metallic plane co.

Re: metallic plane co.

Todd Hughes

>These are fairly desirable planes, if i remember right most that I have seen at tool Shows have been priced at $200-$400 depending on condition.Not a Rare plane but not common at all.I think but do not know for certain that they later were involved with the Chaplin's Patent planes out of Lyon NY which had adjustable mouths as well.....Guess if the plane isn't in excellent or above condition it wouldn't hurt to occasionaly use it but I sure wouldn't do any nonscence like flattening the sole or anything past a light cleaning and sharpening the blade.But why? Probably a cheap Stanley no. 4 would do a better job, after all if this wasn't historicaly the way it was you would be asking about a "rare" Stanley no. 4 plane and i would be advising using a common Metalic Plane Co. Plane !......Todd

Re: metallic plane co. history

Jim Crammond in Monroe, Mi

>Guy,

I thought I'd fill in a little of the history of Metallic Plane Co. since you seemed interested in that aspect of the company in your question. According to Roger Smith's "Patented Transitional and Metallic Planes in America", the company was formed in 1867 and worked until 1880. The two main figures in the company were Nelson Palmer and Elliot Storke.

This company seemed intent on pushing the envelope of metal plane technology as they made many innovations in the area over their 13 year history. As you noted they patented corrugated soles on metal planes. They also patented several different types of depth adjustments, lateral adjustment and even an adjustable frog angle. From your description, I think you have an example of their last type of depth adjustment. From the planes I've seen, this is the most common type.

Metallic Plane Company made a full line of bench plane, block planes and several styles of filletsters and plows. These last types are especially desirable to collectors, worth $1000.00 to $2000.00.

I agree with Todd on using the plane, clean it up minimally, sharpen the iron and with the adjustable mouth you have a great plane to try on grain that is giving you trouble with Bailey type planes. Metallic Plane Co. planes do have a reputation for being fragile because they are often found with chipped mouths and cracks in the castings, I'm not sure if they are more susceptable to damage than other planes or were just roughly used.

Jim Crammond