Broken Planes

Here are two broken planes that I intend to keep in the hope of obtaining spare parts to replace the damaged components. The Stanley knuckle plane, a (B) casting, has a broken lug on the lever cap and a missing blade. These parts are readily available in the U.S. for approximately $20 each. However, the postage for each item is also $20, making the total cost $80 to restore it to a usable condition, which exceeds its overall value. This is something I may consider doing in the future, as I dislike seeing a good plane go to waste.

The Ed Preston 1386 shoulder plane is a different matter altogether. As with all planes of this type, the lever cap is the first component to break when the plane is dropped. Spare bodies can often be found on platforms like eBay, but spare lever caps are rare. I have considered purchasing a Record 042 or 041 with a damaged mouth and swapping the lever caps. In any case, they do not require much maintenance, so I may hold onto them for some time, one way or another.

The Ed Preston 1386 shoulder plane is a different kettle of fish. Like all planes of this ilk the lever cap is the fist thing that breaks when the plane is dropped. There is always spare bodies on the likes of ebay, but seldom lever caps. I ‘ve considered buying a Record 042 or 041 with a damaged mouth and just swapping the lever caps. Anyway they don’t take much to feed so I might have them for a while, one way or another.

Faithfull diamond stone

Today, I took possession of my first diamond stone. The decision to buy this product came from the fact that I’m about to go through my entire collection to ensure that each item is in prime condition. As a collector, I’m of the opinion that every tool should be restored to its best—including the blade. I’ve tried the usual sharpening stones, but working on hundreds of blades is hard work, especially at my age. So, I’ll give these a try and see how it goes.

The old Tool Collector on Amazon.

Hi there, I’ve decided to publish this site as a book on Amazon. If you enjoyed it, please consider purchasing a copy.

Stanley No. 4 type 3.

Anybody out there got the frog for this plane. I have thanks to my brother become the proud owner of the above plane. Unfortunately like many other planes of this type, it has a broken frog. The plane apart from the frog is in a very tidy condition. I know that this part is rarer than hen’s teeth but it seems a shame not to at least make an effort to find one. If anybody out there has a type 3 in a poor condition with a complete frog, please let me know I would be glad to make an offer.

Old Marples 4 1/2 plane found.

I went on a search for my missing Marples 4 1/2 and came across it in a box of tools in the attic. I was a bit disappointed that the blade and chip breaker had rusted up. I’ll take them to the workshop and freshen them up. The plane itself is fine, it must be the different types of steel used that has made the difference. 29/06/24.

Record 5 1/2

Over the years I’ve come across many planes with missing pieces. This never stopped me from acquiring them. I had put aside a Marples 4 1/2 without its lever cap, in the hope of coming across one. About a year ago I saw a nice one on eBay and purchased it. Of course, when it arrived I had put the Marples plane in a safe place (have you ever put something in a safe place and forgotten where that safe place is). After some searching, I still couldn’t find the safe place and stuck the cap on a Record 5 1/2, missing its cap and iron. This week I saw a nice Record 5 1/2 SS blade and cap for sale at a bargain price of £12.50 and purchased it. When it arrived I thought it would be as simple as putting it on and it would be a perfect fit, chance would be a fine thing. The slot in the iron is too small to fit over the round disc on the lateral adjuster. This will be a simple fix but when you expect it to plug and play, it is a bit of a disappointment

No. 29 Sargent carriage makers plane.

When I first saw this little plane I was quite taken by its size. I’ve had a few Stanley and Record carriage makers planes but was more than surprised by the dimensions of this No. 3 size plane. Here I have it pictured with another two of my No. 3s.

Wishita natural oilstones

I will be putting 2 natural oil-stones onto e-bay. The first items for quite some time.

Over the Christmas period I put a few Spiers of Ayr planes up for sale. For some reason the price I got for them was around £89. This seemed poultry so I will be keeping the rest of them in my collection, no sense in giving them away.

Stanley USA No.6

When I got the chance to buy the toolkit with my much cherished Spiers 20 1/2″ plane, it also included this fine example of a Stanley No.6. The rosewood on this plane is delightful and although mainly a collector of infills, this Stanley will hold a spot in my display cabinet.

Norris A5 pre-war.

This gem is the latest addition to my collection.The plane which I purchased from the online auction house, arrived in superb condition. Although I cost a pretty penny, I am sure it will increase in value over the years to come.