Feature Studies Overview

The following pages will be continually updated with new and more detailed typing information for those interested in understanding the progression of Union Mfg Co’s plane offerings from the beginning of the 20th century. These studies will contain information gained from combination of our years of study and research as well as input from the Union collectors that have dedicated their time and finances collecting and cataloging their planes. It should also be noted that a lack of documentation from Union’s early years, especially in regards to woodworking tools, will result in a “static” study which while the study will generally stay very stable it may have some additional information added over time as new variants are added. If you wish to stay up to date as these study grows, join our Newsletter.

Birmingham / Union Study

So you’re likely asking yourself, “What does the Birmingham Plane Company have to do with Union Mfg Co?” While they were in fact two distinctly separate companies at one point, Birmingham would eventually be the driving force behind the board at Union’s decision to manufacture and sell hand planes, spokeshaves and other implements for the woodworking market. Their influence can be seen clearly in the first two types of Union’s Plane offerings.

X Plane Study

This series of iron planes was loved early on and is still recognized as one of the best engineered and finest woodworking planes available. Many planes have been made since the introduction of the X Plane, going as far back as Roman times, some overly simple and others overly complex. The X Plane series falls right down the middle and is a feat of engineering that hides its talents deep within the inner workings of the plane.