Stanley No.4 needs a part.

[Bod]

Having spotted and brought at car boot a rather rusty No4, on stripping for cleaning, I discovered why it had gone out of use.

After cleaning enough to get working.

The problem.

Reseaching the age, I find, because of the small depth adjuster, the frog is type 11, the sole/blade/ knobs are type 12.
I've bodged up a couple of washers to get the lateral adjuster working, sharpened the blade, and it works well. Certainly well enough to keep as a user, now the question, Where do I go to get a new lateral adjuster disc, and should it rotate or be fixed?

Bod

 

[AndyT]

I think your best bet is just to saw and file one to size from a scrap of metal. (A penny is ideal - an old one if you want non-ferrous or a newer one if copper-plated steel is ok.) That way you can get a nice fit between your new disc and the slot in the blade. Although in theory they rotate, I don't think it matters if they don't. So assuming you have already re-rivetted the adjuster and don't want to remove it again, a spot of epoxy is your friend. Otherwise, remove the rivet and make a new one from a wire nail (good source of soft mild steel).

Alternatively, just tap sideways with a hammer when lateral adjustment is needed!

 

[Phil Pascoe]

A small washer and a drop of epoxy. It doesn't matter that it doesn't move - the newer ones don't move anyway.

 

[ED65]

That's a pre-WW2 one isn't it Bod, with a keyhole screw hole in the lever cap instead of the kidney shape?

 

[Bod]

That's a pre-WW2 one isn't it Bod, with a keyhole screw hole in the lever cap instead of the kidney shape?

Yes, I belive it to be about 1920-23. Made in USA.
Now it's cleaned up a bit, a proud W S put their initals on it, with a dot punch! The sole is covered with scratches, some quite deep, but nothing that prevents use.
The blade is a "sweet heart" type and has sharpened well, with no rust pitting where it matters. Handles undamaged and tight fitting.
On the whole, much better made than the English made ones, more to a standard, than price.

Bod

 

[Bm101]

Bod I have a modern 4 bought as part of joblot and kept for spares. It's a bit dire. Thought the adjuster might do. Dug it out but it's peened through the frog. Probably should have known without looking... Tbh from the very modern quality of it it'll be no use. (It's nasty) Having said that if you can use it let me know and I should be able to drill it out if needed. I can post a pic if you want to see it but even the part of the adjuster you press against is pressed through the adjuster. Like I say, it's nasty. Give us a shout if it's any use as a quick fix and looks don't matter.
Cheers
Chris

 

[Bod]

Bod I have a modern 4 bought as part of joblot and kept for spares. It's a bit dire. Thought the adjuster might do. Dug it out but it's peened through the frog. Probably should have known without looking... Tbh from the very modern quality of it it'll be no use. (It's nasty) Having said that if you can use it let me know and I should be able to drill it out if needed. I can post a pic if you want to see it but even the part of the adjuster you press against is pressed through the adjuster. Like I say, it's nasty. Give us a shout if it's any use as a quick fix and looks don't matter.
Cheers
Chris

Thanks, I'll take you up on that.
Strangely, the very first lateral adjusters, by Bailey himself were just bent up!

Bod

 

[Bm101]

Ok mate. I'll give it a go tomorrow. I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[Bm101]

Bod I had a proper look today while down the shed. I reckon it'll be better if I send you the whole frog. You might be able to swap it straight in. If it doesnt come up to scratch you can drill out the adjuster. Pm me your address
when you get a minute.
Cheers
Chris