The No 709 and No 714 were a whole new design in bench planes at the start of the 1950’s. The design was created by Robert W. Huxtable using a concept design created by Samuel Oxhandler for the Sargent Co.  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.