A+Hayward

A+Hayward

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​​​GAWP5 presents Abraham Hayward, 1750-1796, a Boston cabinetmaker, as the candidate behind the A+Hayward planes. Birch planes with wedges A and B have flat chamfers while later planes of beech with wedges C have round chamfers. The molders range in length from 9 3/8" to 9 1/2". The later planes are estimated to be ca. 1790 to 1820.

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Based on the relatively late manufacturing date of the wedge C planes with round chamfers vs Abraham's estimated working dates, a search for alternative craftsmen candidates from SE MA was initiated.* The search started with a review of Abraham and his family. This yielded a revised birthdate of 1734 for Abraham which places him further from the range of the observed plane characteristics. (Boston deed records verify this earlier date with a reference to Abraham, cabinet maker, in 1757.) Abraham did have a son Abraham Jr., but he died in 1781 which does not support the likely hood of a second generation making the later planes.

 

The search then moved to looking for other SE MA craftsmen. Four candidates have been found to date:

Ansel Hayward 1789-1863, Easton, MA, cabinetmaker 

​Ahaz Hayward ca 1807 and 1808, Milford, joiner

Arnold Hayward ca 1810 to 1822, Boston, housewright and carpenter

Amos Hayward ca 1820, Boston, housewright

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While these candidates cover the dates of the later A+Hayward planes with the C wedges, they may not necessarily account for the earlier birch planes with wedges A and B. The need for additional research is thus indicated.

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* A discussion on the craftsman behind A+Hayward planes was posted on the Facebook group "Rhykenologists   International", by Dan Linski in May 2025. The search for alternative candidates then followed.

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