Why do they call it a frog? Is it suppose to look like frog? Anyone know the origins of this?
Mike
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Replies
Check out http://www.woodcentral.com . I believe they have a article on just this question in their hand-tool section.
-Ryan C.
Yup here it is http://www.woodcentral.com/cgi-bin/readarticle.pl?dir=handtools&file=articles_696.shtml
Thanks RyanC. I apprieciate it!
No problem...just putting that photographic memory of mine to work.
-Ryan C.
Interesting...
I have a photographic memory too!
But, the lense is blurry and its only about a quarter-Megapixel!
David C
Hi Mike,
Being new to the slope I would like to know how many different styles/types of frogs there are? Are there frogless planes?
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
the only two styles of frogs I know of are a regular 45 degree pitch frog which is found on typical bench planes and a York style frog that's pitched around 50 degrees for planing figured wood. Some planes like Japanese planes or old wooden planes don't have a frog at all. Just a slope that's cut into the body of the wood that holds the blade at the appropriate angle. I have seen some old junky planes like Dunlaps where the frog was incorporated into the body but they're so poorly made I wouldn't recomend them for daily use.
mike
The reason I asked was that I have a plane that has a frog of a design that I've not seen before. I will readily admit that I've not yet establishesd my status as much beyond a newbie on the slippery slope, but am working on it.
Will post a pic for you ASAP and thank you for your response.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Might I suggest "The Handplane Book" by Garrett Hack. It should be available at the local public library or can be purchased through The Taunton Press.
It is a terrific read and chock full of fantastic information with awesome pictures of every plane imagineable. He describes how to tune and modify planes ...
Great reading for any skill level.
Best regards,
Frank
The bed angle can be about anything. Some of the infill plans were made with 47 deg. I have made some Krenov style planes with a 60 deg bed (frog..), for some very figured walnut. 45 and 50 are common but by no means the only angles out there.
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I also recommend hack’s book on planes, it’s a great reference.
and froe,
Thanks, I have it on order. Can't wait to peruse its contents.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
This plane that I have has no markings on it. It has a frog that I'm not familiar with, not that I'm all knowing.
It appears to be attached to the body of the plane at 45°. Any suggestions?
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Anymore pictures? Look pretty interesting.
It looks like a type 3 Stanley. If so, it's a pretty rare plane. A few more photos would help. Does it have "Boston Bailey" stamped into the face of the depth adjustment knob?
and RyanC,
I'll get more tonight and post tomorrow or perhaps later this evening.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
That's a Type 3 or 4 Stanley (I forget which). Very valuble plane! Definetly don't use it if that was your intent.
All I've done to this point is take it apart and clean off the crap (shavings, oil, etc.) with a toothbrush. I noticed that the frog was of a geometry that I'd never seen before.
Have any thoughts as to it value? From what I've found on the WEB so far is $90 - $115.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
If it's a Stanley No 3 (which I think it is) and it's in Good condition it could bring about $100-150 if not more. It all depends on how good of shape in it's in. Are the handles clean from any cracks or chips? How much blade is left and what trademark is imprinted on the blade? Is the body broken or cracked anywhere? Is the sole corrugated? If it is corrugated, add $50 to what I said it's worth.
mike
Mike,
The tote is cracked in half, the knob is good. It does not have a corrugated sole. The blade, chip breaker and lever cap all appear to be in good shape.
Should I try to get the rust off? I can dip the blade, chip breaker and lever cap in vinegar to remove the bulk of the rust.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
remove the rust and glue the tote back together.... steel wool works well but takes some elbow grease to get it clean.. show me what it looks like when you're done.
mike
Mike,
I have the blade, chip breaker and lever cap soaking in vinegar and will clean them up tonight. I expect thay will be rust free by tonight. As for the body I like to use various grits of sandpaper glued to float glass, which is prayed with WD-40. Works very well.
Right now trying a mixture of vinegar and flour, in a slurry for the sides and sole. Will take more pics as well.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Bob,There's a lot of difference between "Type 3" and "number 3." A type 3 is an early plane and one that happens to be pretty rare. A Type 3, number 3 is worth between $300 and $800 (maybe more) depending on condition. Cleaning and/or repairing it can cost you. Stanley didn't make corrugated planes early enough for a Type 3 to have one.I was wrong in my earlier post, it won't say "Boston Bailey" on the depth adjustment knob. It'll say "Bailey's Patent." Make sure what you have before you mess with it.
Holy Bat, Sh*$man!
I hope I haven't ruined it! I will wipe off the slurry ASAP. Just wipe it off, nothing more.
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
I doubt you ruined it. I knew that thing was worth some money, just didn't know how much without researching into it. I would still carefully glue your tote back together if it's broken in two but that's your call. Enjoy the plane! Good find!
