Popular Woodworking 2006-12 № 159, страница 56

bees waste time filling the joints with wax. The No. 1 was used for adjusting the edges when fixing a super to a hive in the field.

Another user of the plane was the bamboo fly-rod maker. Cane rods are constructed in six sections, caref ully planed to form a hexagon. The No. 1 worked like a charm for this delicate work with the soft, stringy bamboo.

For much the same reasons as the beekeeper, the wood shingle installer and trim carpenter also usedtheNo. 1. The small size and narrow width fit easily into the bib or overalls pocket, whereas ablock plane withits l⁵/s"-wide cutter was often too wide.

The boatbuilder found the No. 1 usef ul for fitting and shaping the laps and gunnels of small wooden boats. The small size allowed access into tight spots up to the very ends of the boat, while the higher cutting angle of the tool (45°) made working softwoods such as cedar and pine a breeze.

Linenfold panels are another example of where the plane is just the right size and shape. The flowing curves run the length of the panels and require considerable hand shaping. The plane's narrow width and upright profile make it ideal for this type of work.

The work of the house carpenter was often outside in the cold and always demanded a strong grip. The constant use and cold took their toll on the hands and arthritis was a common ailment. The No. 1 plane was the solution. The higher prof ile of the plane (compared to a low-slung block plane) offered more meat to grip and did not require that the hand close as tightly. Therefore, as a carpenter aged, the No. 1 often became a necessary replacement for his block plane.

The only group found to date to actually hold the No. 1 bench plane in a traditional manner is young trade school students. Smaller hands allowed them to hold the plane by the handle s and push it along much as an adult would use aNo. 5 jack plane. Over the years, many No. 1 planeshave turned up at trade school auctions. One auction in the 1960s sold cafeteria trays full of No. 1 and No. 2 planes for mere peanuts; boy, have times changed! Now, they're highly sought after at auction where good examples can fetch thousands of dollars.

One popular theory is that the small plane was a salesman's sample. I doubt this use was widespread and was certainly not the reason for manufacturing the plane. However, the quality construction and small size would certainly make the small plane a convenient sales tool. One story is of a Stanley salesperson who did a number of trade shows carrying a Stanley No. 1 in his pocket. The plane was attached to a chain

hooked to his belt. When the timing was right, he would pull the chain, whip out the No. 1 and hope to hammer home a sale.

More uses certainly exist but three things seem clear: the smaller size, the tool's high profile and its 45° cutter pitch were keys to its longevity. Today, many of us like to look at the shelf and think we know a new reason, but just maybe there was a carpenter or two in the 1890s who salted aNo. 1 away in the corner of his box just because it was cute.

Dating Your Plane

Much confusion exists in determining the exact age of a Stanley No. 1 plane. In general, it is accurate to say the plane follows the types as defined in Roger Smith's type study in "Patented Transitional & Metallic Planes in America 1827-1927." However, production dif ferences and missing types do exist and need to be allowed for.

The No. 1 was not equipped with all the features offered on larger planes. The most notable missing items are the lateral adjustment lever, the recessed adjuster knob and the frog adjustment screw. Therefore, as these features were added to the bench plane line, the No. 1 would have remained unchanged making for fewer, longer-produced types. It is recommended that Smith's Type Study be followed and types such as Type 5 be simply noted as not produced in the No. 1 size.

Author's Note: Stanley often used parts with earlier trademarks or stamps long after redesigns had been introduced. Dating by mark is an indication of a "not earlier than" date-not aproductiondate. Many tools sold in the 1930s had the Rule & Level trademark. Always remember, Stanley did not have the type studies when they assembled the tools. PW

DATING A NO. 1 PLANE

Note: When a company made major changes to a tool (such as the casting or a brand mark), collectors say that they created a new "type" of tool. A "Type 1" would be the earliest version of the tool. Basically, it's like the model year of an automobile.

■ Type 1: Earliest style with higher sides, thicker tote and a banjo-shaped spring on the tool's lever cap.

■ Type 2: 1867-1873. Main features are an "I-shaped" frog receiver and higher body sides.

■ Type 3: Probably not produced in the No. 1 size.

■ Type 4 & 6: 1874-1892. Similar productions. All cutter marks have been observed. Slight variations in handle shape noted.

■ Type 5: Not applicable.

■ Type 7 to 11: 1893-1918. The planes produced in this period are similar. Dating can be done by casting marks; both "S" and "B" marks on the castings have been noted.

■ Type 12: First Sweethart Production, 1919-1924. Body castings remain the same but cutters are marked with the Sweethart logo.

■ Type 13: Sweethart Production, 1925-1932. Planes of this period have the "notched" Stanley logo cast into the lever cap. Several planes of this type observed, including an example with red lever cap logo.

■ Type 14 to 16: Last production, 1933-1943. Body castings remain much the same. Changes are the orange paint on the notched cap logo and a plated lever cap. Dating can be done by markings on the cutter and logos on the lever cap. Examples have been noted with orange frogs, with and without kidney-shaped lever-cap holes, and with plated and unplated lever caps. — CB

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