Acorn 4 1/2 Plane Review By: I.Ball
Category: Old Smoothing Planes
Extra Info: What is a Smoothing Plane? Smoothing Plane Videos
Manufacturer: J A Chapman / Stanley
Plane Type: Smoothing
Model No: 4 1/2
The Acorn smoothing plane number 4 1/2 is a woodwork
bench plane
similar to the
Stanley 4 1/2 plane.
The number 4 1/2 plane is fitted with a 61mm (2 3/8 inch) wide cutter.
The Acorn 4 1/2 was originally made by J A Chapman in Sheffield, England.
They then swiftly went on to be made
by Stanley, England with trade labels saying 'Chapman Tools by Stanley' and box packaging
saying 'Chapman by Stanley'.
The early Acorn 4 1/2 planes had a look and feel of good quality with heavy thick sides,
rich maroon finish and the use of a flat frog.
At the time the early Acorn planes
competitors were in the main using Rosewood for the handles whereas the Acorn plane had
lower cost Beech handles which may have given the plane an inferior impression.
The later bright red Acorn planes have a look and feel of a lower cost plane
in comparison to planes of the time.
Body and frog:
cast iron
Lever cap:
cast iron with a plated finish
Cap iron:
best quality steel
Blade:
best quality steel
Depth adjuster wheel/nut: brass
Handle and knob: beech
Plane finish: maroon
Acorn 4 1/2 Plane Markings
"Acorn" - found on the top face at the very front of the plane.
"No. 4 1/2" - found on the top face between front knob and blade.
"Made In" and "Sheffield" - found on the top face at the rear beside handle.
"Acorn" - found on the lever cap face.
Body and frog:
cast iron
Lever cap:
cast iron with a plated finish
Cap iron:
best quality steel
Blade:
best quality steel
Depth adjuster wheel/nut: brass
Handle and knob: beech
Plane finish: maroon
Acorn 4 1/2 Plane Markings
"No. 4 1/2" - found on the top face at the front.
"Made In England" - found on the top face at the rear behind the frog.
"Acorn" - found on the lever cap face.
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