I have an old Wardmastr #4 smooth plane made in the USA that I can’t seem to find any information on. I would like to know who made it for Ward’s and if it is worth the money to have it machined back to flat or should I just go with something new. All the parts seem to be in good working condition I just want to know if I would have a good plane or not if it were flattened out.
Edited 10/5/2006 3:42 pm ET by nrench
Edited 10/6/2006 1:18 pm ET by nrench
Replies
Your Wards plane was probably made by either Stanley or Sargeant. To tell, look at the tab on the end of the lateral adjustment lever. If it is a small semi-circular piece riveted to the lever, chances are it was made by Stanley.If it is part of the lever, and has an upside down "U" or "V" shape, it's probably a Sargeant.
As far as having it reground,that may not be necessary. If you have sharpened it and it performs well, it really doesn't need flattening.
Try it and see!
Hope this helps.
Rick W
Thanks for that. I looked up some pictures of both Stanley and Sargeant planes to see what the difference looked like that you mentioned and it lookes like mine must have been made by Sargeant. Thanks again.
If you look on the back side of the cap you might see a 400 series # recessed in the casting that Sargent used to number it's bailey style planes. I have a Fulton #2 and I have been told that the first Sears store was on Fulton Street and that they used the name on tools prior to Craftsman. Mine says 407 on the back of the cap which is the model # for the Sargent #2 size plane. Yours might say 409 if the #'s run linear. The good news is that most of the contracted private lable tools were built the same as the(not so today) tool maker's main line of goods with perhaps a hardwood knob and tote instead of rosewood. All the best, Pat
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled