Hert Varken. (pre 1740)

Post date: 12-Apr-2017 22:38:51

This is a Dutch plane which gave difficulties for the English translator for it is called “The Pig”. The reference book ‘Four Centuries of Dutch Planes and Planemakers’ has illustrations of the pre 1740 plane. One can see small holes front and back which were for depth pins, the horn at the front is for someone to pull the plane as is the hole at the toe which allows a rope to be used. This is thought to be a non adjustable plane because the single skate appears to need a locating track.

The illustration of the post 1740 Varken shows an adjustable depth stop. Also two holes which are for the posts of the adjustable fenceThis is the plane bought at the club auction and cleaned.  In the process one of the posts which had bowed was cut and re glued. No markings were found but because it had some features, such as a skate on the fence, a more detailed search was made and the Dutch option was  tried.

As to why Het Varken was called a pig is interesting. One thought is that it was a difficult plane to use hence in the colloquial language of the tradesman it was a pig of a plane. Also it may have been seen to make a trough through the timber as would a pig in dirt. If it took two to work the plane it may well have had a poor reputation with the tradesman.

Two friends - Wim asked Jaap could he give him a hand working this monstrosity [ it can cut up to 6 1/2 cm deep ] and after a while Jaap stopped for a breather and says to Wim looking at the Varken [ this stage unnamed ] “dit varken is moeilijk werk.’ in our phrase we might say, “ this monster is bloody hard work.”  ```` so the name Het Varken came about ```` true story, maybe, I think, could be .

There are many club members with skill to use the tools they collect. Gerry is one of them. He also has the research techniques which enables him to see the small differences in the progressive history of  Stanley tools and clearly identify each ’Type’. His collection of Stanley planes and shaves is of tools which  have been restored to original condition and with his cabinet making skills he has them displayed in fine Jarrah cabinets. His story is one of bringing tools to their original glory.

 Gerry Gradisen.

Editor: Thanks Gerry for your insight  and research into one of the most interesting tools to pass through the Club auction.