Show us your handplanes

[MisterEd]

We know a lot less than a little about Planes, but this No. 78 had to come home with us.

 

[RTM]

We know a lot less than a little about Planes, but this No. 78 had to come home with us.

Nice. Looks like it’s all there. Some put a clip in the hole on the shaft to keep the fence from falling off and breaking if accidentally left untightened.

 

[Movin/on]

I was given a couple of boxes of tools and included was a Bailey handplane. Taking it apart I found it's a No. 5 1/2 and has a Patent date of April 10. I'm going to clean it up and polish the base but cannot get the handle off. The front knob came right off after I removed the screw. The handle however is stuck, screw removed, and I don't want to pound or pry on it. Is there a method to remove the handle? Pictures soon.
The bed is grooved 15" long 2-3/4" wide and the blade measures 2"

Movin/on

 

[ararat]

I was given a couple of boxes of tools and included was a Bailey handplane. Taking it apart I found it's a No. 5 1/2 and has a Patent date of April 10. I'm going to clean it up and polish the base but cannot get the handle off. The front knob came right off after I removed the screw. The handle however is stuck, screw removed, and I don't want to pound or pry on it. Is there a method to remove the handle? Pictures soon.
The bed is grooved 15" long 2-3/4" wide and the blade measures 2"

Movin/on

I've never encountered that before. I've had the screw rusted into the base. You could try to rock the handle to one side to see if it will break free or run a razor blade between the wood and the base. Maybe someone glued it to the base.

 

[MiteyF]

I'd try giving a couple half assed knocks with a soft mallet on the sole and cheeks (carefully of course) and see if it doesn't come free

 

[Movin/on]

I finally got it off. Checking closely there was a wood cap on the top of the handle and was covered with grease and sweat. It had 2 tiny brads in it so I Pry'd the cap with a box cutter, of course it broke. Under that was a #12 bolt that went down through the handle and threaded into the bed. So, it's off and now to sanding the wood and polishing the metal. The cap broke int 2 pieces so I can epoxy it together,
Movin/on

 

[crguy]

I finally got it off. Checking closely there was a wood cap on the top of the handle and was covered with grease and sweat. It had 2 tiny brads in it so I Pry'd the cap with a box cutter, of course it broke. Under that was a #12 bolt that went down through the handle and threaded into the bed. So, it's off and now to sanding the wood and polishing the metal. The cap broke int 2 pieces so I can epoxy it together,
Movin/on

That cap is not original, leave it off. Some sort of weird modification.

 

[MisterEd]

If you’ve ever used Hans Brunner Tools’ “A guide of Stanley planes by numbers” be aware it will all disappear August 2025.

https://www.hansbrunnertools.com/

 

[Movin/on]

Another plane I've had in my Mich. garage and now 22 years in my shop in Oregon. It's from what I can tell (hard to make it out) it's a Pratt Co. plow plane with a 99 at the top of the logo side. The blade has a 1/4 " plow cutter.
Movin/on

 

[crguy]

Another plane I've had in my Mich. garage and now 22 years in my shop in Oregon. It's from what I can tell (hard to make it out) it's a Pratt Co. plow plane with a 99 at the top of the logo side. The blade has a 1/4 " plow cutter.
Movin/on

Can you post a closeup of the markings on the end of the plane? Do you have more antique tools?

 

[Movin/on]

Can you post a closeup of the markings on the end of the plane? Do you have more antique tools?

Best I can do right now. I use a Nikon D3100 camera download it to my computer and use Irfanview (free program) to resize and adjust colors/contrast. The N Fountain seems to be the user since it's stamped on both ends.
Movin/on
As far as antique tools, mostly body work tools or those specialty tools I make. Slip roller, bead roller, English wheel, and other antique tools I've modified.

 

[MisterEd]

Irfanview (free program)

 

[RTM]

it's a Pratt Co. plow plane with a 99 at the top of the logo side. The blade has a 1/4 " plow cutter.

Wow, 1830 to 1860 or so. Nice get.

 

[ararat]

Another plane I've had in my Mich. garage and now 22 years in my shop in Oregon. It's from what I can tell (hard to make it out) it's a Pratt Co. plow plane with a 99 at the top of the logo side. The blade has a 1/4 " plow cutter.
Movin/on

Looks like the screw knobs are apple wood or another fruit wood. Really nice. I would give it some boiled linseed oil if it were mine.

 

[crguy]

Best I can do right now. I use a Nikon D3100 camera download it to my computer and use Irfanview (free program) to resize and adjust colors/contrast. The N Fountain seems to be the user since it's stamped on both ends.
Movin/on
As far as antique tools, mostly body work tools or those specialty tools I make. Slip roller, bead roller, English wheel, and other antique tools I've modified.

Interesting that it was stamped upside down. Yes, Fountain is an owners stamp.

