Premium Bench Plane Study

This type study will list the six types defined in the premium line. Each type will have five sections;

  1. lever cap features

  2. frog /iron features

  3. body/knob/tote features

  4. crossover features

  5. examples of planes

The first three sections will list new or updated features in red and features that transitioned over from the previous type in black.

When a new type was introduced, the factory may have excess parts from the previous type left over. These excess parts were incorporated into the new type line until the supply was exhausted. Actual examples with these “Crossover” features will be shown.

Examples have been found that are outside the common features listed for a given type. This group is not about a crossover plane or a plane where a user has swapped out parts, but factory features on a lever cap, frog , body or iron what cross over one or more types. The section at the bottom titled “Outside The Type Study” will look at examples with uncommon features.

Jump To Type 2

Jump To Type 3

Jump To Type 2 Second Release

Jump To Type 4

Jump To Type 5

Type 1

Lever Cap

A list of the six lever caps with casting numbers and the size plane the cap was used on;

  • 1-5/8” (332) No. 7

  • 1-3/4” (333) No. 8 and No. 11

  • 2” (334A) No.9 and No 14

  • 2-1/4 (335) No. 15

  • 2-3/8 (336) No. 10, No. 18 and No.22

  • 2-5/8 (337) No. 24

1929 to 1935 Common Features

  • Two piece nickel plated hinged cap with three contact points.

  • Interlocking tabs on the main upper section to fit into the lower T-section.

  • Semi-circle containing “MILLERS FALLS” with a red background of the semi-circle.

  • Back side of lower section contains free hand cast text “PAT. APLD. FOR”.

  • Large rivet head securing cam lever spring.

  • Patent number 1822520 approved Sep 8, 1931. Stamped on upper section face starting around 1933.

  • 2” Only - Casting relief inside length is curved.

Type 1

Frog and Iron

A list of the six frogs with casting numbers and the size plane the frog was used on;

  • 1-5/8” (315) No. 7

  • 1-3/4” (316) No. 8 and No. 11

  • 2” (317) No.9 and No 14

  • 2-1/4 (318) No. 15

  • 2-3/8 (319) No. 10, No. 18 and No.22

  • 2-5/8 (320) No. 24

1929 to 1935 Common Features

  • Painted red

  • Cast iron yoke painted red

  • 1-1/4” knurled 9/32-24 LH brass depth adjusting nut (recessed design)

  • Folded lateral adjustment lever

  • 1-3/4” and larger frogs are configured with a frog adjuster tab/screw. Only the 1-5/8” frog has no adjuster tab/screw.

  • 12-20 flat fillister head frog locking screws

  • Around 1933, extra metal was added around the lever cap screw on the 1-3/4” and 2” face only.

  • Iron trademark contains an irregular octagon (concave octagon) with the words “Millers Falls Tools”

  • Iron trademark contains a triangle with the words “Since 1868”. The triangle does not touch the octagon.

  • Under the triangle are two lines with the words “MADE IN U.S.A.” and the iron size in inches.

Type 1

Body, Knob and Tote

A list of the 10 bodies with casting numbers and sole dimensions;

  • No. 7 (300) 7-3/4” x 1-15/16”

  • No. 8 (301) 8-3/4” x 2-1/8”

  • No. 9 (302) 9” x 2-1/4”

  • No. 10 (303) 10” x 2-7/8”

  • No. 11 (304) 11.5” x 2-1/8”

  • No. 14 (305) 14” x 2-1/4”

  • No. 15 (306) 15” x 2-3/4”

  • No. 18 (307) 17-7/8” x 2-7/8”

  • No. 22 (308) 21-3/4” x 2-7/8”

  • No. 24 (309) 23-7/8” x 3-1/8”

1929 to 1935 Common Features

  • Company Name cast into bed encircling the knob.

  • Plane number cast into the bed.

  • “MADE IN U.S.A.” cast into bed between frog seat and tote.

  • No. 8 and larger are configured with a frog adjuster screw. Only the No. 7 has no frog adjuster screw.

  • The heel tab on the No. 7, No. 8, No. 9 and No. 10 is raised above the sole.

  • The No. 8 and No. 10 through No. 24 have a raised tote receiver.

  • The No. 7 and No. 9 do not have a raised tote receiver.

  • High support rib

  • Cocobolo knob and tote secured with brass waist nuts with a 12-20 double threaded rod.

  • Cocobolo knob has six partial impressions where the knob was attached to the lathe.

Type 1 Planes

The type 1 plane with the name and number cast into the bed and the small features outlined above make this plane worth adding to your collection.


Type 2

Lever Cap

1936 to 1941 Common Features

  • Two piece nickel plated hinged cap with three contact points.

