Miller's Patent restoration

**SilverSniper** · 8th November 2008, 11:31 PM

I have recently picked up a Stanley Miller's Patent 41 at auction. I was after some thoughts from forum members on restoring it.

Its a type 9, so the most recent model made 1892-1897 according to this site http://home.att.net/~mwtcabosse/Type9.html. As you can see from the photos, its in below average condition (although the flash on the camera makes it look shinier than it actually is). It has quite a lot of surface rust, particularly on the fence and arms, and some loss of nickel plating. A replacement screw for a wing nut, a pressed steel rear depth stop. At some stage, the fence has broken and someone has made a neat repair by screwing a piece of wood to it, in the similar manner as the side handle on a #45. It works very well, but you don't really buy these planes as users!

The best part of the plane is the cutters. Research suggests that they are the older style, because they have a mirror finish like a knife blade. They come in an original wooden box. I suspect that they could be worth more than the plane, although they do have some light surface rust.

I was hoping someone might have some suggestions on restoring this plane, because I'm a bit stuck as to what to do with it. I could leave it as is, try something a bit more invasive like electrolysis to remove the rust (although this may take off more plating), or I could try something very drastic like complete refurb, which would destroy any collecting value, but would make it a beautiful plane again (I would love to make a tote for it in the style of the earlier 41's)

Another option would be to cannabilise it for parts.

Or even use it to make shavings! (sorry, that was a crazy thought just popped into my head.)

Does anyone have any thoughts? Has anyone tried restoring a Miller's Patent?

**dunbarhamlin** · 12th November 2008, 12:37 AM

I've got a type 6 #43. No museum piece, just a good user. Fixing up just needed belting the brass depth stop back into shape, jointing/drawfiling the main skate so it was in line with the toe (tugs forelock in Bugbear's direction) and putting an edge on the cutters.
Sounds like you want collectorish advice, but I'd just get an edge on those fab 1/4" thick cutters, check the skates line up and put it to a piece of wood.
Cheers
Steve

**SilverSniper** · 12th November 2008, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by dunbarhamlin

I've got a type 6 #43. No museum piece, just a good user. Fixing up just needed belting the brass depth stop back into shape, jointing/drawfiling the main skate so it was in line with the toe (tugs forelock in Bugbear's direction) and putting an edge on the cutters.
Sounds like you want collectorish advice, but I'd just get an edge on those fab 1/4" thick cutters, check the skates line up and put it to a piece of wood.
Cheers
Steve

Thats gutsy! I admire your attitude.

nah seriously, this plane will probably be my first collectors piece, I already have a beaut wee Record 044 for the jobs the Millers could do for me. And I'm reluctant to even wipe the rust off those beautiful cutters.

I was really hoping someone would have some advice on restoring a nickel plated plane - surely there must have been some experiments done on 45's and 55's? And has anyone made a tote for a millers?

PS if anyone has a spare fence I'd love one!

**dunbarhamlin** · 13th November 2008, 02:03 AM

I sometimes find it hard to understand openly collecting stuff (I just kid myself I need all of my tools) but not with these - they are impressive pieces of kit.

I have a 043 and 044 too which I always used before getting the #43 - the Record 043 (sublime to the ridiculous, no?) will stay for tiny grooves, and if my brother's been good this year Santa might take him a 044 - good kit, I just like the heavier cutters (easier to sharpen freehand too.)

I'm sure I've seen something somewhere on replacing the tote - will see if I can find it. Guessing pretty much the same as an early #45

Cheers
Steve

**dunbarhamlin** · 15th November 2008, 02:31 AM

Hi SilverSniper
I haven't been able to find the reference to tote replacement. Suspect it may have been on one of the forums that drops older threads. IIRC, it was similar to making scales for a knife - but my tote isn't quite beaten up enough for me to want to confirm this

Sure I've seen a pictorial, but the only thing I found was this reference omn the Old Tools list
Removing a Stanley #46 tote:
http://swingleydev.com/archive/get.p...read=1#message

Cheers
Steve

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