Any Miller Falls experts?

[Brian Hale]

I just recieved a nice Miller Falls #14 that appears to have never seen a piece of wood. It was covered in some thick black/dark brown stuff that is a PITA to get off but under it the plane looks like new.

My question.... Are these a very common plane? Not many are listed on ebay.

Is there a way to date them?

Brian :)

[John Meikrantz]

I love them. I sort of, er, "collect", no, I USE them. Fine planes. Here is the definitive site for all things MF:

http://www.oldtoolheaven.com/

John

[Brian Hale]

Good stuff John!

Since the frog on mine is black i'll assume it's a Type #4 (1955 - 1966) Not all that rare or uncommon i guess but cool none the less! ;)

Brian :)

[Ryan Cathey]

Brian, that nasty black stuff is most likely a thick application of linseed oil. People used to apply a generous amount on tools much the same way people use camelia oil these days. It is a pain to get off but it did the job as shown even decades later.

-Ryan C.