Violin & guitar makers (Luthiers) us some of the smallest planes which are typically made from brass. They go by a few different names – violin planes, Luthiers planes, thumb planes & finger planes are the names that I know of. For want of anything better – I’ll use the name ‘violin planes’. I have a few of these ranging in size from a 16mm through to 50mm long sole. Mine are all from the late 20th century and probably not considered collectors items.
My violin planes are the following sizes:
- 16mm sole length & 5mm blade width – convex sole
- 25mm sole length & 8mm blade width – convex sole
- 32mm sole length & 9.5mm blade width – convex sole
- 38mm sole length & 13mm blade width – convex sole
- 50mm sole length & 19mm blade width – convex sole
- 22mm sole length & 8mm blade width – flat sole
- 50mm sole length & 13mm blade width – flat sole & removable handle
Violin planes are designed to be held and operated with one hand. They are commonly used to work on small, intricate details and tight spaces.
Features of Violin Planes:
- Compact Size: Violin planes are typically small and lightweight, making them easy to handle and maneuver. Their compact size allows them to reach tight spaces and work on small details effectively.
- Blade: The blade of a violin plane is usually set at a low angle, which allows for precise and fine cuts.
- Versatility: Despite their small size, violin planes can handle a variety of tasks, including shaping, smoothing, and chamfering edges. They are particularly useful for luthiers for tasks like shaping the contours of instrument necks, headstocks, or small curved areas on the instrument body.
How Luthiers Use Violin Planes:
- Detail Work: Luthiers use violin planes for detailed work on musical instrument parts that require precision and finesse, such as shaping the headstock, nut, or bridge of a guitar.
- Curved Surfaces: Violin planes are excellent for working on curved surfaces, like the inside of a guitar body or the scroll of a violin, where larger planes may be too cumbersome.
- Finishing Touches: After using larger planes or other shaping tools, luthiers often use violin planes for the final smoothing and refining of surfaces to achieve a perfect finish.