Rapier 400 bench plane

[David C]

Does any one know about this brand please.

Plastic handles, No 4 size, casting has Gateshead England, handle has Rapier cast into it.

Lever cap has Rapier and knurled screw knob instead of lever.

Frog is good of Bailey type.

Best wishes,
David

 

[bugbear]

It been mentioned several times, and is quite common.

Generally inferior to a Record/Stanley of the same era.

Search the forum (or 'net) for more detail.

BugBear

 

[AndyT]

Rapier was the brand name of the Anglo-Scottish Tool Company of Gateshead in the 50s and 60s.
As BB said, as far as I can see their only usp was to be a bit cheaper than Record or Stanley.

There is a tiny bit more info here http://www.rapierplanes.com/

and this photo of the factory

comes from here http://www.gatesheadhistory.com/team-va ... shead.html

 

[David C]

Thanks very much.

I had not come across one before. (Spokeshave interesting?)

The sole and frog were solid castings.

David

 

[bugbear]

Thanks very much.

I had not come across one before. (Spokeshave interesting?)

Long ago, I acquired on of those spokeshave, but it didn't work very well.

But I know more about spokeshave tuning now than I did back then. Perhaps
I should have another look.

BugBear