Daed Toolworks Smoothing Planes

When asked what started my fascination with infill planes, I have a very simple answer: the unhandled coffin smoother. To me, this is among the most beautiful and iconic handtool forms ever made. One of the most basic 'laws' of design is that simplicity is much harder to do well than complexity - and the unhandled smoothers are classic examples of clean, simple, and beautiful design. This simplicity can be deceptive, however, as these are some of the most difficult plane designs to execute well. Jigs and macinery do not 'do' curves well, and nearly every surface of coffins is curved.

My philosophy is that smoothing planes should be small and nimble, allowing them to work on relatively localized areas when necessary. The curved sides make for a much more comfortable plane, and the more direct contact of palm to plane provides outstanding feedback in use. The coffin smoothers are availalable in a wide range of bedding angles, from 45 to 60 degrees. For work with most North American and European hardwoods, the range between 47.5 and 55 degrees are the most useful. The extremely tight mouths and high rigidity of the planes allows them to work well both with and against the grain, and at pitches of 52.5 or 55 degrees will gracefully handle even the most highly figured or grain-interlocked woods.

© 2010 Daed Toolworks

Daed Toolworks CS1
(pictured in Honduran Rosewood)

blade width: 1-9/16"
Plane length: 6-5/8"
reccommended pitches: 47.5 - 57.5 degrees
base pricing: $1700

Daed Toolworks CS2
(pictured in Brazilian Rosewood)

blade width: 1-3/4"
Plane length: 7"
reccommended pitches: 47.5 - 55 degrees
base pricing: $1950

Daed Toolworks CS3
(pictured in African Blackwood)

blade width: 2"
Plane length: 7-3/4"
reccommended pitches: 47.5 - 52.5 degrees
base pricing: $2250

Daed Toolworks CS-T
Toted Coffin Smoother
(pictured in Curly Ceylon Satinwood)

blade width: 2" and up
Plane length: 7-3/4"
reccommended pitches: 47.5 - 52.5 degrees
base pricing: $2500