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 stamping the patent number on the face of the lever cap. The patent was approved on September 8, 1931. Sometime shortly after that date, the press was set up 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 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
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.
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.
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 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.
Type 3 (1942 to 1944?)
At the start of 1942, eight planes were temporarily suspended from production due to the start of WW2. Within two years the No. 7 would join this list. The type 3 will have a birch stained hardwood knob and tote secured with a one piece steel bolt. The lever cap on a type 3 will not have the red paint around the Millers Falls name. Because of the limited use of brass, the depth adjusting nut will either be a nickel plated or have a blackened finish.
It will not be uncommon to see a type 3 No. 7 plane with crossover parts.