Record 018 blck plane

[Richard S]

Hi all

I have just aquired a Record 018 block plane, I am told that it is pre-war because the cap is nickle plated rather than chromed. I don't know very much at all about this plane other than it feels really nice in the hand. Can anyone furnish me with any further information about this type of plane? Are they generally well regarded? I don't suppose that this is particularly relevant as like I said previously it was a purchase based on the fact that it just felt right to me. Anyway any further information will be gratefully received.

Many thanks

Richard

 

[Smudger]

If I may quote the estimable Mr C W Hampton in the essential 'Planecraft':

"The most refined plane in the range of block planes, a plane which cannot be too highly recommended as being equal to any demand of the craftsman who is fastidious about his tools, is here shown. No. 018 is six inches long, with 1 5/8 in. wide cutter. The blade is secured with an ingeniously designed knuckle-joint lever cap, made of steel and plated. This enables the cutter to be firmly locked in a moment and at the same time forms a very comfortable hold for the palm of the hand. In general design it closely follows No. 09 1/2... as it is also fitted with an adjustable mouth. It has screw adjustment for depth of cut and lever for sideways adjustment of the cutter, and recesses for finger and thumb. Sides and sole are accurately ground and polished, and the whole tool carries a high-grade finish. A craftsman possessing this tool need have no fear whatever of cleanly finishing any work from the plane, end grain or long grain, easy timber or difficult."

So you've got yourself a winner - typing that I was feeling quite jealous as my only Record block plane is a bog-standard 0220 (but with some sentimental value).

Was it one the 018s for sale at Oldtools?

 

[Scrit]

I agree that the knuckle lever cap is a lot miore comfortable than the cam/wedge affair on the #09-1/2

Scrit

 

[Richard S]

Hi Smudger and Scrit
Thanks for the replies, I'm even more pleased now. The plane in question is currently in pieces soaking in white spirit as it was in need of a good clean up, I will remove it tonight, clean and oil it, re-sharpen the blade and put it to use. does any one know where I can source a replacement blade of the same or similar vintage to the plane itself, I believe the older ones where better quality steel. This one is marked " best cast crucible steel ", even sounds good.

I bought it from E-Bay for the princley sum of £50 including an old Stanley 4.5, not sure if this was a good deal or not, but I don't really care as I am happy with what I got. Sometimes I just fancy something and have to have it, this was one of those times.

Thanks again.

Richard

 

[Scrit]

Rather than trying to get an old blade I'd consider getting a slightly thicker modern blade, such as one from Ray Iles, Ron Hock, etc as these are even better than the originals.

Above: Post-WWII #018

Scrit

 

[bugbear]

Rather than trying to get an old blade I'd consider getting a slightly thicker modern blade, such as one from Ray Iles, Ron Hock, etc as these are even better than the originals.


Above: Post-WWII #018

Scrit

Gack! Is that NOS ? It's certainly seen little use.

BugBear

 

[Richard S]

Nice plane Scrit, is it yours, I feel a little green now, mine has obviously had a lot of use as the nickle plating is starting to wear off the cap, not that I mind, there is something rather nice to my mind about tools that have had a previous life or lives. How do you tell the difference between pre and post war models? I was told that it has something to do with the length of the bed supporting the blade and whether it is nickle or chrome plated but I am not certain.

Regards
Richard

 

[Scrit]

Richard

That's actually a fairly late one (note white waxed paper) which I acquired years ago with the intention of using it to replace a battle-scarred Stanley #18. In the end I bought a Veritas low angle block plane which is now my (suitably battle scarred) working block plane for almost all purposes. I understand the pre-war ones had nickel plating which seems less shiny than chrome and to my eye seems a bit whiter. Despite being a late one (so late 1960s, it has a dark blue box with a yellow label) it's blade is still stamped "Cast Crucible Steel"

Scrit

 

[Richard S]

Scrit

Thanks once again, your knowledge is truly awesome.

Richard

 

[Scrit]

It's just that I'm an old fogey with a memory full of detritus :roll: .

Scrit