Plane information

[aldel]

I am hoping that some of you plane experts can shed some information on some of the 'car-boot sale rescues' that I have.
The first is a Record number 730 which is in good condition. It has a fluted sole, adjustable side fence and uses a heavy duty 'razor' blade mounted at 90 degrees to standard. It clearly has a use for slicing strips off something. Veneer perhaps or scoring plaster/fibre-board?

I also now have three different WS planes, nos 4, 4.5 and 5. also in good condition. They are like Stanleys but seem better made and have very nice brass/bronze? lever caps. The blades are also stamped with a WS logo. WS and Birmingham are cast into the sole plates. I have not as yet found any information about these on the net and only twice seen another WS plane for sale.
Hope that you have some info,

cheers Aldel

 

[Alf]

Aldel,

Record #730 is indeed a fibreboard plane. Introduced around 1955 I believe, and given the boot in 1970. Blood & Gore gives them a bad press, but there's at least one real woodworker who actually uses one. <gasp>

WS Manufacturing Ltd of Quadrant Works, Sheepcote St, Birmingham. Bought by Steel Nut & Joseph Hampton (AKA Woden) in 1952. Probably the originators of the two-railed rebate plane design and the source for Woden's plane line. Other than that they seem to be rather shrouded in mystery; not even a date for their founding. All of course assuming I haven't forgotten something... but BB will correct me I'm sure.

One day I really must write up what's known about these outfits and put it on my site. Oh Tuit, where art thou?

Cheers, Alf

 

[aldel]

Thanks Alf, for the incredibly quick response.

The WS planes are pleasant to use and attractive with their Brass lever caps and so I am surprised by the lack of information.

It now seems likely that the Record 730 is a Fibre Board plane, however it is different to the Stanley 193 descriptions to which your links point. I have searched through those links but cannot see any references to the Record. Am I missing the info?

Aldel

 

[Alf]

Sorry, no reference to Record in that link, just general fibreboard info for the uninitiated. I don't think there's anything about them online. From Leslie Harrison's intro to the catalogue reprint:

730 Fibreboard Plane - Introduced to allow slitting and bevelling of soft insulating board by the use of thin razor-blade type cutters which were provided in cartons of six. Two cutter positions were provided: a vertical position for slitting and a 45deg angled position for bevelling work. It remained in production for about 15 years.

It also has the distinction of holding two of the few Record plane-related patents. #741796 (15th December 1955) and #755582 (22 August 1956).
That's all I know, guv.

Cheers, Alf

 

[aldel]

Thanks Alf, you sure are a font of all knowledge!

Well, at long last a deep mystery solved. So, since they were only made for a short time, never seen another one listed or described, hold a Record Patent then it must be rare.

I am now just a little concerned, does this plane convert me from a rescuer to a c*ll**t*r?!!

It could be available, all those with a deep secret should pm me.

Thanks Aldel