Replies

1. 
   EdHarrison | Nov 07, 2005 09:46pm | #1

   Yes, I have a lot of Millers Falls stuff and it's all great.  For planes, the period from 1937 to the mid-1950s is best. 

   Here's one of the best old tools web sites ever done, which happens to be about Millers Falls:

   http://www.public.coe.edu/~rroeder/mf.htm

   Usually if I'm side-by-side comparison shopping between Millers Falls and Stanley, I'll buy the M-F because it'll be cheaper with the same level of quality.

   Two items where they really kicked butt are on braces (Parson's Brace w/ Permaloid grips is the creme de la creme of all braces) and on Drills (the hand-operated kind) - look for one that is referred to as the LRRCW - Little Rail Road Car Wheel - it's a long story but the web site will explain.

   Good luck, Ed

    

1. 
   zombeerose | Nov 08, 2005 06:14pm | #4

   Thanks for the info Ed. That is the same website I found, which helped to explain a little more.Thanks again.

   "100 Years" -- scribbled on the wall by a woodworker to remind him to do his best and as a warranty on his work -- "If anything I make fails in the first hundred years, bring it back, and I'll take care of it. After that, there will be a small charge. (Original purchaser only)"

2. 
   Vinsapprentice | Nov 07, 2005 11:19pm | #2

   My uncle and I used Millers Falls tools all of our lives.  They are often better than the similar Stanley Model in many ways.  But there are two levels of MFs.  One was a less finished and rugged version which was made for the more casual carpenter and the other was more refined and nicer to use - probably meant for the professional furniture maker.  For bench planes stick with the ones that have the simpler numbering system.  For example MF 9 is a Stanley No. 4.  In your case you have the one with the more complex  numbering system which is the lesser quality one.  If you need the MF Jack plane get the MF 14 or the extra wide and very rare Mf 15.  A tell tale sign of the better quality is that the better bench planes come with a two piece lever cap.  Since MF tools are not as collectible as Stanley you can find them everywhere (including ebay) for much less than the used Stanley costs.   Flea markets and yard sales will fill your tool box for the least amount of money.

1. 
   zombeerose | Nov 08, 2005 06:17pm | #5

   Thx for the history. It's unfortunate that it's the lesser quality of the two designs but so far it's worked well. Besides, I also believe that it is the skill level of the craftsman that affects the work, not the quality of the tool (although it does help ;) Thx again!

   "100 Years" -- scribbled on the wall by a woodworker to remind him to do his best and as a warranty on his work -- "If anything I make fails in the first hundred years, bring it back, and I'll take care of it. After that, there will be a small charge. (Original purchaser only)"

3. 
   Troy | Nov 08, 2005 02:03am | #3

   Have a #22 jointer plane with a coregated base. It's the same size as a #7 stanley. I have been happy with it. I replaced the blade with a "Samari" brand laminated blade and a Ron Hock chip breaker and it is even better. I think the quality is close to a stanley of comprable vintage.