Premium Number 7

Millers Falls No. 7 Smoothing Plane

Manufactured:

1929 to 1944

Sole: Smooth
Sole Length: 7-7/16"(type 1), 7-3/4"(post type 1)
Sole Width: 2"
Iron Width: 1-5/8”
Weight: 2.6 lbs
Bedding Angle: 45 Degrees
Type: Bailey Design
Cross Reference: Stanley No. 2
Sargent No. 407
Record No. 02

The No. 7 premium smoothing bench plane was produced over fifteen years across three different types.

Type 1 (1929 to 1935)

The only change during the type 1 years was the stamping of the patent number to the face of the lever cap. The patent was approved on September 8, 1931. Sometime shortly after that date, the press was setup and ready for work.

This would be an example of a late type 1. It has the embossed name and number on the bed and a cheek stamp with the name and number.

This would be an example of a late type 1. It has the embossed name and number on the bed and a cheek stamp with the name and number.

This type 1 has all the features you would expect on the first version. An added bonus is it came in the original box.

This type 1 has all the features you would expect on the first version. An added bonus is it came in the original box.

Type 2 (1936 to 1941)

The No. 7 carried over some of the type 1 feature more on this model then the other premium models. The type 1 lever cap is seen on the type 2 plane. The frog has the same carry-over, but with a steel yoke.

Type 2 example

Type 2 example

Rosewood knob and tote, brass depth adjusting knob and name and number stamped on the cheek.

Rosewood knob and tote, brass depth adjusting knob and name and number stamped on the cheek.

Broken down, this would appear to be an early type 2 with some type 1 carry-over features.

Broken down, this would appear to be an early type 2 with some type 1 carry-over features.

This is what you would see on a type 2 from the front.

This is what you would see on a type 2 from the front.

From the back of the lever cap, you see the type 1 locking tabs. On the frog, there are no yoke pin recess which is a type 1 feature.

From the back of the lever cap, you see the type 1 locking tabs. On the frog, there are no yoke pin recess which is a type 1 feature.

The folded lateral is common on the type 2 planes. On a type 2 you would expect to see the frog face relief present, but on this type 2 there is no relief. Note the thin walls next to the lever cap screw.

The folded lateral is common on the type 2 planes. On a type 2 you would expect to see the frog face relief present, but on this type 2 there is no relief. Note the thin walls next to the lever cap screw.

This is a type 1 knob with the six lathe marks. The plane body has the bed knob ribs and any knob turned for the type 2 plane should have left the eight rib impressions. Just not this one.

This is a type 1 knob with the six lathe marks. The plane body has the bed knob ribs and any knob turned for the type 2 plane should have left the eight rib impressions. Just not this one.

The No. 7 does not have a frog adjuster screw so there is no cut-in on the frog seat resulting in a large solid surface.

The No. 7 does not have a frog adjuster screw so there is no cut-in on the frog seat resulting in a large solid surface.

Type 3 (1942 to 1944?)

The No. 7 ended during the type 3 years. The examples found in this period don’t fit perfect in the type study. This may be just a carry-over issue.

The plane in the back has the steel one piece knob/tote bolt but the wood doesn't seem to fit the typical hardwood. The plane in the front seems to have a different stain. This plane has brass waist nuts?

The plane in the back has the steel one piece knob/tote bolt but the wood doesn't seem to fit the typical hardwood. The plane in the front seems to have a different stain. This plane has brass waist nuts?