No. 5 Block Plane
|
Manufactured: |
1929 to 1964 |
| Sole Length: | 5-1/2” |
| Iron Width: | 1-3/8” |
| Weight: | 11.3 oz |
| Bedding Angle: | 20 Degrees |
| Adjustments: | Manual |
| Lever Cap Type: | Tension Wheel |
| Casting Number Body: | 380 |
| Casting Number Cap: | 381 |
| Cross Reference: | Stanley No. 102 |
No. 5
The No.5 is a simple basic block plane meant to be used with one hand on light trim work. The iron is adjusted manually. With only four parts, it is configured with a tension wheel lever cap, and a raised circular depressed finger knob. The cap, bed and side cheeks are enameled. The plane has a fixed mouth and is bed at 20 degree with a bevel up configuration. For a short time possibly in the forties, the tension wheel had a gray enameled finish.
Configuration over time
1929 - Millers Falls name cast around the front finger support. Model number cast at the heel.
1929 - “Since 1868” iron trademark (see irons for more details).
1929 - Initial release the cap is red. Short time later the cap is black.
1949 - Iron trademark was changed to include the words “Solid Tool Steel”.
1957 - Name and number are removed from the bed. **
1964 - The May 1964 catalog no longer lists the No. 5
** According to catalog information, the No. 5 was produced without an embossed name and number on the bed, but has yet to be verified.
The shortage of resources in the forties would have the tension wheel painted gray not nickel.
The embossed name and number were still being produced well after the 1949 introduction of the "Solid Tool Steel" trademark iron.
The No. 5 is a simple manually adjusted design. The strike button on the heel is a carry-over from the wooden bodies to adjust the iron depth.