Curves with a molding plane

[Tim Gillane]

I was thinking of using an old wooden molding plane to cut a simple Gothic arch on white oak (the wood's 11" wide). Since it would be on the side panels of a laptop desk, the planing would mostly be along the grain, except for the curved parts. Any tips on using the plane on the curveed parts would be much appreciated. I'll practice first on some pine, but thought someone might have some experience with this. Thanks.

[Donsexton]

I do, with that plane you got to take just a little at a time and figure out what way the grain is going in. I have 52 antique wood planes of all types I have been collecting for years.

[Tim Gillane]

Thanks! Now to decide whether to carve on the ridge of the molding and/or add a trefoil or something inside it, or to just leave it "plain" and severe ("plain Gothic" seems a little like an oxymoron, but I don't care for gaudiness, either, and this is my first "real" venture into that period).