Square Ovolo - Essentials of a Cabinetmakers Tool Kit

When it comes to choosing the right moulding plane profiles for a basic tool kit it can seem confusing, especially for someone new to using them. There are the traditional hollows and rounds that everyone seems to talk about. However, where to start with those can be even more overwhelming for the novice. I don't blame anyone for thinking that maybe they shouldn't even start down this path at all.

However, the good news is that, with a few dedicated profile moulding planes, you can cut most all of the mouldings that are used day in and day out in the shop. These planes are also nice, in that they have an integral fence and depth stop, unlike hollows and rounds, so their use is very straight forward. 

Beading planes are the first place to start. They were, no question, the most commonly made dedicated profile plane. Once your tool chest had a few of those in it, the next would likely be an ovolo, closely followed by an ogee. The shape of the profile might vary somewhat, depending on the time period of the tool, but you could never go wrong with a square ovolo.

With that in mind, I will be offering square ovolos in both the 1/4" and 3/8" sizes soon. If I had to choose only one it would probably be the 1/4" since it is surprising where you will find a use for it.

So where would you likely use an ovolo? One of the most common uses for any ovolo would be on the plinth or base of a piece of case work. The photo below is an example of an ovolo profile on a six board chest. It is approximately 1/4" in size. How do I know? Well, I actually had the chance to study the very Mathieson plane that made this profile. Chris Schwarz offered to lend it to me for part of my research in making planes appropriate to cabinetmaking. Interestingly the plane was stamped 3/8" on the heel but it was so worn down from years of use that it measured about 1/4" square.

Six board chest

Close up of C. Schwarz ovolo plane profile from six board chest

I look forward to offering these planes very soon. I will provide details regarding pre-orders on these planes in a forthcoming post. Thanks for your patience!

P.S. For you planemakers out there, I do plan to share the details of Chris's Mathieson plane so, if you'd like, you can make one for yourself. It might take me a while to get the information compiled in a blog post, so please be patient with me.