No. 55

The No. 55 is a compact block plane with a low level finger support intended to be used with one hand. The lever cap is secured with a tension wheel. The iron adjustment is controlled with a paddle extension lever that rocks the iron depth adjusting seat back and forth moving the iron very slightly. The iron has a series of micro grooves that engage a matched set of ridges on the depth adjusting seat. If the cap is overtightened and the lever is forced, the grooves on the iron, and or the ridged on the seat will be stripped and the plane is now a good looking door stop. The plane has a fixed mouth and is bed at 20 degree with a bevel up configuration.

Type 1 Configuration 1929 to 1935

• Millers Falls name cast around the front finger support. Model number cast at the heel.

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

• Cheeks are painted black with no cheek stamp.

• Iron is stamped with the “Since 1868” trademark.

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

• The mouth is very narrow - 7/64”

Type 2 Configuration 1936 to 1957

• The Millers Falls name removed from the casting. Number remains at the heel.

• Iron landing has a recessed area.

• The mouth has increased to 13/64”

• 1949 - Iron trademark changed to “Solid Tool Steel”

Type 3 Configuration 1958 to 1960

• Embossed model number is removed from the bed at the heel. **

  ** According to catalog information, the No. 55 was produced without embossed numbers on the bed, but has yet to be verified.

• The June 1960 catalog no longer lists the No. 55.