New handles for an old plane

[steven c newman]

I had a Craftsman #4 plane that was in need of a new front knob244677and while I was at it, maybe a new tote?244678 so, I got out some Black Walnut scrap that was just laying around the shop, and chucked up a blank on the lathe244679cut it loose, drilled it for the bolt. The tote took a bit longer, and involved the drill press and bandsaw..244680244681 I also had a small drum sander for the drill press, and used that to shape the tote. Knob was sanded on the lathe to about 220 grit, or so.

End of "part one"..

[steven c newman]

Part two:: Took a test fit or two to get the knob to fit just right. I had to counter bore for the brass end on the bolt..244682and, when I sawed the base of the tote off, on the mitersaw, I kept the wedge. That way, I could counter bore for the brass nut in the top of the tote AT the correct angle. Gave it a test fit to set the second "hole" in the bottom of the tote. More of a pimple than a hole. I pressed down hard to mark the spot, and gave the mark a shot of 1/4" drill bit. Another test fit..244683or two244687then a few coats of BLO as a finish..244688 just a nice, quiet evening in the shop....

[steven c newman]

This Craftsman plane is a #4 size, but with a very thick casting for the base. Maybe a #4H??? Brass bolts had been plated a silver colour, cleaning revealed that they were solid brass. So, why not show them off a bit? Frontknob matches the old knob exactly. Grain direction and all. Tote matches my hands. Mine are a bit large, and "Uncle Arthur has been busy on the fingers. Adjusting wheel is a silver colour, as well. Does not seem to be brass. Lateral is like a Stanley "Budget line", or just a Sargent clone??? Lever cap has the letter "O" on the underside. This is one heavy #4!!! Like that red frog???

[Jessica Pierce-LaRose]

The front knob looks a little narrow for my tastes - how's it feel in use?

Sometimes I question some of the planes you put the effort into, but it's nice to see these old guys working again.

You must have quite the collection at this point! I don't know where I'd put that many planes!

[steven c newman]

Front knob was copied directly from the original knob. I used it as a pattern while i turned the new knob. Seems to feel alright on the hand. Tote was altered a bit to better fit MY hands. May get a third coat of BLO on each, then maybe a final finish? Turning those knobs turned out to be fun, looking forward to the next set of handles.


I tend to keep the "Herd" from getting too large. Only have ONE #8, one #7, two #6, and two #5s. Throw in a few #3s, #4, and a #5A. Block plane herd is in the middle of "Donwsizing" right now. Trying to get back to just six or seven "good" ones, out of a Baker's Dozen of these little guys. The #8 and #7 may go on the Ebay, as i like my #6s better.

[Adam Neat]

Getting fatter at the top the tote almost has a "Corsair" type of look to it, minus the finger grooves, very nice