Alan P. Kefauver asked about a Pilot plane
>Hi .I am new to this list. I have joined because I bought an old plane that
>no one can identify. I am a hobby woodworker who is slowly moving from
>power tools to hand tools. I know own 6 handplanes ,1 spokeshave and 3
>scrapers.
Welcome to the list. Sounds like you've got a good start already.
>Can anyone identify this plane.
>Made by The Consolidated Tool Company. Has a ship's wheel on the iron (very
>thick) and on the lever cap, with the word "Pilot" between the spokes. It
>is about the size of a Stanley/Bailey #5. Has a corrugated sole.
The blade stamp indicates it is probably an original iron for the plane.
According to Roger Smith's book on metallic planes, the Pilot Brand was made
by The Consolidated Tool Co. of New York city circa 1925. The Stanley planes
were made with corrugated soles starting in 1898, so I suspect it is an
imitation made after the Stanley patents expired.
I've never seen any of their planes, so I don't know about the quality or
value. Roger's book doesn't show any examples or discuss any patents
associated with them. In general, jack planes are very common. Corrugated
sole planes are worth a little more than smooth sole planes of the same size.
The thick iron indicates it will probably chatter less than some of the newer
thin blades. It could be a good user. If it is in really good as found
condition, it might be valuable to fanatic or special interest collectors.
Let us know if you have more questions. Or want more tools (silly me, of
course you do.)
Charlie
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