An unusual problem with plane I bought Sat. (I no longer collect planes) This one came with 28 cutters and the most that came with 45 was 23. Two are obviously made from file. This leaves 26 for plane that should have 23. This leaves problem of deciding which are right to this plane. I guess its better than being short 3. I was impressed by box with lid and partial paper label.

 couple more photo's

If you or some body you know has a copy of John Walters book on Stanley tools you can then determine what year your plane was made and Johns book will tell you how many cutters came with that version of the plane. I am in the process of moving and my book is packed up. The house we bought needs lots of work so I will not be unpacking for several months, hope one of the others guys can help you with this.

Thanks ,I have Walters book,just need something to dispel the inertia.

Two of the blades at the bottom of the first photo are sash molding blades.  The third in that group I can't make out.  But those are most likely your three extras.  I don't remember them as being part of the standard set.

Based on the type I think you have, the 20 cutters are as follows:

7 beading, 1/8,3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8,7/16 and 1/2 inch

10 plow or dado, 1/8,3/16,1/4,5/16,3/8,7/16,1/2,5/8,3/4,7/8

1match, 1/4",

1 sash, 1 1/2"

1 slitter

Cutters probably have 3/32" wide slots that engage the cutter adjustment mechanism, except for the 1/8 & 3/16" plow/dado cutters which still have the 3/32" diameter holes.

The cutter box is probably 4 3/4" wide X 10 1/8" long X 1/2" thick.

All information from Dave Heckel's book "The Stanley "Forty-Five" Combination Plane".

Mike

 Thanks Mike. Don't have Daves book and appreciate your time.

Jim,

If you need anymore information I can help with, don't hesitate to ask.

Mike

There were optional cutters available for 45s.  Plus, I believe cutters from Stanley 55s fit, although the profile isn't always comfortable with the 45's design.

 Help needed. Trying to type this plane. Stamping on skate says type 10 but cast adjuster wheel with holes on flat was supposed to go out with type 9. Could this be type 10 and Stanley was using up leftover adjusters ? Am open to a better explanation.

Type studies are estimates; and, from what I understand, yes, Stanley would keep on using a given part until it ran out.  These were getting built years before the concept of annual style changes, and why would they waste good parts?

Jim,

I think it is a type 8, based on a couple things:

The floral decorations on the body and the underside of the fence were eliminated beginning with the type 9.

The type 9 & subsequent types have machined diagonal knurling on the adjustment knob while the type 8 is cast like yours.

There are probably some other differences, but this seems to me to be enough to identify it as a type 8.

This information from Dave Heckel's book.

Mike

Thanks Mike. The stamping on the skate was leading me to Type 10. I've ordered Heckel's book but maybe I should drive over to his house. He only lives about an hour east of me.

Jim, He's a great guy.  Showing him the plane would be the easiest way...but doing it yourself from his book will be more fun.

Mike