Are there any good online sources for information on Sargent, Millers Falls, Keen Kutter, etc. planes?
My 7-year old daughter discovered my LeeValley low angle block plane, with the rear tote and ball knob installed. I can’t get it back until she has her own plane. (No she isn’t the least bit spoiled.) I’d like to get a few planes restored to user condition for she and her brother without breaking the bank. Hopefully this isn’t a passing fancy, but with a seven year old, many things are passing fancies. And, sometimes with kids things get dropped onto the concrete floor or misused. So, I don’t want to invest in high dollar kid tools. At the same time I want to encourage her.
I know everybody swears by the prewar Stanleys, and I know they are good tools. I also know other companies made quality planes, which sell for less. But, am having a hard time find any sources of information on them.
So, any recommended sites?
Replies
Here's a site for MF tools http://www.oldtoolheaven.com/
Ryan, thanks that is a very well done site with good information.
No problem
Hi Jigs,
I found that site that Ryan suggested and there is a lot of good information about Millers-Falls tools but as you seem to have experienced, not many sites that have their planes for sale.
I restored one, a #9 that my father gave to me that he got from mu grandfather and it works quite well. I'd like to add more to my herd but can't seem to find a source. If I do happen upon one I will gladly share it with you.
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Edited 6/15/2007 7:48 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres
Stanley, Millers Falls, Craftsman, and Sargeant planes were all virtually identical in design and construction and any of them would be a good tool if they weren't damaged by misuse. In fact most of my personal planes aren't Stanleys.
Stanley and some of the other makers produced block planes where the body of the plane was folded out of sheet steel rather than cast iron. These planes were made for schools since they would bounce rather than crack if they were dropped.
John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine
That'd be the number 118...well for Stanley anyways.
My 1929 Stanley catalog calls the block plane a #S18, and also list a #S4 and #S5 steel bodied smooth and jack planes. The selling point was that they were "practically indestructible".
John W.
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