George had dropped off two Norris A5 to get the adjuster knob reknurled on one of them
Well I had to see if the $1000. Norris was a better plane than my $20. Miller Falls.
The Norris A5 is about 100 years old and one of the plane George uses at work, he’s a Jointer.
My Miller Falls is a #9 I got on E-Bay for $20. + shipping It has a new blade I made of 3/16″ A2 steel
I planed 3 boards, walnut, birds eye maple, sapele, The blade set to just cut lace. The chips and the surface of all 3 board looked the same it was a tie, but at only $20 + the new A2 blade to me The Miller Falls is a keeper if not the winner
Replies
Sequim,
I'm with you as regards Millers Falls planes. I have a #9 from my Dad and a #15 from Frosty here on Knots. Love those planes and thanks for posting about the A2 blade. Currently groveling for a Millers Falls low angle block plane a friend of mine owns - he won't sell it but lets me sharpen it for him. I think he like to goad me...........
I've toyed with the idea to upgrade/change over to an A2 blade and your post kinda reaffirms my thoughts. Think I just may pull the trigger on one, don't have the expertise to make my own.
Thanks,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Edited 3/2/2009 6:43 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres
I have a Millers Falls #22 that I put a "Samurai" Brand laminated blade and a Hock chip breaker on and it planes beautifully. Anyway I think Miller Falls planes are one of the better deals out there.
Troy
John,
Which one was a)easiest to set and use and b)the most enjoyable? And c) which does George prefer?
And: did you make another adjuster knob altogether, or skim the old one and re knurl or run a knurl into the old one? If you skimmed down the old one and thereby reduced the diameter will there be somebody who will say that you have now reduced the value of the thing ? (;)
Hi Phil
Adjusting the Norris takes longer then my Miller Falls. It is fun using a 100 year old plane.
To fix the adjuster knob I will skim it to clean metal and shrink on a knurled sleeve and silver solder it to stay.
Did you get the stuff I sent you last year.
John
John,
You are referring to the info on steels? I never got it and I think it may be because you could have sent it to my old address.I received one or two other mail about 6 months late from there because they "thought they'd better it along"....Philip Marcou
Yes I think it was about decarb of tool steel. I can resend it, e-mail me your address.
John
Thanks John.
My address is 422A Golden Valley road, Waihi RD1, Waihi 3681.
I'll let you know when it arrives.Philip Marcou
from what I can tell it's a pre-war A5.
Your friend must love the plane to be willing to spend $500-$700 to get it reknurled. because that's what a newish knob will cost in the resale value of the plane.
Joel
http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com
Edited 3/4/2009 8:51 pm ET by joelm
The one I'm fixing is not in the photos. It was made in 1919 but it looks like the A5, but the knobs and knurling are not the same.
It will be just a daily driver or he may just list it on e-bay.
John
depending on the exact model it will sell for more without the repair. THat is if the model is collectile it is worth more as is. And if it is a pre-war A5 it certainly is worth more un repaired - unless the current knob is totally destroyed.Joel
http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com
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