The Iwasaki Milled Tooth Plane Maker's File simplifies one of woodworking's most demanding tasks—flattening and smoothing the complex wedge mortises found in bench and molding planes. This specialized float features a precisely tapered profile and chemically etched teeth that transform frustrating mortise work into controlled, predictable refinement.
Key Features:
Tapered design from 5/8" at handle to 1/8" at tip
8-inch overall length for excellent control
4-inch cut length of sharp, chemically etched teeth
Textured cushion-grip handle for comfort
Milled tooth pattern for smooth cutting
Safe edges prevent damage to adjacent surfaces
Ideal for wedge mortise work
Made in Japan
Specifications:
Overall length: 8 inches
Cut length: 4 inches
Width at handle: 5/8 inch
Width at tip: 1/8 inch
Handle type: Textured cushion-grip
Tooth type: Chemically etched
Origin: Japan
Ideal for:
Plane makers and restorers
Traditional woodworkers
Tool collectors refurbishing vintage planes
Luthiers working on specialty planes
Fine furniture makers
Woodworking instructors
Advanced hobbyists building custom planes
Anyone tuning wooden planes
Benefits:
Tapered profile reaches deep into narrow mortises
Chemically etched teeth cut cleanly without tear-out
Cushion grip reduces hand fatigue during detailed work
Precise width allows access to tight spaces
Sharp teeth remove material efficiently
Safe edges protect critical surfaces
Superior Japanese steel maintains sharpness
Smooth cutting action requires minimal cleanup
Precision for Critical Plane Work: The dramatic taper from 5/8" to 1/8" isn't just a design feature—it's the key to this file's exceptional utility in plane making. Wedge mortises require precise angles and smooth surfaces for proper wedge seating, yet their converging walls make them nearly impossible to refine with conventional tools. The Iwasaki's progressive taper allows you to work the entire mortise depth, from the wide mouth down to the narrow throat, maintaining full control throughout. The chemically etched teeth cut with a shearing action that leaves surfaces smooth enough to ensure proper wedge contact, eliminating the gaps and high spots that cause wedge problems. This precision is equally valuable when tuning vintage planes, where decades of use may have distorted the original mortise geometry.
Japanese Engineering Excellence: The 4-inch cut length provides ample working surface while the 8-inch overall length delivers the leverage and control essential for precision work. The textured cushion-grip handle isn't merely comfortable—it provides the secure, fatigue-free grip necessary for the careful, controlled strokes that mortise work demands. The chemically etched tooth pattern represents the pinnacle of Japanese file technology, creating teeth with consistent geometry and optimal clearance angles that maintain their cutting efficiency even in difficult grain. Whether you're crafting a new wooden plane from scratch, restoring a treasured antique, or fine-tuning the mortise on a specialty molding plane, this specialized file delivers the precision and control that separate functional planes from exceptional ones.