Definition

1. Noun:
   • A woodworking tool: A "circular plane" is a specialized hand plane used in carpentry and woodworking. Its key feature is a flexible, adjustable sole (the bottom surface) that can be curved. This allows the tool to smooth or shape both concave (inward-curving) and convex (outward-curving) wooden surfaces, which a standard flat-soled plane cannot do.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • To shape the curved arm of the chair, the carpenter reached for his circular plane.
  • A circular plane is essential for creating smooth, consistent hollows in a wooden bowl.
  • The adjustable sole of the circular plane was set to a convex curve to work on the rocking chair's runner.

Advanced Usage

• "to use a circular plane": To employ this specific tool for shaping curved workpieces.
  • For authentic period furniture reproduction, craftsmen often use a circular plane rather than power sanders.

Variants and Related Words

• Compass plane: Another name for a circular plane, emphasizing its use for curved ("compass") work.
• Spokeshave: A different, smaller hand tool also used for shaping curves, typically on rods or spokes.
• Hand plane: The general category of tools that includes the circular plane, bench planes, block planes, etc.

Synonyms

• Curved sole plane: A descriptive synonym highlighting the tool's defining characteristic.
• Flexible sole plane: Another descriptive term focusing on the adjustable nature of the tool's base.

Related Phrases

• To plane a curve: The action performed with this tool.
  • He skillfully planed a curve into the table's apron using his circular plane.

Noun

1. a plane with a flexible face that can plane concave or convex surfaces