Replies

1. 
   user-1119429039 | Dec 31, 2007 08:20pm | #1

   Dear rjhomeboss,

   From the dimensions you give, it sounds as if you have a #4 plane. You can learn more about such planes, and about reconditioning them, from a number of sources. One is Garrett Hack's "The Handplane Book," available from Taunton Press:

   http://store.taunton.com/onlinestore/item/070659.html

   You can also try the Fine Tool Journal, which specializes in articles and auction info on older tools; it's a good place to begin to try to identify your dad's plane.

   http://www.finetoolj.com/

   Best of luck. You're embarked on a restoration mission for all the right reasons.

   David Heim
   Managing Editor
   FineWoodworking.com

1. 
   rjhomeboss | Jan 04, 2008 05:59am | #4

   Thank you David for your reply to my query. I am sorry I haven't replied before now as I have been out of town. Old wood workers never die, they just chip away. :+)

1. 
   user-1119429039 | Jan 04, 2008 05:12pm | #5

   Good luck refurbishing the plane. I have about a hundred old molding planes and smoothers, and one shiny new Lie-Nielsen No. 4. Most of the time, I reach for one of the old tools. Nothing wrong with the L-N, of course, but the old tools just feel at home in my hand. Like an old pair of good shoes.

1. 
   rjhomeboss | Jan 04, 2008 06:31pm | #6

   I will post a picture of it after I get it cleaned up, sharpened, and tuned. I will refinish the wood, but I am not going to repaint it. This will just be for my own use and will not be put back to original colors. This way when I pick it up I will still see my step-father.

2. 
   JohnWW | Jan 04, 2008 02:50am | #2

   Rick,

   From the little bit of surviving paint it would appear that you have a Millers Falls Hercules plane. The Hercules planes were lower priced tools meant for homeowners and were sold to compete with similar lines of tools sold by Stanley and Sears.

   The Hercules planes had a green body, a yellow frog assembly, and gold paint on the blade, rather gaudy overall. The only ones I've seen had the Hercules name cast into the chip breaker, your plane may have a chip breaker from another Millers Falls plane but I'm not an expert on them.

   I own and use one restored Hercules plane and, despite its humble origins, it is an excellent tool, easily as well made as a similar Stanley and worth restoring.

   John White

1. 
   rjhomeboss | Jan 04, 2008 05:51am | #3

   Thank you John. I have since been able to get some of the dirt off using a brass wire brush. I plan to strip the finish off the tote and the toe knob. This plane apparently has been in hiding for a few years (hehe). I appreciate your information and will use it.

   Rick