I purchased this molding plane more than 10 years ago as part of a multiple molding plane package from a second hand shop. When I first looked at it I was sure this was a mismatch of plane and iron, with any old iron inserted in it by the shop owner. The iron looked to me to be part of a hollow plane, while the plane body was nothing like I've ever seen in any resources I've viewed.
I'm currently making a pair of matching frame & panel nightstands, which need to have all parts of the framework nicely rounded corners - legs, side & back panels framework. Why I thought of this plane as a possible fit for this application I've no idea, especially since it has been setting on a shelf for over 10 years. Well, I was taking a break from the project and had time on my hands, so I decided to experiment.
I tried using this plane with it's weird profile on some scrap. It tore up the wood, created tear out, and made a mess. This is the toe view, with the iron fully out as tried,
This photo shows how I set the iron after sharpening, barely visible in the V shaped sole, not any farther out than the notch of the V,
This is another shot of the profile & iron,
and another profile shot, with the maker's mark,
So, once sharpened and set with the iron sides smoothly blending into the sides of the V profile, it did exactly what I was hoping, and it performed perfectly - at least according to my standards. Rounded the sharp corners to a great smooth round over, with all components having the exact same profile since it stops cutting once the profile is complete.
In the first photo you can see the effect of this on the pieces all completed. These next two photos show the profile of a leg, the top and the foot of this tapered component,
The only other information I have is the maker's mark, it says "M. Copeland" and "WARRANTED" I'm happy with the results of my experimentation today, it's kind of like Christmas in July for me, another traditional woodworking tool to play with.
