Has anyone used a bench plane with only one frog screw?

[ED65]

Rather than ask for advice on this topic (where I'm sure I'll hear exactly what the small voice in my head is already telling me, i.e. don't risk it!) I thought I'd ask if anyone has actually done it from necessity and whether there was a problem or if it was plain sailing?

I bought a no. 4 last weekend and among its numerous problems it's missing one of the screws that secure the frog to the bed. Now it does appear to have already been used without the second screw:

but the sole and cheeks are not exactly thick so I'm not sure if I want to take the chance of over-stressing the casting.

I'm in no rush to put this into service, just wanted to check now in case I need to keep an eye out for a parts donor.

 

[rxh]

Are the threads in the body undamaged?

 

[ED65]

Yes the screw will tighten down in either hole equally well.

 

[Racers]

I have some frog screws if you want one.

Pete

 

[matthewwh]

If the frog is able to twist or shift then it will cut heavier on one side and be completely unpredictable, which won't take long to drive you completely bonkers.

I'd grab Pete's kind offer if I were you.

 

[Vann]

Better still, I've used planes without any. My Cliftons don't have any frog screws - just frog pins (and pin screws to tighten them). Does that count? :mrgreen:

Cheers, Vann.

 

[Cheshirechappie]

Two points.

Firstly - it's obviously a good idea to take up Pete's generous offer - any possible problem solved for the price of a few stamps.

Secondly - I suspect the plane will work well enough with just the one screw. Most people tend to tighten smaller screws rather harder than they really need, and you'd be surprised how much force is needed to shift even nicely-machined surfaces across one another against the pressure of a holding screw. With the frog set back so that the back of the blade catches against the back of the mouth on the sole casting, the frog can't twist much anyway.

What are the consequences if it does shift? Hardly a risk to life or limb, just a bit of minor inconvenience waiting for the other screw to arrive in the post. Give it a go!

 

[ED65]

Thank you Pete, that's a very kind offer!

No Vann, that doesn't count :mrgreen:

 

[Racers]

ED65

PM me your address and I will pop one in the post.

Pete