No. 45

The No. 45 is a simple basic block plane meant to be used with one hand. At only 5-1/2 inches, it fits comfortably in one hand using the wooden finger tip knob and the finger grips milled on either cheek. The depth of adjustment screw controls the cut with a fixed mouth. The plane is bed at 20 degree with a bevel up configuration. The No. 45 only had one hardware changes to it over its thirty-five year history; the way the knob is secured.

Type 1 configuration – 1929 - 1944

• Lever caps are painted red on the initial release. Short time later the caps are black.

• The iron landing has a full surface with no recess.

• The mouth is very narrow - 1/8”

• Threaded knob made from cocobolo rosewood.

• No embossed casting to identify the plane. Short time later a cheek stamp is applied.

• Finger grips milled on the cheeks

• In 1936, the fixed mouth is increased 4/32” to 5/32”

• In 1942, the knob would be a stained hardwood

Type 2 configuration starting 1945 to 1964

• Knob is secured to the bed with a 10-24 flat head machine screw.

• 1949 - The iron trademark was changed to include the words “Solid Tool Steel”.

• 1949, Knob made of rosewood.

• 1954, Knob made of tropical Goncalo wood

• 1964 - The May 1964 catalog no longer lists the No. 45