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Craftsman 12" Bandsaw – Fully Rebuilt + Turning Blanks

Ohio Tools 5-1/2 Jack Plane

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Ohio Tools 5-1/2 Jack Plane

#1

Ohio Tools 5-1/2 Jack Plane

Ed Gutgesell

>I recently bought a Ohio Tools 5-1/2 jack plane at a garage sale. The only identifying markings on it was the Ohio Tools logo on the iron and the letter "O" to the left front of the plane body, left of the "5-1/2". The iron is considerably thicker (about 5/16") at the bevel end and tapers down to about 1/8" at the other end of the iron. I have found out on another website that Ohio Tools went out of business in 1920 and moved from Columbus Ohio to West Virginia in 1913. Thats about all the information I have on this plane. Does anyone have more information on this plane? Is it collectable? The tote is broken and I bought a rosewood replacement, however it will not fit because the mounting hole is a different angle. I would like to make a new tote myself but I can't make out what kind of wood the original is. It isn't rosewood. It is lighter in weight and color than rosewood. Other odd things about this plane is the long screw holding the tote is 1/4 - 20 which is heavier than a comparible Stanley or Sargent. Any additional info that anyone has on this plane and the wood species of the tote and knob would be appreciated!!!

Re: Ohio Tools 5-1/2 Jack Plane

#2

Re: Ohio Tools 5-1/2 Jack Plane

Roger Nixon

>I can't add a lot to what you already know. Mine had a beech tote and knob. Does yours have a frog adjustment screw? Most don't. The ones with the adjustment screw are sometimes called Ohio Bedrocks (I believe it was Neal White who taught me this).

Re: Ohio Tools 5-1/2 Jack Plane

#3

Re: Ohio Tools 5-1/2 Jack Plane

Jim Crammond in Monroe, Mi.

>Ed,

I agree with Roger, the tote on this plane is probably beech. Ohio Tool planes are fairly common around here and every one that I've seen has a beech tote except for one early example(I think) which has a rosewood tote and knob.

Ohio Tool was a prolific maker of wooden bench planes and moulding planes which was established in 1823. They merged with Auburn Tool Co. in 1893. From 1841 to 1880 they used labor contracted from the Ohio State Penitentiary to make some of their planes.

I think they began to make metal planes and transitional planes after Leonard Bailey's patents began to expire. Most of their metal planes were copies of Stanley's with a zero added before the number. They also made chisels, drawknives, gouges, auger bits, spokeshaves, work benches and cooper's tools.

Most of the tools I've seen that were made by Ohio Tool were quality tools. The steel they used in their edge tools seems to hold an edge well.

Jim Crammond

p.s. Whatever happened to Neal White, I haven't seen a post from him in ages.

Re: Ohio Tools 5-1/2 Jack Plane

#4

I'm awake!

Neal (San Jose)

>Just don't have time to post as often as I used to. I can't add anything to the above info on Ohio tools. They are good tools, and most of my favorite users are Ohios.

Re: Ohio Tools 5-1/2 Jack Plane

#5

Re: Ohio Tools 5-1/2 Jack Plane

Ed Gutgesell

>Thanks for your responses. I now know about twice what I knew about Ohio Tools a week ago! This plane does not have a frog adjusting screw.

Other than the tote, the plane is in pretty good shape. The japanning is mostly intact and I am going to clean the plane up, tune it, and use it. Also, I am going to get some beech and make a new tote! Thanks again!!

Re: Ohio Tools 5-1/2 Jack Plane

#6

Doesn't HAVE to be...

Scott in Douglassville, PA

>...beech, unless you just want to match. Cherry looks awfully nice, too... ;)

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