No 3 Smoothing Plane
Bench Planes
Manufactured to British Standards, Rutlands® hand planes are recommended by discerning cabinetmakers and carpentry instructors for their superb construction, finish and performance. Using world leading manufacturing techniques, each precision ground plane represents a serious alternative to the premium brands produced in North America. The planes use the reliable bedrock design that gives maximum stability and support for the cutting iron during use as the frog extends all the way to the sole to provide support at its cutting edge. The renowned design has a screw mechanism that allows the frog to be adjusted without removing the blade or lever cap, easily allowing the blade to be adjusted relative to the sole to adjust the mouth opening. It can be made narrow for fine shavings or opened for coarse material.
No 3 Smoothing Plane
A smoothing plane is designed for general smoothing, finishing and trimming work. With a shorter sole, it can effortlessly create a smooth surface by following any slight contours in the workpiece and reaching parts a larger plane may have missed. A number 3 plane has more precision and is used on smaller, finer projects. The plane features a lateral adjustment level that is used to ensure the blade sits square to the mouth opening. The blade can also be adjusted vertically using a knurled brass knob to change the depth of cut. The plane has an overall length of 235mm, is 56mm wide and weighs 1.97kg.
Materials & Manufacturing
The plane body features a heavy, stress relieved ductile iron casting which is precision machined to ensure the sole is flat and square to the sides. The plane is fitted with a T10 high carbon steel tool blade which can take a keen edge, and that has been hardened to RC60-64 for maximum edge retention. A thick stainless steel cap iron and a chipbreaker supports the blade against the full length frog for less chatter and tearout. The front knob and handle are made from solid bubinga wood which provides a firm and comfortable grip. ©
