No. 97 Block Plane

Manufactured:

1929 to 1960

Sole Length: 7”
Iron Width: 1-5/8”
Weight: 1.2 lbs
Bedding Angle: 20 Degrees
Adjustments: Depth of Cut
Lever Cap Type: Tension Wheel
Casting Number Body: 388
Casting Number Cap: 386
Cross Reference: Stanley No. 120

No.97

The No. 97 is the big brother of the 5-1/2 X 1-3/8 No. 55. 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 and number are cast around the front finger support.

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

  • After the initial release, the name and number are stamped on the cheek.

  • The mouth is very narrow - 7/64”

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

  • “Since 1868” iron trademark (see irons for more details)

Type 2 Configuration 1936 to 1944

  • The embossed Millers Falls name and number are removed from the casting.

  • Iron landing has a recessed area.

  • The mouth has increased to 13/64”

  • 1942, Knob is a stained hardwood.

Type 3 Configuration 1945 to 1960

  • Knob is secured to the bed with a 10-24 flat head machine screw.

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

  • 1949, Knob is made of rosewood.

  • 1956, Knob made of tropical Goncalo wood.

  • The June 1960 price sheet no longer lists the No. 97.

This is an example of the initial release of the No. 97. Embossed name and number around the knob, red lever cap, solid iron landing, narrow mouth, and a type 1 block plane iron.

This is an example of the initial release of the No. 97. Embossed name and number around the knob, red lever cap, solid iron landing, narrow mouth, and a type 1 block plane iron.

These two No. 97 planes are type 1 with the embossed name and number around the knob but have different features from the initial release. Both planes have a black lever cap and a full iron landing. Both planes have different trademark stamps on the

These two No. 97 planes are type 1 with the embossed name and number around the knob but have different features from the initial release. Both planes have a black lever cap and a full iron landing. Both planes have different trademark stamps on the irons, one with the no-touch triangle with the Millers Falls Mass location and the other with a touch triangle and a Greenfield Mass location. The bottom plane also has the name and number stamped on the cheek.

No. 97 iron adjustment is a series of interlocking grooves on both the back of the iron and the iron depth adjusting seat.

No. 97 iron adjustment is a series of interlocking grooves on both the back of the iron and the iron depth adjusting seat.

Narrow mouth opening and a solid iron landing on the early release top plane. Wider mouth with a recessed iron landing on the bottom plane produced after 1944 with an external screw securing the knob.

Narrow mouth opening and a solid iron landing on the early release top plane. Wider mouth with a recessed iron landing on the bottom plane produced after 1944 with an external screw securing the knob.

Type 3 with an external screw securing the knob and a "SOLID TOOL STEEL" trademark iron.

Type 3 with an external screw securing the knob and a "SOLID TOOL STEEL" trademark iron.