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Plane mark

Definition

A surface trace left by a hand or machine plane, showing the arc of the blade stroke and any irregularities such as nicks. In Koehler's analysis, a nicked blade on a specific planer in a South Carolina mill left a repeated ridge pattern on the ladder rails that could be matched back to the machine.

Related terms

Crossgrain
A condition in which the wood fibres run at an angle to the long axis of the piece. In Rail 16, Koehler...
Grain matching
The physical comparison of growth-ring pattern and fibre direction at a fracture or cut surface to an adjacent piece of wood. Because...
Rail 16
Koehler's designation for the left side rail of the bottom section of the Lindbergh ladder. The rail that was matched by grain,...
Supply chain tracing
In Koehler's investigation, the process of tracking the ladder lumber from the sawmill of origin through the distribution network to the retail...
Tool-mark analysis (wood)
Examination of surface marks left by cutting, planing, or shaping tools to identify the tool type, size, and individual characteristics of the...

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