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  1. #1
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    Default Stanley No. 150 'open front' mitre box

    I picked up in a real-life auction (ie. not fleaBay) a lovely little Made in USA Stanley cast iron mitre box. Judging by its dark blue and yellow paint I'm guessing it's more recent than the black japan and red paint version I see more often in online searches. Apparently they were made 1923-1969
    The Valley Woodworker: The Stanley Mitre Boxes family

    Unrestored:
    stanley no. 150_1028.jpg

    Attracted by its mostly rustless, paint-still-present condition and small size I brought it home and cleaned it up:

    IMG20180216220240-2304x1296.jpgIMG20180216220249-1296x2304.jpgIMG20180216220256-2304x1296.jpg
    IMG20180216220330-2304x1296.jpgIMG20180216220342-1296x2304.jpgIMG20180216223627-2304x1296.jpg

    Quick reassembly with the existing too thin (1/2") board
    IMG20180216220843-2304x1296.jpgIMG20180216222221-2304x1296.jpg

    Nice thing about the open front design is it can accept any size backsaw or handsaw:
    IMG20180216221117-1296x2304.jpgIMG20180216221611-2304x1296.jpg

    According to my 1926 and 1948 Stanley catalogues I'm just missing the Length Stop and its wingnut and screw:
    IMG20180216225102-2304x1296.jpgIMG20180216223459-2304x1296.jpgIMG20180216223514-1296x2304.jpg

    I realise the 150 is not the serious professional Stanley mitre box option like the No. 246 or 358 but anyone have one of these cuties in their workshop? It seems perfect for the small work I want to do and happily replaces my crappy wooden and plastic slotboxes.

    Vaughan

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  3. #2
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    Apr 2012
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    Default

    I also have one of these. They are a handy size. Mine is slightly older as it doesn’t have the holde for the length stop. Mine is missing the wheel although I have it’s axle. What diameter is the wheel?

  4. #3
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by hiroller View Post
    Mine is slightly older as it doesn’t have the holde for the length stop. Mine is missing the wheel although I have it’s axle. What diameter is the wheel?
    It doesn't have the two holes for the length stop? Or the length stop itself?
    From pictures the stop it doesn't look too hard to make, I might give it a go. Either that or use the holes to hold spurs.

    The roller screw is the hard part to find so lucky you!
    My understanding is that the roller diameter should match the frame board thickness which I read somewhere was 3/4" (19mm)

    My roller looks like it could be original (cleanly cut beech) and it measures 7/8" diameter and 7/16" in width. So I guess the roller is meant to be slightly bigger in diameter than the frame board thickness by 2 or 3mm? Either that or the board should actually be 7/8" (22mm)?
    IMG_20180217_081516-1706x959.jpg IMG_20180217_081502-1706x959.jpg

    V

  5. #4
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    Default

    Thanks for that.
    According fo the Stanley catalogs I found here:
    https://archive.org/details/internat...in=&sort=-date

    The 1926 Catalog shows the 150 without the length stop but it has appeared by 1934.
    The holes in the back for the length stop are missing on mine.
    Should be easy enough to make but I probably won’t bother as I have others that are more accurate for multiple cuts.
    A38DBEDB-A795-4567-ADFF-F409B4DC3A1E.jpg

  6. #5
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    Thanks hiroller, I don't have that catalogue. I believe that was the 150s debut. Interesting to see the subtle evolution.
    I'm not sure about the necessity for the length stop either, probably why most were lost.

    I've added rubber feet (the holes were there for them or mounting) which has helped it grab the bench. I may make spurs to grab the workpiece one day.

    It's a lovely little mitre box. I have no need for anything else yet, but I'm only just beginning my woodie journey really.

    V

  7. #6
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    Default

    Hmm, Bad Axe Tools make a 20" mitre saw they promote with a Stanley No. 150
    Bad Axe Tool Works - Miter Saws

    So I thought I'd look about for a 20" mitre saw for my 150 but I could only find a 22". It's nothing special but it is rust free and has decent 11tpi teeth... but yikes it's a bit bloody big!
    IMG_20180227_153421-2304x1296.jpg

    I might just stick with my 14" Disston backsaw or 18" Disston crosscut panel saw

    V

  8. #7
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by hiroller View Post
    Thanks for another link to a resource which will take up a lot of my free time
    regards
    Nick
    veni, vidi,
    tornavi
    Without wood it's just ...

  9. #8
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    May 2016
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    Actually... I take it all back!

    This afternoon I had to cut a dozen or so lengths and got out the 150 and thought I'd try the big mitre saw just for kicks.
    Well, the 22" mitre saw, although looks enormous, works a treat! It's weight and length is perfect for long, balanced strokes even within the tiny 150 box.

    So the Stanley 150 may be demure but the sturdy cast iron frame and open frame design means it can take full advantage of 19 or 20 inches of blade. Very cool!

    Boy I do feel silly!
    V

  10. #9
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    Nice score!! I love them so simple, yet so great that you can use any tennon saw with them. I've got one in my collection and I've bought 2 for the school I work at! Much better for the school than the modern ones less parts to lose or break and any saw makes life so easy.

  11. #10
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    Glad to hear there's more 150s out there in service.
    It is a great little mitre. I use mine almost every day - using with the 22" mitre saw or my little cross-cut panel saw.

    V

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