The A1 Panel / Jointer Infill plane (Norris style).
This infill plane is designated A1 and the same profile/pattern was used through the entire range of sizes. These planes start at 13½" to 17½"
for panel planes, and 17½" to 28½" for jointers. In the Norris catalogue it states that all sizes are available up to 36", although
very few, if any, have been made at the largest sizes. Normally I recommend jointers only up to 22½" but I have made a small number of 28½"
as special commissions.
The pictures [above] show a 22½" A1 on which I used a particularly nicely patterned piece of Rosewood.
It could be stating the obvious when mentioning the importance of flatness to a plane but I have described some of the techniques that I use in my blog – which has caused some discussion (see Window to my workshop no 5).The picture below shows a 28½" Jointer.
Below are some pictures of various A1 panel planes and jointers.
The vast amount of work, attention to detail and thought that goes into these planes is difficult to describe, but I am trying to do so on my blog.
A1 28½" with Boxwood Infill
Normally I recommend jointers only up to 22 1/2" but this 28 1/2" A1 was a commission.
I prefer to make planes up to 22 1/2" but in the case of a commission I have to break a few rules. It would be interesting to know how other plane makers keep their planes flat, especially from panel plane onwards and I will be including this on my blog.
