Why The Longer Lever Cam On Later Stanleys?

[Mark R Webster]

Does anyone know why Stanley increased the length of the lever cam on the lever caps from 1-3/32” to the longer 1-3/16”. Is there an issue using the longer version on earlier planes? I don’t really see any functional difference, maybe it holds the iron down a little tighter? But couldn’t one accomplish this by tightening the lever cap screw?:confused:

[Jim Koepke]

Does anyone know why Stanley increased the length of the lever cam on the lever caps from 1-3/32” to the longer 1-3/16”.

The lever cap was changed at the same time. Likely just a change in the new casting masters.


maybe it holds the iron down a little tighter?

That would be a function of the cam driven by the lever.


But couldn’t one accomplish this by tightening the lever cap screw?

Yes, it can tighten up the hold of the blade, cap iron and lever cap. With the Bailey blade depth adjuster the lever cap screw is adjusted only to a point of holding the blade and associated parts firmly enough so the depth and lateral adjustments do not change in use. This allows for ease of adjustment without having to loosen the lever cap. Over tightening the lever cap can cause extra wear on parts of the depth adjustment mechanism.

jtk

[Mark R Webster]

Thanks as always Jim :)