I've bought some old wooden molding planes during the past year, and
before wrecking them I have a question: there is a metal depth stop
that runs through the body to the sole. These seem totally stuck on all
my planes. Is this metal depth stop meant to be adjustable at all? The
irons themselves are adjustable for depth, but these depth stops (I am
assuming they are depth stops) just don't budge at all. Any
suggestions?

Kevin in Massachusetts

Yes, the brass [or steel] shoe is used to control the depth of cut and
is gradually raised until the cutter has reached the desired depth.
Probably needs an application of penetrating oil and some wiggling to
break the rust bond loose.
Bugs

Does the "depth stop" have a sharp edge? If
so it's a "knicker", not a depth stop. It severs
the wood on the side of the cut to minimize
splintering

charlie b

wrote:

I've bought some old wooden molding planes during the past year, and
before wrecking them I have a question: there is a metal depth stop
that runs through the body to the sole. These seem totally stuck on all
my planes. Is this metal depth stop meant to be adjustable at all? The
irons themselves are adjustable for depth, but these depth stops (I am
assuming they are depth stops) just don't budge at all. Any
suggestions?

Kevin in Massachusetts

Sounds like a nicker. It cleanly cuts the edge of the groove.

Dave

wrote:
I've bought some old wooden molding planes during the past year, and
before wrecking them I have a question: there is a metal depth stop
that runs through the body to the sole.

I've never seen a moulding plane with a depth stop.
This sounds like a "joint making" plane, like a rebate,
or plough.

BugBear