Re: Ohio Tools #2 blade adjustment knob.
Neal in San Jose
>Robert: First of all, you have a fairly scarce and collectable plane on your hands. One in pretty good, but not mint condition sold about 2 weeks ago on ebay for $340. I've seen pristine examples go for several times that amount. You will want to seriously consider any modifications that may impact the value. I don't think that replacing a missing blade adjuster knob with an incorrect one will matter much, but the normal knocks and dings that using it invariably bring, will.
Second, a number 2 for most people is of marginal use. They are cute, but too small for most hands. A number 3 or 4 would quite likely be a more useful choice, and you wouldn't constantly worry that it was going to land on the floor with a very expensive crunch!
Third, there are people who sell parts for obsolete planes (Ohio Tool went out of business in 1916), but $26 for a knob doesn't sound too bad. You might consider going on ebay or to an old tool swap meet and finding a much more common #5 in ratty condition for about $25, and stealing the parts you need and selling the remaining parts for whatever the market will bear.
If it was me, I think I would try and peddle the cute little thing to a collector, and pick up a dirt-common Stanley #4 as my user, and have some cash left over for wood.
HTH Neal. remove an "o" for email