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“making it a tool to be proud of as well as a joy to use”
The No 709 and No 714 were a whole new design in bench planes at the start of the 1950’s. These planes were created by Robert W. Huxtable using a concept design created by Samuel Oxhandler for the Sargent Company. The signature feature incorporated a redesigned hinged lever cap with a cam lever having an aerodynamic fit and finish. With a higher than normal toe, the knob is secured to a rod inserted from cheek to cheek. The frog is a lightweight aluminum design with the yoke hidden inside the frog and the lateral adjustment lever complementing the “Tenite” glossy red plastic knob and tote with matching appeal. Another feature of the frog incorporates the inner structure of the tote forming a one piece design from tote to frog. The frog structure is secured to the base with three lock-down screws, two under the iron and one at the base of the tote.
To adjust the mouth, you need to remove or raise the one piece tenite plastic tote to get access to the third lock-down screw. After the two screws on the side of the tote are removed, slide the plastic up.
Two version were released. The first version has a polished bed under the knob. The bolt securing the knob does not have any slot to help tighten the knob and the horn has a lower profile than the totes on the other lines. The second version has a recessed bed under the knob which is painted gray. The bolt securing the knob is slotted and the horn has a higher pitch to add more comfort.
Model |
Sole Length |
Sole Width |
Iron Width |
Production |
---|---|---|---|---|
No.709 | 10-1/4" | 2-1/2" | 2" | 1950-1960 |
No.714 | 14-1/4" | 2-1/2" | 2" | 1950-1960 |

Type 1 with the polished bed under the knob

Type 1 with a lower horn. Also, note the large nickel depth adjusting nut. Both versions have this nickel nut.

This is one unique plane! Except for the body, all the other parts can be used between the No. 709 and the No. 714.

One piece aluminum frog and tote base

The plastic tote slides up along the aluminum tote inner structure. You can see the third hold down screw is accessible at this point. The plastic is secured with a machine screw that screws into a rivet nut. Make sure the machine screw and rivet nut are removed before sliding the handle up.

"Solid Tool Steel" iron. The patent number D159,339 was granted on Jul. 18, 1950. The actual number was never stamped on the plane.

Type 2 with the recessed gray painted bed under the knob and the slotted bolt securing the knob.

Type 2 - The horn has a higher profile.

No. 714 Type 1

No. 714 Type 2

No. 714 Type 1 on the top and a Type 2 on the bottom. On both types, the knob bolt is fixed in the knob. The slotted head on the type 2 just makes it easier to remove the knob.

This is a later type 1 with the screw drive slot on the knob.