Standard but not universal. I had a quick look at 18 boxed planes. Twelve are
clearly as you describe, set diagonally to the sole.. Two more may be, but are
too grundgy and small for me to say with confidence. One has grain that runs
parallel to the body. But the two snipe bills? Their boxing is definitely square
to the sole of the plane. So how unusual is that? 2 of 18 in this little sample
hoard, a pair by one maker.

FWIW
Don, still wondering how unusual it is

Stay home and save lives!

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Ghio" 
To: "dks" 
Cc: "OldTools List" 
Sent: Saturday, April 4, 2020 11:57:19 AM
Subject: Re: [OldTools] boxing of planes

> On Apr 4, 2020, at 12:39 PM, dks  wrote:
> 
> 
> Looking through my woodies, I came across a nice pair of snipe bills stamped
J. Miller 58 Grainger St. I was surprised to see the boxing is at right angles
to the length of the plane. As might be expected, the boxing has shrunk a
little, but there is otherwise no damage. I am wondering how unusual this is, as
I don't recall seeing planes with cross-grain orientation of the boxing.
> 

Standard procedure. The grain of the boxing should be at a slight angle such
that it slopes, at the top where it is inserted, towards the rear. This puts an
almost end grain against the molding being struck to prevent wear to te plane.

If this is the plane sole moving —>____________, then this is the boxing
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Bill