I have been a member of Mid West Tool Collectors Association (M-WTCA) for a little over 10 years now (almost 10-1/2). In that time I’ve transitioned from hunting for tools to satisfy my “need” list in to going without any particular goal or tools in mind. I enjoy going to maintain and grow friendships, learning about different tool history, and picking up tools that strike my fancy. The tool subject of this post comes from a combination of those things. I bought it because I liked it and from someone I regularly spend time chatting with at MWTCA regional meets.
I know it’s not a perfect example, but for me and how I like to experience the tools I collect, that is just fine by me. At least for now 🙂
This is a Stanley #42. It was made between about 1871 and 1892. The plane is the same functionally as a Stanley #41 (made from 1871-1895). The difference between the #41 and #42 is that for the #42 some parts were made from gunmetal (a copper alloy) as opposed to the cast iron of the #41.
The gunmetal parts included the main body of the plane and the filletster fence. On my example, the fence is clearly a different color as it’s actually a brass reproduction. The quality of the fence is pretty good, but obviously the metal is visually incorrect. Technically speaking, that reproduction is more rare than the original fence :-). The plane would have also had a plowing fence which would not have wrapped around the filletster bed like this one. My plane is missing that fence. In the mid-1880s the plowing fence was the only one offered, with two holes so it could be used as both the filletster and plowing fence.
On the other side of the plane there were areas for two depth stops. The rear depth stop here is also a pretty good quality reproduction depth stop, made out of most likely bronze. The rear would have originally come with a slitter and a stamped steel depth stop similar to a Stanley #45. There were examples of the #42 coming with a similar depth stop, though, so it’s still in the spirit of correct (though not likely with my likely later model version of this plane).
Also visible from this side of the plane is how the filletster bed attaches to the plane. There are two holes in the front and rear halves of the main casting skates where the screws secure the filletster bed to the plane (yes, my plane is missing one). There is what appears to be two screw holes, but the lower hole is not a counter bore like the upper holes. This allows the screws to be loosened, but not removed, and the filletster base be removed by sliding it down to the lower holes and off the plane.
The filletster bottom has a skewed iron on it, which is 1-5/8″ wide. The iron is secured to the filletster casting with a screw and washer. There is a single spur just ahead of the cutter on the open side of the base. This enabled the #41/42 to be used to cut rabbits across the grain as well.
The interesting thing to me about the #41/42 planes was the combination of the filletster bed and the corresponding fence. I like the way that it has a large reference surface for the rabbet with that filletster base rather than just using a wide cutter. The way that the fence wraps around the casting lends to a very complete and elegant aesthetic to my eye.
I know I don’t have a pristine example, but I’m happy to have it. I enjoy the design aspects of it, and can’t wait to get it sharpened up enough to give it a try. I’ve seen plenty of these planes around, but I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen one used, personally. I might have to change that in a video sometime soon…
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