Block & Specialty Models 296 through 9775
Much of the information provided below is derived from a study of Millers Falls catalogs. Please realize that the collection used as a resource is not comprehensive and that M-F catalog copy could be astonishingly inaccurate. Understand that the Stanley equivalents listed are what might be termed "close matches" and that some details of the planes are not necessarily identical.
No. 296
Floor Scraper
Ball joint permits setting blade at a wide range of angles by loosening and tightening the handle. Hardwood handles on early models have mahogany finish, later models have natural finish. Tip of handle painted green on most later examples. Small handle for top of blade often missing. Stanley equivalent not equipped with a ball joint.
Marketed by the company as a Goodell-Pratt product from 1931-1936, the scraper was re-designed and branded a Millers Falls tool in 1936.
Illustration from 1938 catalog.
| Model | Stanley Equiv. | Length | Cutter | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 296 | No. 283 | 9 7/8 inches | 3 inches | acquired 1931 | 1966 |
No. 700
Non-Adjustable Block Plane
An economy-grade plane first introduced under the Mohawk-Shelburne label. Equipped with screw-operated cap clamp. Black-enameled body and knob.
- 1931—Mohawk-Shelburne model features cap with top half painted red, and cutters manufactured of 'good' rather than 'tool' steel.
- by 1949—marketed as a Millers Falls product. Cutter upgraded to tool steel and cap painted completely black. Knob is attached to body by an externally visible screw.
Illustration from 1938 catalog.
| Model | Stanley Equiv. | Length | Cutter | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 700 | No. 1247 | 7 inches | 1 5/8 inches | 1931 | 1964 |
No. 707
Non-Adjustable Block Plane
An economy-grade block plane equipped with a with screw-operated cap clamp. Gray-enameled body, cap painted red. Hardwood knob may be painted black or mahogany-stained. The No. 707 was a still cheaper version of the No. 700. The sides of the plane were neither milled nor sanded. Shipped with the V-Line (Value Line) label on lower part of cap from 1956 to 1960.
Illustration from 1960 catalog.
| Model | Stanley Equiv. | Length | Cutter | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 707 | No. H1247 | 7 inches | 1 5/8 inches | 1956 | 1974 |
Nos. 1455, 1455B
Adjustable Low Angle Block Plane
Equipped with a cam-lock cap, screw-type depth adjustment, and hardwood knob. Iron is bedded at twelve degrees. Hardwood knob may be painted black, mahogany-stained, or have natural finish.
- 1956—cam-lock cap painted red and body gray. Shipped with an applied V-Line (Value Line) decal.
- 1960—No longer a V-line product, body and cam-lock cap are painted black. Model number stamped on cheek.
Basically, a re-introduction of the No. 66. Company catalogs never got this one right—the plane is six inches long, not seven.
Illustration from 1960 catalog.
| Model | Stanley Equiv. | Length | Cutter | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1455 | No. 61 | 6 inches | 1 3/8 inches | 1956 | 1974 |
No. 8455
Adjustable Low Angle Block Plane
Equipped with a cam-lock cap and screw-type depth adjustment. Hardwood knob is painted black. Iron is bedded at twelve degrees. The sides of the plane were neither milled nor sanded.
by 1976—knob on the depth adjustment is made of plastic.
Illustration from 1976 catalog.
| Model | Stanley Equiv. | Length | Cutter | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 8455 | No. 61 | 6 inches | 1 3/8 inches | 1974 | 1977 |
No. 8707
Non-Adjustable Block Plane
An economy-grade block plane equipped with screw-operated cap clamp. Knob may be painted black or mahogany-finished.
- 1974—body, cap, and knob painted black. Company identification stenciled at base of cap.
- by 1976—cap is painted gray. Adhesive label identifies company's name.
A re-numbered 707, the company continued to use the illustration of the earlier plane in its catalog. The author has done so as well.
Illustration from 1976 catalog.
| Model | Stanley Equiv. | Length | Cutter | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 8707 | No. H1247 | 7 inches | 1 5/8 inches | 1974 | after 1984 |
No. 9033
Non-Adjustable Block Plane
Sheet metal body. sheet metal body, screw-operated cap clamp, iron is bedded at 45 degrees.
- 1974—body is painted black, cap red. Company identification stenciled on left cheek
- 1976—cap is painted black.
- 1979—body, no longer sheet metal, is cast. The sides of the plane were neither milled nor sanded. Cap is painted red.
A small plane favored by model and instrument makers. Sold carded, rather than in a box. Replaced the No. 33. Obviously patterned on the Stanley Handyman No. 101, a plane introduced a decade earlier.
Illustration from 1976 catalog.
| Model | Stanley Equiv. | Length | Cutter | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 9033 | No. H101 | 3 1/2 inches | 1 inch | 1974 | after 1984 |
No. 9775
Adjustable Block Plane
Equipped with polished cam-lock cap and screw-type depth adjustment. Hardwood knob may be mahogany-stained or have natural finish. One of three teflon-coated planes offered by the company at this time, it is essentially a No. 75 with a teflon-coated body and a polished cap.
Illustration from 1969 catalog.
| Model | Stanley Equiv. | Length | Cutter | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 9755 | none | 7 inches | 1 5/8 inches | 1969 | 1971 |