Abstract: This invention relates to an articulated iron cap for a hand plane. The iron cap pivotally mounts to a hand plane. The iron cap for the hand plane mates to either a beveled down iron or a bevel up iron. One embodiment of the invention has a chip breaker for engaging the iron where the chip breaker pivots approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hand plane. A nose piece on the chip breaker may be configured to extend and pivot so as to align with the grind angle on the iron. This invention places a mass near the cuffing edge of the iron which allows for preloading the iron and dampening vibration of the iron. In turn, this all creates a smoother more accurate cut and requires less effort to use.

Abstract: A variable cutting angle hand plane is provided. The variable cutting hand plan has a base unit configured for holding an iron, wherein the base unit has a sole and a throat extending through the base unit to the sole. The base unit has an adjustable frog for supporting the iron at multiple angles with respect to the sole. A means for engaging the iron is used for holding the iron against the adjustable frog. The hand plane may have an adjustable throat. There may be a means for indicating the approximate angle of the adjustable frog.

Abstract: This invention relates to an articulated iron cap for a hand plane. The iron cap has a means for pivotally mounting to a hand plane and an articulating means for tensioning an iron in the hand plane whereas the articulating means is further configured as a chip breaker. The iron cap for the hand plane is configured to mate to either a beveled down iron or a bevel up iron. One embodiment of the invention has a chip breaker configured with a three dimensional axis for engaging a plane iron. In addition, the chip breaker is configured to pivot approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hand plane. Furthermore, a nose piece on the chip breaker is configured to pivot so as to align with the grind angle on the iron. This invention places a large mass chip breaker towards the cutting edge of the iron which allows for preloading the iron and dampening vibration of the iron. In turn, this all creates a smoother more accurate cut and requires less effort to use.

Abstract: This invention relates to an articulated iron cap for a hand plane. The iron cap pivotally mounts to a hand plane and a means for tensioning an iron in the hand plane. The iron cap for the hand plane mates to either a beveled down iron or a bevel up iron. One embodiment of the invention has a chip breaker with a three dimensional axis for engaging the iron where the chip breaker pivots approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hand plane. A nose piece on the chip breaker may be configured to extend and pivot so as to align with the grind angle on the iron. This invention places a mass near the cutting edge of the iron which allows for preloading the iron and dampening vibration of the iron. In turn, this all creates a smoother more accurate cut and requires less effort to use.