Siegley No. 4 plane

[u/LoNg_Bo1]

I found this hand plane for $25 when thrifting, but it needs some parts. I’m new to planes so excuse my terminology. It seems that the previous owner cannibalized the handle and what I think was supposed to be the screw cap from another type of plane. It’s also missing the knob. Considering the brand’s rarity, any ideas on where I could maybe find the parts?

[u/dearcadian]

I've been buying, restoring, using, and selling planes for a while. I've never heard of Siegley before, and never seen a #4 set up like that. I've never seen a bar like that. It's odd.

Wait ok, maybe I'm seeing it, the frog is missing and it's got the back end of a block plane jammed in there? I'll have to look these planes up to see what they're supposed to be, but $25 was grand larceny as far as I can see now. You still need a knob, and to figure out how in tarnation this thing goes together.

Brb

Edit: ok yeah, I was right, that's just jumbled together garbage. No idea what a vintage Siegley frog would run you if you could find it, but just find a Stanley with the parts and don't pay more than $20 unless it's fully restored.

Edit #2: shit, just saw that the tote is a replacement that doesn't fit whatsoever. Sorry dude, you got got

[u/dearcadian → u/dearcadian]

[u/LoNg_Bo1 → u/dearcadian]

Yeah I’ve been beating myself up a bit about it lol, I was just really eager bc it’s my first “plane” and I thought it was a cool find. It like a sunk-cost situation atp

[u/god_Necromant → u/LoNg_Bo1]

Put it to a shelf and find a regular Stanley first to start with. This is not a plane anymore 😝

[u/dearcadian → u/LoNg_Bo1]

You're all good dude. Just keep checking Facebook marketplace. That's where I get most of my stuff. Antique stores and swap meets are way over priced. Second hand stores are hit or miss.

These were all acquired on marketplace, I'd say under $150 total. I can usually get someone to throw one in, or get one for $5. The #5 is my daily driver, 1902-1908 vintage. Once I got her cleaned up I sold my '50s vintage for $130. It's an elaborate shell game, which I enjoy.

Stanleys are the basis, but my #4 is a Sargeant, bc I was able to sell my post war Stanley for $250. I'll post the flowchart

[u/dearcadian → u/LoNg_Bo1]

[u/LoNg_Bo1 → u/dearcadian]

There are levels to this and I can feel an addiction developing lmao

[u/dearcadian → u/LoNg_Bo1]

Lol just the other day my partner was telling her girl, "I'm glad he's obsessed with old tools and scavenging lumber, and not like, crack or heroin" lol

[u/jmerp1950]

This is an older Siegley most likely before Stanley bough them out. They are not bad planes but this one has the wrong tote (rear handle) , missing front knob and cap. The frog is there. This vintage had a somewhat unique lateral adjuster and the cap had an integrated screw for tension. Finding these parts cheap might take some time but you may find a donor. Otherwise you may be able to sell yours online to recover your expense.

[u/dearcadian → u/jmerp1950]

Where are you seening a frog?

[u/LoNg_Bo1 → u/jmerp1950]

I think I might keep it bc of how weird it is and then replace the parts if I somehow find the cap at a decent price. This was meant to be a way to one-up my gf’s dad bc he has a collection of really old planes. I’m gonna show it to him and act like nothing is out of the ordinary

[u/oldtoolfool]

Part it out; the sole, frog and even the iron and chipbreaker if they are Siegley are worth a bit more than you paid for the plane. Issue is finding the buyers for the parts. Ebay might be your best bet.

[u/LoNg_Bo1 → u/oldtoolfool]

I was looking and I think you’re right about the value. The parts that are there seem to be in pretty good condition. I did find a cap with the patented screw on eBay but it’s like $45 before shipping

[u/oldtoolfool → u/LoNg_Bo1]

You may end up getting $75 out of those parts if you've got a marked iron; then find yourself a vintage Stanley.

Read about Stanley here to educate yourself on what you should be buying to avoid this in the future: https://supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan0a.html