Collecting Molding Planes
Despite the predominance of the router, molding planes remain useful for restoration work, reproductions, or for those who simply enjoy working with hand tools. They are often quite affordable and, when used skillfully, leave a burnished surface that is ready for finish. Because of their cutting action, they can create profiles that simply can’t be duplicated by machine. Router bits derived from traditional molding profiles often lack the fine detail and elegant curves of the original.