A plane that works on the face of a board, not across the end. The iron lies in line with the sole.
Construction
The No. 97 has a wide, flat sole and an iron set nearly flush with one side face — allowing it to trim the edge of a board while referencing off the adjacent face. The edge acts as a fence.
Use
Trimming the side of doors and drawer sides to final fit. Used where a rabbet plane would remove too much, or where you need to work to a line while keeping a face reference. Uncommon tool with a specific application.