  • Interlocking tabs on the main upper section eliminated but the lower T-section still used.

  • Semi-circle containing “MILLERS FALLS” with a red background of the semi-circle.

  • Back side of lower section contains free hand cast text “PAT. APLD. FOR”.

  • Large rivet head replaced with smaller rivet head securing cam lever spring.

  • Patent number 1822520 stamped on upper section face.

  • 2” Only - Casting relief inside length is straight from curved shape.

Type 2

Frog and Iron

1936 to 1941 Common Features

  • Painted red

  • Steel nickel plated yoke replaces cast iron yoke

  • Yoke pin recess added on either side of the yoke pin

  • Frog face relief added

  • 1-1/4” knurled 9/32-24 LH brass depth adjusting nut (recessed design)

  • 1” knurled 9/32-24 LH brass depth adjusting nut (recessed design) (A negligible number found)

  • solid disk replaces the folded end of the lateral adjustment lever

  • 1-3/4” and larger frogs are configured with a frog adjuster tab/screw. Only the 1-5/8” frog has no adjuster tab/screw

  • extra metal around the lever cap screw on the 1-3/4” and 2” face only

  • 12-20 pan head frog locking screws replaces the fillister screw

  • Iron trademark contains an octagon with the words “Millers Falls Tools”

  • Iron trademark contains a triangle with the words “Since 1868”. The triangle does not touch the octagon

  • Iron trademark has USA and size spread out

  • Iron trademark has the triangle touching the octagon near the end of type 2

  • Iron trademark triangle only contains “1868” near the end of type 2

Type 2

Body, Knob and Tote

1936 to 1941 Common Features

  • Company Name and model number removed from the bed and stamped on left cheek.

  • Bed Knob Ribs replaced smooth bed under the tote. These eight ribs will fit into the impressions on the knob.

  • “MADE IN U.S.A.” cast into bed between frog seat and tote.

  • No. 8 and larger are configured with a frog adjuster screw. Only the No. 7 has no frog adjuster screw.

  • The heel tab on the No. 7, No. 8, No. 9 and No. 10 are now part of the sole.

  • During the type 2 period, the raised tote receiver is removed from the No. 8.

  • The No. 10 through No. 24 have a raised tote receiver.

  • The No. 7 and No. 9 do not have a raised tote receiver.

  • Around 1938, a casting gate is seen on the toe and heel of the No. 11 through the No. 24

  • Lower support rib by the end of the type 2 period.

  • Cocobolo knob and tote secured with brass waist nuts and a 12-20 double threaded rod.

  • Cocobolo knob has eight full impressions where the knob was attached to the lathe.

 Type 2

Crossover Features

Type 2 Planes

The type 2 plane with the cocobolo knob/tote and the name and number stamped on the left cheek. With a production period of only six years, these could be hard to find.


Type 3

Lever Cap

1942 to 1948 Common Features

  • Two piece nickel plated hinged cap with three contact points.

  • No interlocking tabs on the main upper section.

  • Semi-circle containing “MILLERS FALLS” in a semi-circle.

  • No paint in semi-circle

  • Back side of lower section contains free hand text “PAT. APLD. FOR”.

  • Smaller rivet head securing cam lever spring.

  • Patent number 1822520 stamped on upper section face.

  • 2” Only - Casting relief inside length is straight.

There were changes made to only the 2” lever cap around 1944.

  • 2” Only - The casting number was changed from 334A to 334.

  • 2” Only - Paint was added to the semicircle with the 334 casting number.

  • 2” Only - “PAT. APLD. FOR”. was eliminated with the 334 casting number.

Type 3

Frog and Iron

1942 to 1948 Common Features

  • Painted red

  • Steel nickel plated yoke

  • Yoke pin recess

  • Frog face relief

  • 1-1/4” knurled 9/32-24 LH nickel depth adjusting nut (recessed design) , replaces brass adjusting nut

  • 1” knurled 9/32-24 LH brass depth adjusting nut (recessed design) (A negligible number found)

  • The depth adjustment nut can have a blued finish

  • Solid disk on the end of the lateral adjustment lever

  • 1-3/4” and larger frogs are configured with a frog adjuster tab/screw. Only the 1-5/8” frog has no adjuster tab/screw.

  • 12-20 pan head frog locking screws

  • Iron trademark contains an octagon with the words “Millers Falls Tools”

  • Iron trademark contains a triangle with the words “Since 1868”. The triangle touches the octagon

  • Iron trademark triangle only contains “1868” at the start of type 3

  • 2” Only - The casting number was changed from 317 to 496A round 1944.

