Stanley tote w/ brass insert.

[Paul Saffold]

I'm in the process of fettling a Stanley #6 type 13 I think ( one patent date, no ring at the front knob and a Sweet Heart blade). The tote and knob were pretty rough so I sanded them smooth and finished with shellac then waxed applied w/4x steel wool. They came out nice.

I smooth the bottom of totes, just a couple of swipes across 100 grit paper. I have something I hadn't seen before. My experience is quite limited. This is only my 5th tote with the 2nd screw. The front screw hole has a brass ring about 1/8" out from the hole.

I assume this is to help prevent splits. I've done older (2 type 11s) and some newer, but haven't seen this before. Comments welcome.


Paul

[Jim Koepke]

Your tote looks like it might have been split already. This could be part of a repair done by a previous owner.

jtk

[Ken Werner]

I think Jim is right. I've never seen that in the wild.

[george wilson]

A clever and competent way to repair a split!!!

[Paul Saffold]

Well, it's a nice job, that's for sure. There is no visible split when the tote is on the plane. I hope it holds up.

Thanks for your insight. Paul

[James Taglienti]

I'm pretty sure that is factory, either production or experimental. I have seen it on a #4 1/2 before. Is the tote screw the usual dome-head, or is it flat? The one on the 4 1/2 was flat, countersunk.

[Johnny Kleso]

I have seen that several times but have no idea if that was done at Factory or after market tote company..

I would think it needs to be done before shaping...

If I ever get one with a broken tote I'll have to remember to remove the ring from a better look..

[Paul Saffold]

James, the screw is the usual round headed style.