Edited 4/2/2007 4:35 pm ET by mvflaim
Edited 4/2/2007 6:34 pm ET by mvflaim
First off, I'd like to thank all of you folks for the help.
After removing more of the goop so I might find some identification here's what I found stamped/etched or whatever process they used back then:
Adjustment Knob: Bailey's Patent Aug. 1, 1858 Aug. 6, 1867 (August must have been a good month for Mr. Bailey, also my birthday month!)
Blade: Stanley Rule (in an arc) and & Level Co. (straight line) underneath.
Chipbreaker: L Bailey's Patent Dec. 24, 1867 (Imagine that, Christmas eve)
Here are some more pics to feast on. Hope it's not premature but I think I might have a bit of bubbly!
Best Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Well Bob, congratulations.I'm not a big fan of Stanley planes but my impression is that Type 3 planes are more scarce than the desirable split frame Bailey's. All Type 3 planes had #3 sized frogs in them so the #3 is the only one of the Type 3 planes that look properly proportioned to me. Stanley didn't make #1 or #2 Type 3 planes.If it were my plane, I wouldn't try to glue the tote. This often results in misalignment that hurts the plane's value more than a broken tote. If you're going to sell it, let the buyer muck it up in their own way. From the photos, the knob looks in real good shape and most of the original finish looks intact. You might forward your photos to Clarence Blanchard at the Fine Tool Journal for a pretty good idea of the plane's value. Clarence is an ethical, honest guy if you decide to sell and will get a good price for the plane at one of his auctions. He'll charge you a fee but he'll also minimize the risk of it selling too low. He's also one of the true Stanley experts out there.Keep in mind that I don't collect Stanley planes and I'm just shooting from the hip with no research. What I've said here could be as wrong as my "Boston Bailey" blunder.Edited 4/2/2007 8:48 pm by lwilliams
Edited 4/2/2007 8:50 pm by lwilliams
Larry (I think),
I want to thank you very much for your help and ALL who have contributed. I'm not sure what I will do with it. First thoughts that come to mind are to make sure it remains as is and be an inheritance for a family member. I would also say that 99% of the japanning is intact, just a couple minor chipouts on the nose.
It will DEFINITELY NOT be used!
P.S. I would think that applying a coat or two of Butchers wax on all exposed metal parts would not be a problem?
Best Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Edited 4/2/2007 9:03 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres
Fascinating!!!!!
I am in the processof restoring a Type 1 (I believe) Stanley #51/52 (1893). The frog off mine (like many) has been repaired. I have been looking for a replacement (or will cast another).
The frog off this #3 is the closest thing I have seen to the #51. Below is a standard #3 frog along with a #51 frog (of a friend) and below is the very early #3 frog (from above):
View Image
Of course it lacks the lateral lever ...
Regards from Perth
Derek
Derek,
Mine looks exactly like the lone one in your pics. Mine too is sans lateral adjuster.
This plane business is beginning to be a lot more fun than I anticipated, It's almost like they all have a unique story to tell.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Mine looks exactly like the lone one in your pics. Mine too is sans lateral adjuster.
Bob, that IS your frog! I put it in for comparison!! < grin >
Regards from Perth
Derek
Derek,
You folks from down under are truly a remarkable lot. Takes a picture of my froggy and I didn't even see you! I realize that we have made great strides in technology, but that was most impressive.
:-), :-),Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
AWESOME PLANE Bob! Keep it around for a few years and let it grow in value.
mike
Bob,
A few suggestions:
Some folks recommend coating the mating surfaces of the frog with something like lipstick, to see how well it bears against (fits to) the body of the plane.
Be sure and wash all the evaporust off, before you apply the lipstick, especially before attempting to kiss a frog.
And as Richard says, no matter how much lipstick you put on it, it's still a frog. Don't expect it to turn into a princess. damhikt
Ray
Ray,
Is there a preferred color? Would Ruby Lips purple be OK?
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Whatever turns you on, bubba.
Ray
I seem to recall a Howkins (not the "C") which carried the iron in a vertical rotatable assembly allowing the angle to be adjusted over a wide range. Not much good I believe.
On nomenclature, no one has mentioned the chance of a resemblance to the frog of a horses hoof as being the derivation.
the frog on a plane. Why do they call it a frog?
because snakes on a plane was already taken
the frog on a plane. Why do they call it a frog?
because snakes on a plane was already taken
HAHAHAHAHA ......that's awesome!
from the post title... is it really possible to get a frog on a plane these days? i mean with the tightened security and all.
From what Ray tells me, yes you can as long as it has Ruby Lips, and someone named Bubba.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
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