Tips for restoring old Bailey No. 4.

**Mirboo** · 29th October 2005, 12:28 AM

Hi all,

Attached are some pictures of an old Bailey No. 4 bench plane that my Dad has. My Dad doesn't use it because as you can see from the pictures it is not in good nick. The plane was once my Grandfather's and it came to my Dad donkey's years ago in the condition you see now. Restoring it would require replacing the lever cap, the knob (it doesn't currently have one) and maybe the tote (which has a small piece broken off the top).

I haven't seen the plane since I was a kid (my Dad took the pictures and e-mailed them to me in NSW from his place in Victoria) but my Dad reckons the sole of the plane is in OK condition.

The plane has "PAT'D MAR-25-02 AUG-19-02 APR-19-10" embossed on the bottom casting, right below the brass adjustment nut. The plane is therefore newer than 1910. Also, what's left of the lever cap is not embossed with "STANLEY" which, according to The Superior Works: Patrick's Blood and Gore, first appeared in 1925. Therefore, as best I can tell, the plane was produced somewhere between 1910 and 1925.

The iron is embossed with "STANLEY NEW BRITAIN CONN USA".

If anyone can help me further narrow down the vintage of the plane I would appreciate their assistance.

Is the plane worth restoring?

What would be the best way to source replacement parts such as a knob and a cap iron?

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.

Regards,
Mirboo.

**Sir Stinkalot** · 29th October 2005, 12:34 AM

Originally Posted by Mirboo

Is the plane worth restoring?

If anything it is worth restoring as it was your Grandfathers .... Ebay is often the source of cheap planes that can be harvestered from.

**derekcohen** · 29th October 2005, 12:54 AM

Hi Mirboo

You have either a Type 11 (1910-18) or a Type 12 (1918-24).

The difference lies in the front knob, which yours is missing. The Type 11 has a low knob and the Type 12 has a high knob.

So it is down to the brass blade adjustment ring: greater than 1-1/4" diameter and it is a Type 12; smaller than this and it is a Type 11.

Either way, these are the two most desirable models for users because of the frog design (best blade support).

Regards from Perth

Derek

**Mirboo** · 29th October 2005, 12:35 PM

Thanks for the replies Sir Stinkalot and Derek

I got my Dad to measure the blade adjustment nut. It is about 15/16ths of an inch in diameter. Therefore the plane is a Type 11 (1910-1918). I will have to keep an eye out for suitable parts on Ebay.

Derek, is there a good book I could read that would give me a lot of detail on the different types of Stanley planes?

Regards,
Mirboo.

**Clinton1** · 29th October 2005, 12:58 PM

Mate, try a search for "Hand tool preservation society" in australia, and check out the http://www.hansbrunnertools.gil.com.au/, the links page might be worth checking out as well.

**ian** · 29th October 2005, 02:46 PM

If you don't mind putting a Type 12 knob on a Type 11 plane you can get a new handle and tote in Rosewood from Timbecon (and also? from Carbatec here in Sydney). I’m not sure, but think the HANDLES come with the screws you need.

If your not handy with a lathe or can't find a friend who is, you could try Jim Davey at Nowra [email protected] Jim will also fettle the palne for you

Then there is The Traditional Tools Group www.tttg.org.au this mob is worth joining just for the information available.

If you have no luck locally, Patrick (of Blood and Gore fame) probably has the parts you need and you could contact Mike via http://pages.sbcglobal.net/mike_in_k...od/Default.htm Mike makes handles and totes for old Stanleys plus he has a limited stock of spare parts.

Lastly check out the US Stanley site, as I understand that many parts for old planes are still available.

you're a fortunate man

ian

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