The Type 2 Planes (1873)

A major change occurred with the 1873 production of the Miller's Patent Planes, the body was redesigned. This change was probably made to achieve several advantages, it strengthened the casting at the point where the tote meets the body, and reduced the additional filing and finishing required (not having the hook). The non-filletster planes now employ a more basic fence with short straight arms. It was originally believed that only type one gunmetal planes were japanned and all subsequent gunmetal planes were not. The discovery of a type 2 plane in gunmetal with a japaned body and fence changes that position. Type one planes in gunmetal are extremely rare, about 1/2 dozen examples are known to still exist. Changes made in the production of these planes will carry back and fourth across the different types, and thus it is not uncommon to have features of several types on one plane. Manufacturers were thrifty and did not make tools to fit type studies, the standard approach to production was to use the parts available. Thus the first part thrown into the parts bin was also the last out, you could also assume that at times as new parts were put in, old parts stayed at the bottom for some time.

 #41 Type 2 (1873)

Please note the change in body style, the "Roman nose" shape is gone and the hook is eliminated. This and subsequent types are referred to as the "cyma curve frame" The thumb screws on the fence and body are still of the same construction, with the exception of the screw heads being recessed so as to be below the level of the third knurling. New with this type is the introduction of tightening holes in the rods (visible on rear rod). The slot in the filletster cutter is closed at the top, this change occured somewhere in mid 1871, however several type 2 planes have turned up with open slots.

 

 #42 Gunmetal Type 2 (1873)

Construction of the #42 is identical to the #41 with the exception that the body and fence are gunmetal. Gunmetal at this time is a mix of 83% copper and 17% tin and are almost copper in color. The filletster bed is still cast iron with the background japanned. Note this plane has one pin holding the tote, another cross type feature.

 

 #42 Gunmetal (right view)

This gives a good view of the right side of the cyma curve frame.

 

 #42 Gunmetal with japanned

body and fence.

As with all type studies, after they're published new or conflicting information turns up. Case in point is this #42 type 2 with japanned background. Another unique discovery with this plane is that 3 holes were found in the body while the tote was being restored. This lead me to believe that the frames were drilled first and the tote drilled to match afterwards. This also would show that this plane was manufactured at the time production was shifting from two pin mounting to one and inventory was modified to accept the change.

 

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