Lie-Nielsen Toolworks is a renowned tool manufacturer specializing in planes and they are just an hour north of the Shelter Campus on the coast of Maine. The Lie-Nielsen tools are of exceptional quality and an absolute joy to use. When Gaius talks about woodworking as therapy, these are definitely some of the first tools that come to mind.

No. 073 Large Shoulder Plane

These elegant shoulder planes are vital tools for trimming and improving cut joints, particularly shoulders, rabbets, tenons, and grooves.

The Bronze lever cap is higher for better grip and closer to the blade bevel for better support. The mouth geometry allows for better chip clearance, while the adjustable mouth and locking screws are large and convenient. The mouth adjustment screw is captured in the front shoe and threaded into the body so it adjusts the mouth both when turned in and turned out. The captive-nut blade adjustment is very positive.

Bodies are cast from Ductile Iron, precisely ground flat and square – an essential feature for a shoulder plane. Blades are A2 Tool Steel, hardened to Rockwell 60-62, cryogenically treated and double tempered to hold a very fine edge for a long time. Blades are bedded at 18, beveled at 25, and .005″ wider than the body to ensure crisp, 90 cuts.

No. 041 Small Shoulder Plane

This is the smallest of the Preston style shoulder planes, 5/8″ wide, 5 3/4″ long. The blade is .140″ thick, and the tool weighs 1.35 lbs. With an adjustable mouth like its larger siblings, this tool is just right for trimming and fitting small tenons, dadoes and rabbets.

No. 042 Medium Shoulder Plane

About half the width and weight of the Large Shoulder Plane, the medium size is well suited for lighter work. Excellent size for furniture joinery. Body is 7″ long x ” wide. Blade is ” x .140″ thick. Weight 2.35 lbs.

No. 073 Large Shoulder Plane

A versatile, general purpose Shoulder Plane with nice heft and the best size to start with. This all-metal Shoulder Plane is based on the Record 073, which in turn was based on a Preston model. Body is 8″ long x 1″ wide. Blade is 1″ wide x .140″ thick. Weight 4 lbs.