In the tradition of fine English infill planes, the Lie-Nielsen 1/2-in. plane is cast manganese bronze filled with rosewood. The A2 blade is secured in place with a wooden wedge that also serves as a pad for the palm of your hand. Blade adjustments are made in the traditional way with a setting hammer.

The machining of the tool was exact: It had a flat sole and square sides, the mouth was tight, and the blade fit the body closely. Despite the tool’s diminutive size, its bronze and rosewood body provided surprisingly good heft. Too small to be a general-purpose shoulder plane for cabinetmakers, it excels as a small plane for fine detail work, miniatures, or models.

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