 

[Eric Brown]

I got this interesting plane. It is marked with raised lettering in front of the tote with P3912. It is also marked under the lever cap with stamped P3913 and stamped again on the bottom of the lever with P3914. The body is 2 1/8" wide, 8 3/4" long. There is a 3/16" rod going across for the lever cap to push against. The blade is 4 3/8" long, 1 5/8" wide, and 1/16" thick. It has a 1/8" hole. The handles are pressed onto tapering square posts about 3/8" with no other hardware. The lever cap has several interesting details. It has grooves on the top outer edges to engage the rod going across the body. It also has no spring like on other makes. Another interesting detail is the blade supports are part of a U shaped part of the casting. I think the intention was for the lever to deform the thin blade across three points to minimize vibration. The earlier models had no chip breaker.

So who made it? Not sure, but my best guess is Shelton. Shelton had several patents, 1914609 (June 20, 1933), 1929604 (Oct 10, 1933) and 2423713 (July 8, 1947). These primarily delt with different ways to adjust the blade. The earlier ones used a square hole in the blade, then a round hole, followed by a Stanley/Bailey copy. Shelton was sold to Stanley in 1954. The nickel plated Shelton has a P4 on the main casting. Coincidence?

I'm thinking this was something of a "prototype" to prove a concept. Perhaps the designers were told to make an inexpensive plane but it had to have a lever cap.

Anybody have more info?

 

[crguy]

I got this interesting plane. It is marked with raised lettering in front of the tote with P3912. It is also marked under the lever cap with stamped P3913 and stamped again on the bottom of the lever with P3914. The body is 2 1/8" wide, 8 3/4" long. There is a 3/16" rod going across for the lever cap to push against. The blade is 4 3/8" long, 1 5/8" wide, and 1/16" thick. It has a 1/8" hole. The handles are pressed onto tapering square posts about 3/8" with no other hardware. The lever cap has several interesting details. It has grooves on the top outer edges to engage the rod going across the body. It also has no spring like on other makes. Another interesting detail is the blade supports are part of a U shaped part of the casting. I think the intention was for the lever to deform the thin blade across three points to minimize vibration. The earlier models had no chip breaker.

So who made it? Not sure, but my best guess is Shelton. Shelton had several patents, 1914609 (June 20, 1933), 1929604 (Oct 10, 1933) and 2423713 (July 8, 1947). These primarily delt with different ways to adjust the blade. The earlier ones used a square hole in the blade, then a round hole, followed by a Stanley/Bailey copy. Shelton was sold to Stanley in 1954. The nickel plated Shelton has a P4 on the main casting. Coincidence?

I'm thinking this was something of a "prototype" to prove a concept. Perhaps the designers were told to make an inexpensive plane but it had to have a lever cap.

Anybody have more info?

Not a prototype. Just one of a number of cheap "generic' planes produced for the homeowner market.

 

[Eric Brown]

Not a prototype. Just one of a number of cheap "generic' planes produced for the homeowner market.

But who sold it and when?

 

[Old tool guy]

I remember irfanview fro 20 yrs ago.

 

[Old tool guy]

I have found what i think is a stanley 113 compass plane in an antique store, appears to be complete and in good condition. The previous owner had built a wooden box to store it in. What would be a fair price?

 

[Beerhippie]

I remember irfanview fro 20 yrs ago.

And it's still one of the best (and freest) photo viewers/simple editors out there!

I wonder if the designer still asks users to pray for his GF? Maybe it's his wife now....

 

[crguy]

I have found what i think is a stanley 113 compass plane in an antique store, appears to be complete and in good condition. The previous owner had built a wooden box to store it in. What would be a fair price?

I could tell you all about it if you'd post pictures.

 

[crguy]

But who sold it and when?

As a collector, planes like that aren't something I care enough about to figure out who made/sold it. Too low end.

 

[RTM]

I have found what i think is a stanley 113 compass plane in an antique store, appears to be complete and in good condition. The previous owner had built a wooden box to store it in. What would be a fair price?

I got mine for $100 a decade or more ago, I would expect them to go for that still, a decade later. No pic of the user made box I got with it.

 

[CRSINMICH]

Old tool guy: I don't remember exactly what I paid for mine 8 or 10 years ago but it wouldn't have been any more that what RTM posted.

 

[Old tool guy]

I got mine for $100 a decade or more ago, I would expect them to go for that still, a decade later. No pic of the user made box I got with it.

He’s asking $100 so apparently that’s close to reasonable. I’ll try to get pictures.

 

[RTM]

He’s asking $100 so apparently that’s close to reasonable. I’ll try to get pictures.

Check blood and gore for the things to look for on that, what breaks, etc

The Superior Works - Patrick's Blood & Gore: Planes #90 - #100

 

[crguy]

He’s asking $100 so apparently that’s close to reasonable. I’ll try to get pictures.

