Description
Vintage Norris A5 Adjustable Infill Smoothing Plane (Beech Infill)
Post-War Workshop User | Robert Sorby Norris Cutter & Restoration Project
Woodworkers praise the Norris A5 for its incredible mass and smooth planing performance. Even a well-used example tames tricky, interlocked timber with ease.
However, this post-war example comes in untidy, honest workshop condition. This plane offers a fantastic restoration project or a bargain entry point into high-end English infill planes.
Key Features:
Original A5 Mechanism: Features the complete Norris patent adjuster. As a result, you get fine depth and lateral blade adjustments.
Beech Infill: Features beech timber infills which was originally supplied black to look like ebony. Unfortunately, the paint is now wearing off naturally.
Sorby-Made Norris Cutter: Comes fitted with an original Norris iron manufactured by Robert Sorby. Excellent English tool steel with plenty of life left in it.
Engineered Cheek Marks: The outer metal cheeks show worn engine-turning marks and the body has plenty of character from years on the workbench, but will clean up nicely.
Condition Note:
This tool needs a thorough clean and restoration. Specifically, the front bun has an old split, and a previous owner installed a screw through the wood to hold it tight. Meanwhile, the sole and metal sides show general surface grime and wear from decades of use. The engine-turning could be restored and it would be great to see this brought back to collectable condition.
Even so, all the essential mechanical components remain intact. In summary, if you enjoy restoring fine tools, this Norris A5 will reward your effort on the workbench.
