Ararat, the blade adjuster wheel and post came from a Mastercraft plastic handle plane, the blade is B-Plane, the chip breaker and lever cap could possibly be Stanley, not sure about the front knob origins, but the rest appears to be custom made (brass frame and frog, custom handle and wood base)
Show us your handplanes
- Thread starter trainman1385
- Start date
Nice. I was wondering how the tote was attached. It almost looks like "gun metal" from the pictures. I didn't notice before that the frog was brass. Cap definitely looks like Stanley. Really cool, thanks for sharing more pictures.
This one is almost @Jim C. level. Dohmeyer **** mortise plane. In the original box it was mailed in. It has a little bit of light surface rust, but doesn't look like it has been used. $0.21 postage. Plane is marked patent applied for. This one has been on the list for a long time, just never found one at a decent price. 
Attachments
Applied for the patent in 1948 and was granted in 1951 according to this.
Edit: a page from "The Carpenter " newsletter on archive.org
Edit: a page from "The Carpenter " newsletter on archive.org
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Wow! I didn’t know I had a “level“ in terms of hand plane collecting. Thanks for what I believe is a compliment. Still my collection should not be the standard by which all planes are judged. Believe it or not, there are some mega collections out there that are way past anything I could show you in terms of complexity, breadth, rarity, condition, completeness, etc. Anyway, nice find on that **** mortise plane. It’s really a great plane for what it‘s designed to do. If you go to the Hand Plane link below, on pages 17 and 18 of the thread, I did a little write up on the **** mortise plane. Thanks again for your kind sentiment and continued good luck adding to your hand plane collection.
Jim C.
Jim C.
Thanks Jim.
Definitely meant as a compliment. A plane lightly used and often with the original box seems to be the standard for your collection. I have a few, but most in my collection are in user condition. I had just spent some time reviewing this thread and was impressed by your collection.
I'll be collecting mainly users, but this one was at user price and it is an "early" example still under the Dohmeyer name. The fact that it was mailed and has the stamps on it is even better.
RTM
Well-known member
Here is a story of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. As noted in the garage sale thread, I won a bunch of planes in UK based auctions. This 311 was the most interesting, so I started cleaning it last night. Definitely a user grade tool, nickel is flaked / worn off in places, dings here and there, a bit stained. Bit of research shows its probably pre WWII, as they stopped nickel plating them at that time. The plane was dirty, and missing a blade, so I took a chance, and bought a Ray Iles blade for it from the UK, thinking this would improve the plane.
As received.
I took all the pieces apart, derusted things, polished the nickel with Simichrome, and oiled the screws. Went to put the blade in, and the cap would not fit into the slots in the body. Took at look at the boss that the lock screw threads into, the casting was kinda wonky, cleaned that up, still not going.
Bit more cleanup here and there, still nothing. Remembered I had a Record 077a, grabbed that, the lock screw was the same, but the blade was substantially thinner.
****, back to the drawing board. The Ray Iles blade is a hair wider than the 077a blade, and did not drop into the body. there is essentially zero slop in the 311 body with the Iles blade, but the 077a blade wiggles a bit. More dicking around tonight.
Here it is cleaned up. Somewhere I also have a Preston 311 nose piece, (found in original packaging at an estate sale, but could not find the plane), to turn it back into a Record 077
. Probably will never use it, but will find it and see if it fits, as the parts were numbered and hand fit it appears.
As received.
I took all the pieces apart, derusted things, polished the nickel with Simichrome, and oiled the screws. Went to put the blade in, and the cap would not fit into the slots in the body. Took at look at the boss that the lock screw threads into, the casting was kinda wonky, cleaned that up, still not going.
Bit more cleanup here and there, still nothing. Remembered I had a Record 077a, grabbed that, the lock screw was the same, but the blade was substantially thinner.
****, back to the drawing board. The Ray Iles blade is a hair wider than the 077a blade, and did not drop into the body. there is essentially zero slop in the 311 body with the Iles blade, but the 077a blade wiggles a bit. More dicking around tonight.
