A common method of drawer construction is to plow grooves into the drawer sides and front to capture the drawer bottom, which is then slid in from the back. The drawer bottom plane is a dedicated fixed plow plane to do cut these grooves quickly and easily with minimal set up. It cuts a groove 1/4″ wide and 1/4″ deep, inset from the edge 1/4″. The fence and depth stop are fixed so cuts are consistent and repeatable. This plane employs a steel skate for long life, and this skate engages into a groove in the back of the iron to ensure it locates to the same setting when the iron is removed from the plane. It is adjusted the same as any other side escapement plane except for the fact the iron locates on the skate rather than the blind side of the mortise. The iron is O-1 tool steel and is bedded at 50 degrees, enabling heavy cuts to be taken if desired. Made of quarter sawn beech. Price is $295. Like all of our planes, it is sharp and ready to use right out of the box.
We also are now offering a kit to make your own drawer bottom plane which includes a full size plan, tapered iron, two piece skate, and mounting screws. Learn more here.