Type 3

Body, Knob and Tote

1942 to 1948 Common Features

  • Company Name and model number stamped on left cheek.

  • Knob bed ribs

  • “MADE IN U.S.A.” cast into bed between frog seat and tote.

  • No. 8 and larger are configured with a frog adjuster screw. Only the No. 7 has no frog adjuster screw.

  • The heel tab on the No. 7, No. 8, No. 9 and No. 10 is part of the sole.

  • The No. 7, No. 8 and No. 9 smoothing planes do not have a raised tote receiver.

  • The No. 10 through No. 24 have a raised tote receiver.

  • Casting gate is seen on the toe and heel of the No. 11 through the No. 24

  • Low support rib

  • No. 7 eliminated by 1944.

  • Stained hardwood knob and tote replace cocobolo knob and tote

  • One piece 12-20 slotted bolt replaces brass waist nuts with double threaded rod .

 Type 3

Crossover Features

Type 3 Planes

The type 3 plane has the district stained knob/tote. During the war, Millers Falls made a lot of these planes in this type. Look for planes with the original finish.


Type 2 Second Release

Lever Cap

1949 to 1952 Common Features

  • Two piece nickel plated hinged cap with three contact points.

  • No interlocking tabs on the main upper section.

  • Semi-circle containing “MILLERS FALLS” in a semi-circle.

  • Red paint in semi-circle

  • Back side of lower section contains free hand text “PAT APLD. FOR”.

  • Smaller rivet head securing cam lever spring.

  • Patent number 1822520 stamped on upper section face.

  • 2” Only - “PAT APLD. FOR”. was eliminated with the 334 casting number.

Type 2 Second Release

Frog and Iron

1949 to 1952 Common Features

  • Painted red

  • Steel nickel plated yoke

  • Yoke pin recess

  • Frog face relief

  • 1-1/4” knurled 9/32-24 LH brass depth adjusting nut (recessed design) replaces nickel adjusting nut

  • 1” knurled 9/32-24 LH brass depth adjusting nut no longer found

  • Solid disk on the end of the lateral adjustment lever

  • Frog adjuster tab/screw.

  • 12-20 pan head frog locking screws

  • The new trademark has the words “SOLID TOOL STEEL” above a concave octagon containing “MILLERS FALLS”

  • The new trademark has an empty triangle incorporated into the octagon. “MADE IN USA” is divided on either side of the triangle.

  • 2” Only- The casting number is 496A.

Type 2 Second Release

Body, Knob and Tote

1949 to 1952 Common Features

  • Company Name and model number stamped on left cheek.

  • Knob bed ribs

  • “MADE IN U.S.A.” cast into bed between frog seat and tote.

  • Frog adjuster screw. No. 7 eliminated in 1944.

  • The heel tab on the No. 8, No. 9 and No. 10 is part of the sole.

  • The No. 8 and No. 9 smoothing planes do not have a raised tote receiver.

  • The No. 10 through No. 24 have a raised tote receiver.

  • Casting gate is seen on the toe and heel of the No. 11 through the No. 24

  • Low support rib

  • Cocobolo knob and tote secured with brass waist nuts and a 12-20 double threaded rod replace hardwood and single bolt.

 Type 2 Second Release

Crossover Features

Type 2 Second Release Planes

How do you distinguish this type from the original type 2? The 2” planes are easy with the casting numbers on the lever cap and frog. For the others, look for casting gates, Solid Tool Steel iron, support rib height and be aware that the original version did not stamp the casting number on the body.


Type 4

Lever Cap

1953 to 1965 Common Features

  • Two piece nickel plated hinged cap with three contact points.

  • No interlocking tabs on the main upper section.

  • Semi-circle containing “MILLERS FALLS” in a semi-circle.

  • Red paint in semi-circle

  • Back side of lower section contains free hand text “PAT APLD. FOR”.

  • 2” Only - “PAT APLD. FOR”. was eliminated with the 334 casting number.

  • Smaller rivet head securing cam lever spring.

  • Patent number 1822520 stamped on upper section face.

  • Cam lever spring has two sharper bent edges.

  • Metal was removed between the cam lever spring bottom and the casting relief.

  • 2” - “PAT APLD. FOR” with casting number 334A was used on a limited number of caps

Type 4

Frog and Iron

1953 to 1965 Common Features

  • Black paint replaces the red paint.

  • Steel nickel plated yoke

  • Yoke pin recess

  • Frog face relief

  • 1-1/4” knurled 9/32-24 LH brass depth adjusting nut (full design) replaces recessed adjusting nut

  • Solid disk on the end of the lateral adjustment lever

  • Frog adjuster tab/screw.

