Needs Pictures: 0
Results 1 to 3 of 3
Thread: Acorn no 4 Restoration
-
1st October 2019, 05:41 PM #1New Member
- Join Date
- Jul 2019
- Location
- Perth, australia
- Age
- 34
- Posts
- 2
Acorn no 4 Restoration
Hello everyone!
This is my first post on the forums so I do hope that I've chosen the correct location for it, if not please redirect me!
I recently found this Acorn No. 4 at a swap meet and picked it up for $25. I believe it to be one of the earlier versions, perhaps from before the Stanley take over.
_DSC1184.JPG_DSC1183.JPG
After doing a good deal of digging, and realising that there isn't much info out there on the Acorn brand. I've come to you all for some help! I did do a forum search, and found some info, but most is what I have already garnered from the internet, so while I feel it is a long shot, if anyone has more pictures or links to other acorns from the early era, I would appreciate it. Otherwise, enjoy the pics!
After removing much of the rust with steel wool and vinegar, the japanning, which was heavily chipping, looks to be black - which I have gathered is from the earlier versions of the Acorn planes. I haven't found the exact dates when this changed to burgundy or red, and I would love if someone could specify for me!
71472785_689298924904253_1167603571135348736_n.jpg
On my version the front nob has a plain countersunk bolt, while the back is a threaded rod with a brass nut. I found one mention on the Uk workshop forums that mentioned this being an important bit of information, as the later models apparently had threaded rods for both the front and back handles. Can any one confirm or direct me to some real info on this?
The frog has no adjusting screws, which I believe is another thing that can be used to indicate age. The lever cap had what I believe was a nickel coating - also heavily chipping.
_DSC1190.JPG_DSC1188.JPG
After polishing up the iron, I found the following mark which I believe to say "MADE IN SHEFFIELD VANADIUM STEEL"
_DSC1359.JPG
The totes appear to have originally been a dark cherry-ish hue? Though not much of the colour remained I did find a good deal of it inside the hole for the threaded rod and a bit on the top of the rear handle.
_DSC1371.JPG
I've cleaned up much of the plane, but have yet to finish the totes or fully polish the metal and re-hone the iron. However, here are some pics of it at the current stage. I used a black enamel paint for the body as the japanning was in poor condition.
_DSC1366.JPG_DSC1372.JPG_DSC1351.JPG_DSC1355.JPG
I'll post more pics when complete, but in the mean time, if any of you have any info on the early Acorn hand planes, I'd love to hear/see it!
Thanks all!
Raff
EDIT:
I did forget to mention that I was also curious about Henry Taylor Tools, also out of Sheffield. Is their Acorn brand in any way related to the Chapman Acorn?Last edited by Raffy; 1st October 2019 at 05:43 PM. Reason: photos
-
1st October 2019 05:41 PM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
- Join Date
- Always
- Location
- Advertising world
- Age
- 2010
- Posts
- Many
-
2nd October 2019, 11:58 AM #2
That has cleaned up well. While they were aimed at the handyman rather than the tradesman there is no reason it will not perform as well as any No 4. I have not owned an Acorn but my first plane I bought waaay back in the 70tes was a handyman range English made Spar. Like the Acorn it has no frog adjusting screw but I really don't see that being a setback at all. It performs as well as my Stanley, WS or Marples No 4s do.
There is some online info on Acorn and they were bought out by Stanley.
Acorn No 4 Plane Overhaul - Joe's Corner
Regards
John
-
10th October 2019, 11:31 AM #3Try not to be late, but never be early.
- Join Date
- Apr 2011
- Location
- Bakers Hill WA
- Age
- 75
- Posts
- 1,073
Hi Raff,
My interest in James Chapman is with their line of braces but of course any info about the company is relevant. The UK group Tools And Trades History Society (TATHS) latest newsletter (No 143) has a short article by Graham Dolan on Acorn planes. From this article I gather your plane might be from 1937 -1954 going by your paint job and MADE IN ENGLAND as opposed to MADE IN SHEFFIELD on the earlier models.
Mr Dolan says data sheets are available by contacting The Hawley Collection- [email protected].
Geoffrey Tweedale in the Directory of Sheffield Tool Manufacturers says that in the 1920's James Chapman was the chairman of the Henry Taylor Co.
Cheers,
Geoff.
Similar Threads
-
Acorn - Queensland red gum - she-oak
By Fumbler in forum WOODTURNING - GENERALReplies: 7Last Post: 3rd June 2019, 08:04 AM -
Cedar & ash acorn
By powderpost in forum WOODTURNING - GENERALReplies: 5Last Post: 26th October 2016, 08:28 AM -
Threaded acorn box
By powderpost in forum WOODTURNING - GENERALReplies: 21Last Post: 27th October 2012, 08:21 PM -
Building an Acorn 12
By snowyskiesau in forum BOAT BUILDING / REPAIRINGReplies: 12Last Post: 5th May 2010, 09:06 AM -
Acorn turning
By Judy in forum WOODTURNING - GENERALReplies: 11Last Post: 23rd June 2000, 03:39 PM