The spelling of the word "router plane" can be a bit tricky due to a combination of silent letters and irregular pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /ˈruːtər pleɪn/. Note that the "o" in "router" is silent, and the "ou" in "plane" is pronounced like "ay", as in the word "day". This specialized woodworking tool is used to make precise cuts in grooves, recesses, and joints, making it a valuable addition to any craftsman's toolkit.
A router plane is a woodworking tool used to create precise flat surfaces and grooves in timber. It consists of a wide, flat base with a narrow, vertical blade that projects out at a controlled depth. The blade is typically positioned in the middle of the base and can be adjusted forward or backward to control the depth of cut. This allows the user to remove material from the surface of the wood or create grooves of various widths and depths.
The router plane is commonly used for tasks such as leveling and smoothing the bottom of grooves, cleaning up dado cuts, or creating recessed areas for inlays or hinges. It is especially useful for working on areas that are difficult to reach with other tools, such as deep grooves or narrow channels.
In operation, the router plane is pushed or pulled along the wood, guided by hand pressure or using a fence or guide. The blade of the router plane is extremely sharp and can be adjusted to remove very thin shavings or larger amounts of material depending on the desired outcome.
Typically made with a wooden base and a steel blade, the router plane is a versatile and precise hand tool that allows woodworkers to achieve accurate and clean results in their projects. It is commonly used by carpenters, furniture makers, and artisans working with wood.
The word "router" originated in the 15th century and its etymology is derived from the Middle English word "routen" or "ruoten", which meant "dig" or "rummage". This term was used in the context of hollowing out or grooving wood, which is similar to what a router plane is designed to do.
The word "plane", on the other hand, originates from the Latin word "planus", meaning "flat" or "level". In the context of hand tools, a plane refers to a tool used to flatten, smooth, and shape wood surfaces.
So, combining these etymologies, the term "router plane" reflects the function of the tool, which is to dig or groove wood surfaces, using a flat or level blade.