hand tool to do routed edges on board

[richlinelwood]

Hello
I've been making some signs. Is there a hand tool or technique to relieve or route around the edge of the board. Like a router, but more old world!
Thanks Andy

[Donsexton]

You could make your self a molding plane. Back in the day I used to carve a heavy rope edge around plaques and we had a wheat pattern we did if my memory serves me.

[mobjack68]

They are called "molding planes", cutter ground and sharpened to the outline of the molding or edge you want to create. Used just like a ...hmm...plane!!

The wood bodied molding planes are available at most antique stores, (and ebay) generally between 10 and 20 bucks. AND there are a ton of profiles out there, it may be hard to decide where to start. just checked ebay and there are some planes ending now that look like they may bring 5 bucks...type in "molding plane" get busy!!

[Brikoen]

The oriinal router was used alot in the coach building trade. It looks like a spoke shave, as it has two handles, but it has a single projecting tooth and an edge guide. It was made to follow the compound curves used in the fancy stuff. Check Leih Nielson (sp) web site, I think they might have one. Be prepared to lay out the same money as an electric version, but they do make great stuff. Your great gandchildren will enherit it.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I believe the Japanwoodworker - Home - The Japan Woodworker Catalog also carries them.

Dave

[markken5889]

Lee Valley also has some of those curved (concave & convex) and flat spokeshaves, and lots of (pricey) planes.

Mark

[Goody]

If you are just looking to soften the edges these work great if you spend a little time tuneing them. The blades are sharp but a good honing on a leather strop makes a big difference. It has two blades that need to be adjusted with little set screws. one blade starts the cut and the second finishes the cut. Took me a good hour to tune it but well worth the effort.
Slick Plane - Woodcraft.com

Goody

[mikeGinSC]

You can also make what's known as a "scratch stock". All it takes is a piece of hardwood for the blade holder, a wingnut and bolt to tighten the blade in position, and a piece of old saw blade or a piece of an old hack saw blade. Carefully grind your pattern. Then put a bur on it just like you would for a cabinet scraper. You might want to relieve most of the wood first with a hand plane. Then just take your new Home-made tool and run your edge. If you don't want to make your own profile, you can buy a set of beading cutters from Lee Valley for around 30 bucks or so.

Mike G. in SC

[Merle Rice]

What is wrong with a Router? Just asking. Merle

[mikeGinSC]

Originally Posted by Merle Rice

What is wrong with a Router? Just asking. Merle

I think the gentleman wants to "do it Old School". That's why I tried to explain how to build a scratch stock. Hopefully it was understandable.

Mike G. in snowy SC