I recently acquired a pretty nice, complete older 78. I’m pretty happy with it, but the nicker, when extended, doesn’t sit completely flush with the side of the plane. Retracted, all is flush. I looked at the nicker closely, and, well to an old mans eyes, the cutting tip doesn’t seem bent. But, somethings not right.
And, as I said, retracted. The entire nicker sits nice and flush. On a lark, I discovered Stanley sells replacement nickers. So, inter web to the rescue. Stanley sent me 3 nickers and a half a dozen screws. I was real happy with the purchase ‘cause I was expecting just one nicker. But, when I tried to mount them on the plane, found them to be a good bit larger than were on my 78. I’m guessing the replacement nickers are for a later model 78. The spurs are too long (maybe fixable,) but the round diameter of the core of the nicker is too large itself to ever seat in the side of the plane.
I suppose since I have 3 replacements I might attempt to file down the circumference of a replacement and fettle the length of the spurs, but if I can avoid that, well,that’s more time woodworking and less time metalworking. I’m at a loss if their are any other alternatives.
All comments, thoughts, derision happily accepted. Thank you.
Replies
I have scored parts from a dealer called New Hampshire Plane Parts...been maybe 6 years, so I don't have what I would call solid contact info.
NH Plane Parts
54 Danville Rd
PO Box 71
Fremont NH 03044
(603) 930-3948
https://nhplaneparts.com/
Thanks, MJ. I’ll try to track them down.
I bought a total beater 78 for parts, specifically for a nicker. I scored it pretty cheaply. Only problem is, I feel guilty cannibalizing an old plane...
Anybody need a 78 body, sans a number of parts? LOL
FiveBirds...Actually hadn't thought of that route. I checked online, NW Plane doesn't have anything showing on their website, I'll probably give them a call tomorrow.
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