Tough Tool Questions Answered

Q: My dad used an antique circular plane to build rocking chairs. Do they still make this tool today? —Mike Penrose, Wylie, Texas

A: Circular planes, also called compass planes, have a flexible steel sole that can be adjusted to smooth both convex and concave surfaces such as wood wheels, boat parts, and staircases. This one, a Stanley #113, dates back to 1877. It was discontinued in 1942. The closest thing to it that's being made today is a Kunz #113, which can be found in specialty woodworking catalogs and online.