This plane is based on the old wooden planes of yesteryear. I use it to cut the dovetails on the wooden patchbox lids. Shown in the first picture is the plane in action, cutting the dovetails on a scrap. The beauty of this tool is that you can fit the lid to your box opening, one shaving at a time.
The depth of the dovetail is controlled here, by sliding the fence up or down on the body of the plane.
The 'bit' is a piece of )-1 tool steel, filed to shape, then hardened.
Completely apart, all pieces in view.
Now here are some CAD drawings I made. If you want them, you can get these in PDF format. click on the link below.
New: Download the PDF's direct from my blog:
http://thosmachine.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/wooden-plane-for-wooden-patchbox/I can also bring this plane with me to Dixon's...just ask. It's nice to see the thing in the flesh, answers a lot of questions.