Thread: New handle for an old hand plane

Marc

I recently bought a set of handles (front knob and tote) to fit a #4 Bailey. They're made by Crown in England from Indian Rosewood. Mik and Timbecon have them (I think Carba-Tec do as well). The set costs about $50.

Slight problem. The tote on a #6 has a hold-down screw at the front of the base. The totes on the smaller planes don't. Instead they have a raised stud in the baseplate that engages a recess in the underside of the tote base. As far as I know, the Crown replacement handles are only available to fit the smaller sizes. However, you may find that the tote replacement will still fit your #6 if you carefully drill out the appropriate hole.

The other alternative is to have a look at at e-bay. You'll find all sorts of planes and their parts and accessories there.

Hope this helps.

Col

Marc

I had a hard look at the replacement tote on my #4 plane. It will definitely fit a new #6 Stanley Bailey. Unless the design has changed radically you wouldn't have a problem with your old #6. I left my digital camera at work so I can't post a photo but, if you're prepared to accept that the rear of the replacement tote will sit slightly forward on the base - it'll do the job.

To answer your question on timber: I had considered making a new wooden tote to replace the plastic one that was originally fitted to my #4 plane. My choice would be jarrah. It's as hard as hell; you can work it with real precision because it's hard and tight-grained; it looks good and it'll last forever.

Good luck.

Col

New Guinea rosewood makes a nice plane handle - looks good, nice to work (with dust mask), strong. Looks nice when finished over a period of time with hand-fat.