Tool Detail
Vintage Craftsman No 4 Smoothing Plane Sargent Made USA Restored Woodworking Hand Plane
Vintage Craftsman No. 4-size smoothing plane, manufactured in the USA by Sargent & Company for Sears. Approximately 9¼ inches long, featuring its original blue oval Craftsman lever cap, red-painted frog, and wooden handles. Fully disassembled, cleaned, sharpened, tuned, and tested. A functional American-made woodworking plane with authentic vintage patina.
Detailed Description
A genuine vintage Craftsman smoothing plane, manufactured by Sargent & Company for Sears, Roebuck & Co. This American-made bench plane features the distinctive blue oval Craftsman lever cap, original red-painted frog, and traditional wooden knob and tote. The plane has been carefully restored to working condition while preserving the original markings, aged surfaces, and character developed through decades of use.
Tool Details
- Brand: Craftsman
- Manufacturer: Sargent & Company
- Country of Manufacture: USA
- Type: No. 4-size smoothing plane
- Length: Approximately 9¼ inches
- Sole: Smooth, non-corrugated
- Construction: Cast iron body with steel cutting iron
- Handles: Original wooden knob and rear tote
- Frog: Original red-painted frog
- Lever Cap: Plated metal with blue oval Craftsman trademark
- Manufacturer Identification: BL stamped on both the cutting iron and plane body
History & Identification
Craftsman woodworking planes were manufactured for Sears by several established American toolmakers, including Sargent & Company and Millers Falls. This example carries the BL manufacturer’s identification code on both its cutting iron and cast-iron body, identifying it as Sargent production. Its blue oval Craftsman lever cap is characteristic of earlier Craftsman bench planes. The plane is believed to date from approximately the late 1930s through the 1940s. Its exact manufacturing date and Sears catalog model number have not been conclusively established.
Restoration
This plane has been disassembled, cleaned, sharpened, and tuned for continued woodworking use. Restoration work included:
- Disassembly and inspection of the plane and adjustment components.
- Removal of accumulated dirt, oxidation, and surface corrosion.
- Cleaning and lapping of the sole.
- Sharpening the cutting iron.
- Cleaning and fitting the chipbreaker.
- Cleaning and lubricating the adjustment mechanisms.
- Light smoothing and conditioning of the original wooden handles.
- Application of protective oil and wax to exposed metal surfaces.
- Reassembly, adjustment, and functional testing.
The cutting iron has been sharpened, and the plane has been tested successfully on wood.
Condition
Good restored vintage working condition. The plane is complete and functional, with its original character preserved. As shown in the photographs, the cast-iron body retains areas of discoloration, oxidation staining, and surface pitting. The plated lever cap exhibits substantial plating loss and wear. The wooden knob and tote are solid and serviceable, retaining considerable wear to their original finishes. The cutting iron shows age-related staining and pitting above the sharpened cutting edge. These cosmetic imperfections are consistent with the plane’s age and history. They have intentionally not been removed through aggressive polishing or refinishing. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.
Ready for Use
The plane has been sharpened, adjusted, and tested. A No. 4-size smoothing plane is particularly useful for:
- Final smoothing of boards and panels
- Removing fine milling marks
- Preparing wooden surfaces for finishing
- Traditional hand-tool woodworking
- Furniture making and restoration
It is also an attractive addition to a collection of vintage American woodworking tools.