - you can see sawdust gathered in various nooks and crannies.


In fact, it belonged to my father. After his death, I found it in the house rather than his workshop. It is likely that he used it in the days just before he died. The man is gone, but the object endures and it falls to me to decide what to do with it.

As you my gather from the above, I have a certain affection for it. But if I keep it, I won't use it and it will rust in a draw. But getting rid of it feels like some sort of dereliction. He spent time and money and took care to assemble his toolkit. Now I have it and I don't need it but I can't free myself from the associations that it holds.