Hello all,
this is my first post to the Creek. I have read quite a bit and will make some more post soon regarding my woodworking hobby i.e. buying old tools.
I have questions regarding a "Stanley No. 4 plane" I bought last year as with the more I learn, the more I start trying to improve my tools.
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My brother-in-law's Bailey pattern No. 4 is on the left for comparison. Mine says USA No. 4 only, has a Stanley "kidney" lever cap and kind of looks the part.
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On this side view you might be able to make out the lateral adjustment lever, which looks like it is off a Sargent plane according to websites I have read.
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On this rear picture, you can see how short the base of the handle is.
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This probably would help the most. There is no adjustment screw for the frog. The frog itself feels quite light: I can't get a magnet to stick to it so that would suggest it is aluminum, but there are spots of rust. Distressed high density plastic?
Anyway, I can get curly shavings to come out of this plane, but I see some shortcomings. I would like to know what it is. Coincidentally, I have a No. 5 that has the exact same frog, Sargent lever, same lettering in the casting, and handle. I bought the No. 4 and No.5 from different people on Ebay.
Thank you. Any help would be appreciated.