Block plane parts for a noob

[Gregory Lyons]

I'm a relative novice to woodworking and hand tools in particular. Most of what I have done to date has been hacked together with the tailed tools that I've got as well as a few chisels.

I have a Handyman smoother that I got from my dad, who probably only used it once or twice. I got it tuned up reasonably well, and have been playing around trying to get a feel for it.

The other day I picked up 4 planes from a local craigslist poster. For $45 I got a #10 1/2 smooth rabbet, a #27, a #9 1/2 block plane and a Millers Falls #75B block plane. They're all in reasonably good condition I suppose, and I think they'll be quite serviceable with a little work. I don't know if this was a great deal, but I'm satisfied and it beats what I've seen at the local flea market.

My only problem is that the #9 1/2 is missing the front knob and adjustment lever for the front sole. What is the best way to find a replacement for this?

Thanks,

~g

[Casey Gooding]

Congrats on the planes!! The 10 1/2 is worth much more than you paid for the set. Parts for the 9 1/2 are easy to find. Check on the auction site or www.antique-used-tools.com (http://www.antique-used-tools.com). Bob Kaune runs the site. Will almost always have what you need.
Best of luck with it.

[David Tiell]

Greg,
I agree with Casey, you got a real bargain on the 10 1/2 alone! Really nice find there. As for the parts for the 9 1/2, I've got extras laying around. Tell you what I'll do. If you donate $6 to Sawmill Creek to upgrade to contributor status, then send me a PM with your mailing address, I'll send you a knob and lever. According to Bob's site, he want's $15.95 each for them, so it could save you some money, and at the same time give you some additional user privileges here on the Creek.

Dave

[jonathan snyder]

Gregory,

Nice score on the 10 1/2. How about some pictures. The rule around here is "no pictures, then it didn't happen"!;) Take David up on his offer.

Good on ya David!!

Jonathan

[Gregory Lyons]

Thanks for the replies, particularly David's generous offer. I thought that the 10 1/2 might be a little special. I guess this is my first 'gloat'.

I've only recently signed up here, and have honestly intended to donate, but this serves as the perfect incentive. David, I made my contribution just a few minutes ago; I even bumped up the amount. I'll send you a PM with my address and will gladly pay any shipping cost. I really appreciate the offer and look forward to getting these guys tuned up and cutting.

From reading the forums for a few weeks, I'm well familiar with the pics doctrine. I'll snap some this evening and post them here.

~g

[Gregory Lyons]

OK, here are some pics. I apologize for the quality, I had to use the camera on my phone as the lens on my digital stopped working.

As you can see, these guys are fairly clean. The 10 1/2 has some chips wedged between the CB and blade and as I mentioned in the original post the 9 1/2 is missing the knob & lever. The tote on the 27 is broken off at the top and is a little loose. I may or may not fix that as it seems the the tote fits my hand better without a 'horn' on top. My hands must be bigger than I think since the only comfortable way to grip the tote on the 27 is with my pinky and ring fingers extended along the side of the wooden sole.

~g

[Bill Houghton]

The 10-1/2 can be a useful tool. You'll be surprised how often you can use a plain (no fence) rabbet plane, and, if you do need a fence, you can tack or clamp a board on the work.

Many of us need to stick out at least an index finger along the plane body. I feel it actually helps you control the plane. You might try repairing that tote, and see if you can get the pinky in place.

By the way, I find the space in front of the tote on my 10-1/2 so tight that I grip it by holding my fingers open around the tote - as if holding a hardback book by its spine. This still works fine.

[David Tiell]

Greg,
Based on those pics, as I said earlier, you got a great deal! Congrats, and I'll give you the proverbial "YOU SUCK!" for it!:D BTW, I got your PM, and your parts should be in the mail by the end of the week. I have a rough time getting away from the office during the workday, so it will probably go out Saturday. Thanks for your contribution to the Creek!

Dave

[Mark Stutz]

Gregory,
You may find that once you start to use it, the horn is more comfortable, and I find, more efficient. I have a #6 that I haven't had a chance to repair, and find it just doesn't feel right. I'm not sure the design would have stayed virtually the same for over 100 years if it was purely aesthetics.

[jonathan snyder]

Gregory,

A quick search of completed listings on e-bay shows 10 1/2's selling for $100-200. You sure robbed somebody;)!! Good score

Jonathan