Number 78 plane

[Izzy Camire]

I was at an antique tool dealer yesterday and he had 2 number 78 planes. They were in great condition. The thing is that all they said on them is 78 nothing else. Anyone know who the manufacterer would be?

[Jeremy Dorn]

A picture would help square away an indentification, but the 78 was a standard Stanley in many craftsman's tool boxes, used for coarse rabbiting work.

I know many other manufacturers also had similiar items, though often they were listed under diff #'s. I think Craftsman had a 78 though, recently saw one in an antique store with grey paint.

JD

[James Scheffler]

A picture would help square away an indentification, but the 78 was a standard Stanley in many craftsman's tool boxes, used for coarse rabbiting work.

I know many other manufacturers also had similiar items, though often they were listed under diff #'s. I think Craftsman had a 78 though, recently saw one in an antique store with grey paint.

JD

The equivalent to the Stanley 78 is the Craftsman No. 3730. (At least the 1950s version I have). This Craftsman is a re-branded Sargeant No. 79. Some of the parts were cast with a "79" on them, even though it's definitely a Craftsman. Mine is gray like the one you saw.

Jim S.

[harry strasil]

They are usually missing the depth stop and the fence and rod.

[Don Dorn]

I have the off chute of that plane in the Record 778. Difference is a wheel adjuster as opposed to lever and the fence is full length.

[Frank Drew]

I have the off chute of that plane in the Record 778. Difference is a wheel adjuster as opposed to lever and the fence is full length.

The Record 778 is one of my favorite planes; the fence has two rods and I think the 78 has only a single one, so the former design is more stable and secure in use, IMO. Somehow I've managed not losing any of the parts, large and small, since I bought mine over thirty years ago.