Here it is cleaned up. Somewhere I also have a Preston 311 nose piece, (found in original packaging at an estate sale, but could not find the plane), to turn it back into a Record 077
. Probably will never use it, but will find it and see if it fits, as the parts were numbered and hand fit it appears.I assume that as the years went by, the Record planes lost more and more of the decorative areas. The cap was apparently simplified as well. Here's another picture of my 311, just plain sides on the main part and the simplified cap. It is probably a good bit younger than your plane. It’s missing the other nose piece as well.Here is a story of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. As noted in the garage sale thread, I won a bunch of planes in UK based auctions. This 311 was the most interesting, so I started cleaning it last night. Definitely a user grade tool, nickel is flaked / worn off in places, dings here and there, a bit stained. Bit of research shows its probably pre WWII, as they stopped nickel plating them at that time. The plane was dirty, and missing a blade, so I took a chance, and bought a Ray Iles blade for it from the UK, thinking this would improve the plane.
As received.
I took all the pieces apart, derusted things, polished the nickel with Simichrome, and oiled the screws. Went to put the blade in, and the cap would not fit into the slots in the body. Took at look at the boss that the lock screw threads into, the casting was kinda wonky, cleaned that up, still not going.
Bit more cleanup here and there, still nothing. Remembered I had a Record 077a, grabbed that, the lock screw was the same, but the blade was substantially thinner.
****, back to the drawing board. The Ray Iles blade is a hair wider than the 077a blade, and did not drop into the body. there is essentially zero slop in the 311 body with the Iles blade, but the 077a blade wiggles a bit. More dicking around tonight.
Here it is cleaned up. Somewhere I also have a Preston 311 nose piece, (found in original packaging at an estate sale, but could not find the plane), to turn it back into a Record 077
Dave455
Well-known member
Thankfully, not too much digging is needed in my case.Speaking of hillbilly hamfist, look at this monstrosity! (I put the Woodyah "tote turner" on my 5 1/2). For us dirtballs who can't dig up a genuine shooting plane, this is a pretty good alternative. If I had a beef, it's that unlike a "hot dog" you aren't putting much force toward the work, so I'll probably glue a strip of wood on the outside to make a "chute" for the plane to slide in. Comfort wise, it's really great.
My Grandfather purchased this Stanley No. 51/ 52 new in the late 20’s / early 30’s from Lee’s in Tottenham, and used it extensively.
Most of the older tools I own, I tend to completely restore, but this one was always different. The tiny bit of damage it has (the tote) I can recall my Grandfather discussing, and it still has flecks of paint and lacquer from projects long completed.
I therefore took the decision to clean it occasionally, and re grease, but otherwise leave it as Grandfather did.
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milkovich
Well-known member
It's cool enough to have a 51 AND the shooting board but for it to be a family heirloom is amazing.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
RTM
Well-known member
Mine are a bog standard Stanley #4 plane, won by dad in a sales contest, probably 1968-74 vintage, and similar vintage chisels.
Dave455
Well-known member
Thanks! I feel very privileged.
Grandfather loved his tools, both owning them and using them.
He had a sideline making (of all things) resonated gongs, and bought the shooting board (he never described the combination as anything else) for producing the wooden parts in small batches.
The tool is incredibly good at the job for which it was designed. I was recently making some small boxes and couldn’t resist pressing it into service. The way the plane slides so beautifully, and the overall rigidity of the whole setup, make it a joy to use.
Grandfather had a business name he used for his gong manufacturing. Some years back, needing a business name for a project, I resurrected it. Of course, someone contacted me asking if it was the same firm, and whether I could repair their gong? Naturally I did, using all the same tools. I even had a bottle of ancient stain for the woodwork. “I expect these are all made on routers now”, said the customer. “Of course…” I replied!
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RTM
Well-known member
Here is a very HandPlane related topic, a book on handplanes. Specifically Dutch handplanes.
I started looking for this book about. 10 years ago, when I scored a suspected Dutch plane, but could not find any literature on it. This book, rare even back then, was the source of Dutch plane facts, or so it promised. I finally found a copy online for a slightly less than absurd price, so I grabbed it. Still wasn't cheap, but will be a great reference book.