  • 12-20 fillister frog locking screws replaces the pan head screw

  • “SOLID TOOL STEEL” iron

  • 2” Only - The casting number was changed from 496A to 496 between 1/58 and 10/58.

Type 4

Body, Knob and Tote

1953 to 1965 Common Features

  • Company Name and model number stamped on left cheek.

  • Knob bed ribs

  • “MADE IN U.S.A.” cast into bed between frog seat and tote.

  • Frog adjuster screw. No. 7 eliminated in 1944.

  • The heel tab on the No. 8, No. 9 and No. 10 is part of the sole.

  • The No. 8 and No. 9 smoothing planes do not have a raised tote receiver.

  • The No. 10 through No. 24 have a raised tote receiver.

  • Casting gate is seen on the toe and heel of the No. 11 to the No. 24

  • Low support rib

  • No. 10, 10C, 15, 15C, 24 and No. 24C eliminated by 1961.

  • Goncalo knob and tote secured with brass waist nuts and a 12-20 double threaded rod replaces the cocobolo wood.

  • Shorter horn on larger planes. standard size horn on finishing planes.

 Type 4

Crossover Features

Type 4 Planes

The type 4 timespan was the longest of the six type periods. It is also what I consider the last type produced with a quality expected of a premium plane.  The only fault I see in this plane is the finish they selected for the tigerwood. The wood itself was a great choice, and the finish applied out of the factory made for one good looking plane. The problem is if the finish is damaged, it is very difficult to bring it back. This is a great plane to collect and use. If the finish is damaged, maybe someone out there has the orange touch.


Type 5

Lever Cap

1966 to 1978 Common Features

  • One piece nickel plated cap replaces hinged two piece cap.

  • No patent number stamped on the front.

  • Semi-circle containing “MILLERS FALLS” in a semi-circle.

  • No paint in semi-circle

  • Smaller rivet head securing cam lever spring.

  • Cam lever spring bend has two sharper edged.

  • Later production, cam lever spring eliminated

Type 5

Frog and Iron

1966 to 1978 Common Features

  • Black paint

  • Steel nickel plated yoke

  • Yoke pin recess

  • Frog face relief

  • 1-1/4” knurled 9/32-24 LH nickel depth adjusting nut (full design) replaces brass adjusting nut

  • Solid disk on the end of the lateral adjustment lever

  • Frog adjuster tab/screw eliminated

  • later production, metal eliminated between cap iron screw recess and frog locking screw slots

  • 12-24 Phillips fillister head frog locking screws replaces 12-20 beveled fillister head screws

  • Early production - Ink stamp seen on iron.

  • No pressure or ink stamp on iron.

  • Iron shorten by reducing the chip breaker screw slot from 4-5/8” to 3-5/8” slot.

Type 5

Body, Knob and Tote

1966 to 1978 Common Features

  • Company Name and model number stamped on left cheek.

  • Knob bed ribs

  • The heel tab on the No. 8 and No. 9 is part of the sole.

  • Casting gate is seen on the toe and heel of the No. 11 through the No. 22.

  • Low support rib

  • “B” added to model number cheek stamp

  • No. 8CB renamed No. 8-03-B in 1968/1969. No. 8B and No. 8-03-B eliminated by 1971.

  • No. 9CB renamed No. 9-02-B in 1968/1969. No. 9-02-B eliminated by 1971, 9B by 1976.

  • No. 11B eliminated by 1970

  • No. 14CB renamed No. 14-01-B in 1968/1969. No. 14-01-B eliminated by 1971, 14B by 1978.

  • No. 18CB eliminated by 1967, 18B by 1971.

  • No. 22B, 22CB eliminated by 1967

  • “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped into bed between frog seat and tote on bodies under 14 inches.

  • “MADE IN U.S.A.” cast into bed between frog seat and tote on bodies 14 inches and larger.

  • Frog adjuster screw eliminated

  • Raised Tote Receiver added to the No. 8 and No. 9.

  • All planes have the same sized raised tote receiver.

  • Tote screw eliminated. replaced with a pin.

  • No. 8 and No 9 cast front tote anchor replaced with a pin.

  • Later production, metal eliminated in the middle of the upper frog seat.

  • Goncalo knob and tote secured with steel 12-24 one piece Phillips head bolts replaces waist nuts with 12-20 double threaded rod.

  • The same tote can be used on all premium planes

 Type 5

Crossover Features

Type 5 Planes

At the start of the type 5 years, six of the premium planes were still being produced. By 1971 the number would be down to two.

 Outside The Type Study

The following pictures will show features on some Millers Falls planes that are outside a transition change from one type to another.