No. 4 Bullnose Rabbet Block Plane
|
No. 4 Manufactured: |
1929 to 1968 |
| No. 4-01 Manufactured: | 1968 to 1971 |
| No. 4-02 Manufactured: | 1971 to 1974 |
| Sole Length: | 4” |
| Iron Width: | 1-1/8” |
| Weight: | 9.8 oz |
| Bedding Angle: | 45 Degrees |
| Adjustments: | Manual |
| Lever Cap Type: | Thump Screw |
| Casting Number Body: | 374/375 |
| Casting Number Cap: | 376 |
| Cross Reference: | Stanley No. 75 |
No. 4
The body is made with two components. Each half has its own unique casting number. The Millers Falls name or model number were never stamped on the side until around 1966 when the stamping of irons was discontinued. From the beginning, the body is painted black. The plane had an adjustable mouth by moving the top section forward or backward. The iron is bed at 45 degree with a bevel down configuration.
Configuration over time
1929 - Initial release, lever cap is painted red and sides are painted black. Shortly after the initial release, the lever cap is painted black.
1929 - Thumb screw size and thread count is 10-30.
1929 - “Since 1868” iron trademark (see irons for more details)
1949 - Iron trademark was changed to include the words “Solid Tool Steel”.
1966 - Trademark is removed from the iron.
1966 - Name and number stamped on the side above the sole.
1966 - Phillips screw replaces the slotted screw to secure plane.
1966 - Thumb screw thread count changed to 10-32.
1968 September - the No. 4 is renumbered 4-01. (**)
1971 Production was switched to England and renumbered 4-02.
1974 Production ends
** There were two No. 4 tools: a plumb bob and this plane. The plumb bob kept the No. 4
Two type 1 early editions with different trademarks.
Type 1 early edition with the red lever cap.. Also note the trademark stamp was applied along the length of the iron.
Both the "Since 1868" and the "Solid Tool Steel" trademark stamps were applied in two different orientations.
The mouth can be adjusted by sliding the top section which opens or closes the mouth.
This is an example of the stamp on the iron and the sticker on the body for the No. 4-02 that was made in England.
Other than a change in trademarks on the iron, the plane remained unchanged for forty-five years.
Planes sold under a government contract after 1966 would be stamped with a "G". Both examples have the company name stamped on the side with the new style font. The top plane has an upper case "A" and the bottom plane has a lower case "a".