Four Centuries of Dutch Planes and Planemakers by Gerrit van der Sterre, published in 2001, 264 pages, ISBN 9074310621.
The usual sections, Dutch plane nomenclature, big ones, little ones, shapes, early (pre-1600), history, planemakers by city or region, marks (guessing symbolism), and a registry of marks (My Fave). And the funny part, I opened it, and a former toolmonger I know used to own this book. Hey Trevor, RIP. So now I can provide research support into a relatively rare category of planes.
Sitting here with 45 mph wind gusts shaking the house, and then a 3.9 magnitude earthquake hit. We weren't sure of earthquake or something hit the house 'til we got to the USGS page. 30 miles ENE from here. Not a comfortable evening.
I started looking for this book about. 10 years ago, when I scored a suspected Dutch plane, but could not find any literature on it. This book, rare even back then, was the source of Dutch plane facts, or so it promised. I finally found a copy online for a slightly less than absurd price, so I grabbed it. Still wasn't cheap, but will be a great reference book.
Four Centuries of Dutch Planes and Planemakers by Gerrit van der Sterre, published in 2001, 264 pages, ISBN 9074310621.
The usual sections, Dutch plane nomenclature, big ones, little ones, shapes, early (pre-1600), history, planemakers by city or region, marks (guessing symbolism), and a registry of marks (My Fave). And the funny part, I opened it, and a former toolmonger I know used to own this book. Hey Trevor, RIP. So now I can provide research support into a relatively rare category of planes.
Sitting here with 45 mph wind gusts shaking the house, and then a 3.9 magnitude earthquake hit. We weren't sure of earthquake or something hit the house 'til we got to the USGS page. 30 miles ENE from here. Not a comfortable evening.
Old tool guy
Well-known member
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- Apr 13, 2023
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Looks like the title is both english and dutch. What is the text? And how much did you pay?Here is a very HandPlane related topic, a book on handplanes. Specifically Dutch handplanes.
I started looking for this book about. 10 years ago, when I scored a suspected Dutch plane, but could not find any literature on it. This book, rare even back then, was the source of Dutch plane facts, or so it promised. I finally found a copy online for a slightly less than absurd price, so I grabbed it. Still wasn't cheap, but will be a great reference book.
Four Centuries of Dutch Planes and Planemakers by Gerrit van der Sterre, published in 2001, 264 pages, ISBN 9074310621.
The usual sections, Dutch plane nomenclature, big ones, little ones, shapes, early (pre-1600), history, planemakers by city or region, marks (guessing symbolism), and a registry of marks (My Fave). And the funny part, I opened it, and a former toolmonger I know used to own this book. Hey Trevor, RIP. So now I can provide research support into a relatively rare category of planes.
Sitting here with 45 mph wind gusts shaking the house, and then a 3.9 magnitude earthquake hit. We weren't sure of earthquake or something hit the house 'til we got to the USGS page. 30 miles ENE from here. Not a comfortable evening.
RTM
Well-known member
The text is one column English, one column Dutch, outer column is always English. Approx $100 to my door.
Edit: added pix
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I got extremely lucky with an ebay "buy it now" a few days ago. This Stanley 112 arrived today with a special surprise...
The blade is a toothing blade. Everything looks to be in great shape.
RTM
Well-known member
Nice score. That blade adds an extra value.
Old tool guy
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- Apr 13, 2023
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Why does the logo have a heart with S.W.? I know it’s for sweetheart (wasn’t that a managers name at Stanley?) but why the 2 periods, like it’s 2 words?
I think it is for Stanley Works. They combined Stanley Rule and Level with the rest of the business I believe.
I can't wait to try it out. Now I have to be on the lookout for a regular scraper blade. It looks like it is the same as the #12 so maybe it won't be too difficult.
Edit: it looks like half the 12s on ebay are missing the blade, so it probably won't be easy.
GaryM909
Well-known member
RTM
Well-known member
I have bought some SJBTC repro blades off eBay, they work well, and cheaper than vintage collectibles. I bought #80 most recently.
