I have many hand planes, but this Squirrel-Tail Palm Plane is among my most-used.
This plane is a very simple tool. The investment-cast steel body incorporates a squirrel-tail handle that nestles in my palm and a divot on the toe where I can set my index finger. The mouth width is non-adjustable. Both the plane’s sole and blade’s back are lapped flat, making set-up of the tool easy. Adjustments to the projection and skew of the blade are best done with light hammer taps and it is secured with a cogwheel screw.
I use this plane exclusively for rounding over and chamfering edges, so I set the blade of this plane much like I do for my spokeshave when working on rounded parts. Instead of setting the blade so that it projects evenly on each side, I intentionally skew the blade, giving me a variable depth of cut. This way, I can quickly begin to establish the round-over or chamfer using the left side of the blade. Then, by simply sliding the plane sideways to engage the other edge of the blade, I can fine-tune the shape. No adjustments are required.
I chose this plane for the task because it is small and lightweight, which allows an easy, one-handed grip. This is how I grip the plane.
Having a small plane dedicated to chamfering and rounding over edges is certainly not necessary, but it is very convenient.
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Good to know you use it a lot. It has been on my LV ‘s “Purchase Later” list for some time…there’re still a few other planes the plow, e.g.) ahead of it on the list.