August 14, 201312 yr I spent most of the day today in Huntsville, AL at the Children's and Women's hospital. My three year old grandson had some out patient surgery and it doing fine. He is a little sore, but other than that everything was good. On the way home later in the day we passed one of our favorite shops and decided to pull in and take a look around. Beth found three of four items she was looking for and I headed to this certain room that is full of old tools to drool for a while. This little block plane grabbed my eye as soon as I walked in there. Believe me, I walked out of the room three times without it and it kept calling my name. So I just had to rescue it. A Stanley No. 18 Knuckle joint block plane. Cap has a Pat date of 2-18-13. But it is missing the Lateral Adjustment lever. No worry, I already have one on the way. Only problem is the one coming I don't think is stamped but it is for a No.18. In 1920 they stopped stamping STANLEY on the end of the lateral adjustment lever. Why is that important? The logo on the blade dates 1912-1918 and with the 1913 date on the lever cap, the lateral lever will be the wrong time period for this little jewel. If you want to check a STANLEY LOGO go to this site. Other than that it just needs a little clean up and some wax to bring it out. The knuckle cap was Nickle plated so it should clean up nicely. So you are asking by know, what is a knuckle joint block plane? Or not. The knuckle cap raises up and slips off like a lever cap on a bench plane. When you put it on and slide it into place, it will click when you lock it down. Pretty sweet. There were two designs of the knuckle joint and this is the second design. The other is probably more rare since they were subject to break very easy. This little block plane also has an adjustable mouth. Loosen the brass knob on the toe and move the lever to move open or close the throat. This is a great little block plane at 6" long and about 1 3/4" wide. Easy to put into an apron pocket. The japanning is in excellent condition and it has a very nice patina. I just got to clean off the tape residue when they had the sticker on this side of the plane. So I brought the No.18 home and introduced him to the others and they all seemed really happy to be together. I just love it when a rescue works out! John MoodySite AdministratorJohn Moody Woodworkshttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com
August 14, 201312 yr That was going to be my burning question, what is a Knuckle Block Plane? And you explained it fine, thanks John. That is a cool looking plane, I like that rounded knuckle cap. Looks to be like it's going to be a great user! John MorrisThe Patriot Woodworker
August 14, 201312 yr Sweet little planes, John. I went to Nike Radar school at Redstone Arsenal back in the late 60's. Lew Kauffman-Wood Turners Forum HostTime Traveler and Purveyor of the Universe's Finest Custom Rolling Pins!
August 14, 201312 yr Neat little plane there John. I'm glad you did rescue it Charles NichollsSite Hostnicholls61@att.netProud supporter of The Wounded Warrior Project, Homes For Our Troops and the NRAhttp://www.etsy.com/shop/nichollswoodworks
August 14, 201312 yr  For awhile, I had an 18, with that older cap.  Mine was the second version of the older cap, without the date on it.  the older ones were just two piece affairs, the newer ones were four piece ones.   Working on getting parts to rebuild a Stanley #18-1/4 plane.    Still need an iron and the lateral.   Looks like John's is a "Type 3" No. 18...Planer? I'm the 'planer', and these are what I use...
August 14, 201312 yr Author Charles Nicholls said: Neat little plane there John. I'm glad you did rescue it Thanks Charles.. By the way, how is your restoration coming? Charles NichollsSite Hostnicholls61@att.netProud supporter of The Wounded Warrior Project, Homes For Our Troops and the NRAhttp://www.etsy.com/shop/nichollswoodworks
August 14, 201312 yr Author That is awesome Lew, Redstone is about 60 miles or so East of me. It takes us about an hour or so to get over there. How long were you there? Lewis Kauffman said: Sweet little planes, John. I went to Nike Radar school at Redstone Arsenal back in the late 60's. Lew Kauffman-Wood Turners Forum HostTime Traveler and Purveyor of the Universe's Finest Custom Rolling Pins!
August 14, 201312 yr Author Thanks John, I wasn't sure it was going to make sense but it is a nice little plane. I hope it can become a user. I don't plane on doing a lot to it other than getting it turned up to use. John Morris said: That was going to be my burning question, what is a Knuckle Block Plane? And you explained it fine, thanks John. That is a cool looking plane, I like that rounded knuckle cap. Looks to be like it's going to be a great user! John MorrisThe Patriot Woodworker
August 14, 201312 yr Author Steve,Here is a site I am not sure you have that will help in Dating some of the block planes.steven newman said: For awhile, I had an 18, with that older cap.  Mine was the second version of the older cap, without the date on it.  the older ones were just two piece affairs, the newer ones were four piece ones.   Working on getting parts to rebuild a Stanley #18-1/4 plane.    Still need an iron and the lateral.   Looks like John's is a "Type 3" No. 18...Planer? I'm the 'planer', and these are what I use...
August 14, 201312 yr A little less than a year.John Moody said:That is awesome Lew, Redstone is about 60 miles or so East of me. It takes us about an hour or so to get over there.How long were you there?Lewis Kauffman said:John MoodySite AdministratorJohn Moody Woodworkshttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com
August 16, 201312 yr Author I got the plane out last night and did a little clean up on it. Took it all apart and cleaned all of the dust and grime off the body and sides. Put a coat of wax on all of the surfaces and a drop of oil on the threads and moving parts. Amazing how much better the japanning looks with all the dirt off it and a little paste wax. A little Brasso to the knobs and some wax on the Nickle lever cap and a good buffing with a clean cotton cloth. No Wire wheels on this one. Put an edge on the blade with my WorkSharp 3000 and ran it across the edge of a piece of cedar that was on the bench. As soon as the lateral adjustment handle gets here I will put it on and give you a picture with it installed. When I sharpened the blade it was bad out of square. Not sure how or who was sharpening it but it had a bad angle to it. I was able to square it up though and it cuts really nice. I'll be adding this one to the other little block planes. John MoodySite AdministratorJohn Moody Woodworkshttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.