Can't copy a link from the app, but
St.jamesbaytoolco
Should be their store name. No 112 blades there now.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
Can't you just file the other end of the iron--the one with out teeth--and use that for regular finish scraping?
That's the practical solution. I don't know if they heat treat the whole blade or just the business end like a plane blade.
Woodyah has some replacements as well. I might hold out to see if I can find a Stanley one. Until then I can use my #12 blade, which is also a replacement that came with it.
Nice find. Great price. I really like the Record planes I have, none are smoothers though.
bmwrd0
Well-known member
Those infill plane kits look like they would be fun. I have an infill plane that needs all the wood replaced that has been waiting for over a year.
RTM
Well-known member
And destroy the value of the SW blade? Are you insane?
And only slightly kidding. While his blade has my lifetime of use left, factory toothing blades don't show up very often. Retoothing is much harder without a pattern to start with.
I bought one coffin scraper just for the blade at $8, felt like I got a steal .
RTM
Well-known member
Unfortunately, he doesn't sell all those goodies all the time, but you can drool over things, and hope they show up on eBay.
I need to drop him a note about a couple of requests that I have not seen for a long time.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
I hadn't thought about the differential hardening--or the forge welding of two different metals.
No, you got a steel! Well, an iron at least.
RTM
Well-known member
I fought hard not to put "a steel steal*, but you pushed me over the edge
Beerhippie
Well-known member
When I asked the price of this fairly-recent Bailey 4 1/2 today, it became mine. Never leave a half-way decent plane behind for $10.
It's complete and the Japanning is about 90% intact.
Logo is the 1935-present:
The iron is in the best shape I've ever seen on a second-hand plane!
Flat, square, nice single bevel w/tiny microbevel. It was obviously sharpened on a powered disk. It'll clean up easily. Unfortunately, the disk/plate sharpener wasn't there.
The adjusting wheel is plastic:
and all the screws are steel--could this be wartime critical metal restrictions?
I think I'll clean this one up and flip it. Iron, chip breaker and lever cap are in the sodium citrate bucket. The rest will just get a light cleaning.
It's complete and the Japanning is about 90% intact.
Logo is the 1935-present:
The iron is in the best shape I've ever seen on a second-hand plane!
Flat, square, nice single bevel w/tiny microbevel. It was obviously sharpened on a powered disk. It'll clean up easily. Unfortunately, the disk/plate sharpener wasn't there.
The adjusting wheel is plastic:
and all the screws are steel--could this be wartime critical metal restrictions?
I think I'll clean this one up and flip it. Iron, chip breaker and lever cap are in the sodium citrate bucket. The rest will just get a light cleaning.
RTM
Well-known member
I always understood plastic wheel to be wartime. Looks like a winner. For $10, you did well.
bmwrd0
Well-known member
Heck, any 4-1/2 is worth picking up.
Old tool guy
Well-known member
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- Apr 13, 2023
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I like the c-clamp on top.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
Clamps Antique and Vintage
Often overlooked but an absolutely necessary tool to anyone doing anything is the Clamp. When you just need someone to hold the other end, the clamp always does the job. Honestly, I've never gave clamps much thought, until I started collecting old tools. In particular I like antique clamps the...
www.garagejournal.com
crguy
Well-known member
The WW2 adjusting nuts were hard rubber, not plastic.When I asked the price of this fairly-recent Bailey 4 1/2 today, it became mine. Never leave a half-way decent plane behind for $10.
It's complete and the Japanning is about 90% intact.
Logo is the 1935-present:
The iron is in the best shape I've ever seen on a second-hand plane!
Flat, square, nice single bevel w/tiny microbevel. It was obviously sharpened on a powered disk. It'll clean up easily. Unfortunately, the disk/plate sharpener wasn't there.
The adjusting wheel is plastic:
and all the screws are steel--could this be wartime critical metal restrictions?
I think I'll clean this one up and flip it. Iron, chip breaker and lever cap are in the sodium citrate bucket. The rest will just get a light cleaning.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
I was thinking maybe Bakelite, which mine is not.
It was the steel screws that got me thinking strategic metals restrictions, but it could also be strategic return on investment restrictions.