The 113s were made for many years so the value varies over time, as well as with condition.

 

[milkovich]

Estate sale 606C. If you’re cold they’re cold, bring them in (to your collection), needs some work on the adjuster wheel, but I should have one of those in the hoard. I always seem to find the 6s and never the 4 1/2 I want.

 

[Beerhippie]

@milkovich : I had to replace the adjuster knob on my #5. I was able to find the exact same one (just like yours) on a Monkey Wards plane!

 

[milkovich]

@milkovich : I had to replace the adjuster knob on my #5. I was able to find the exact same one (just like yours) on a Monkey Wards plane!

I can’t part out a wards master, I love those! I have a stash of parts from planes that turned out to have cracked soles.

 

[Beerhippie]

I can’t part out a wards master, I love those! I have a stash of parts from planes that turned out to have cracked soles.

Let me know if you want the rest of that Ward's!

 

[milkovich]

Let me know if you want the rest of that Ward's!

I already found a correct small wheel in my stash but don't throw it out! All the hardware and furniture are Stanley parts, the only parts that aren't are the lever cap and lateral adjuster. If you don't feel the need to hoard it, I'd gladly pay the shipping using pirate ship.

 

[Beerhippie]

I already found a correct small wheel in my stash but don't throw it out! All the hardware and furniture are Stanley parts, the only parts that aren't are the lever cap and lateral adjuster. If you don't feel the need to hoard it, I'd gladly pay the shipping using pirate ship.

I'll have to dig out the parts--it's under the bench right now--and see what size it is. I'm thinking 4"?

 

[ararat]

Picked this one up last week. It was in with a group of Handyman block planes.

The Davis Level and Tool Co made these from about 1875 to 1884. This one is missing the screws from either side of the blade that are part of the adjustment mechanism. Maybe if the threads aren't too weird, I can make some replacements. I'll post some after photos after I get it cleaned up.

They seem to be pretty rare, but not very collectable looking at what they have sold for online. The Davis levels are like works of art. The planes aren't as fancy.

 

[crguy]

Picked this one up last week. It was in with a group of Handyman block planes.

The Davis Level and Tool Co made these from about 1875 to 1884. This one is missing the screws from either side of the blade that are part of the adjustment mechanism. Maybe if the threads aren't too weird, I can make some replacements. I'll post some after photos after I get it cleaned up.

They seem to be pretty rare, but not very collectable looking at what they have sold for online. The Davis levels are like works of art. The planes aren't as fancy.

Scarce plane, but not real high value these days. Came in 3 sizes, I have owned several. Some have the patent date stamped in the side. I made some of those lateral screws years ago, seems like they were maybe 5-40 thread? Your handle is a replacement of course. I specialized in Davis levels for years.

 

[RTM]

made some of those lateral screws years ago, seems like they were maybe 5-40 thread

Wow, bad enough with odd thread, but a knurled nut too. Buddy of mine made one for me for a 54 spokeshave, as practice, but not with that skinny thread.

Can you post a better pic of where they go on the plane? Can’t visualize it. Oops, never mind, just found it on @ararat ’s plane.

 

[Fred Knox]

I thought I would post some photos of my Vaughan & Bushnell (V&B) 903 (same size as Stanley No. 3) ‘Vanadium” bench plane. I finally got it out and cleaned it up including the great-looking walnut tote and handle. The frog was evidently designed to compete with the Stanley Bedrock’s advanced frog system and does look similar. The 900 series of planes were advertised as the firm’s full finished top of the range line, and were recommended for the best carpenter trade. They featured a non-rusting nickel finish on the outside of the body, as well as the blade, cap iron and lever cap. The iron in the V&B Drop Forged Unbreakable Steel Planes are manufactured from one solid piece of Special Analysis Vanadium Steel (not sure what that is, but the cutter is sharp and in great shape). See markings/logo on iron photo.

 

[Old tool guy]

Found this for $13, very good condition except the blade is missing. It’s an Hubbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co cabinet scraper, marked OVB which is Our Very Best. HSB was a very large hardware store in Chicago, their catalogs ran 200+ pages. They started in the late 1800‘s and in 1932 started selling tool branded True Value. They sold the business in 1962 and it continued as True Value Hardware. Sales were $30 mil in 1948 which to me is a lot of money for the time.

The catalog page is from the 1923 edition. Patent date on mine is Nov 6, 1906. Catalog says it will hold up to a 3” blade, i stuck a 2-3/8 x 6 card scraper in it for illustration. I think inwill find an old saw and cut a blade. You can loosen the handle and the head swivels. The j bar on the front tightens the cam clamp, i think the wide c handle is for pressing down on the wood.

 

[ararat]

I have the Sargent No 52 scraper. Not as fancy.