I have an aluminium block plane branded ‘The Boston – No2A’. It was bought via eBay(UK) and all references I’ve found to these planes has been on UK websites or forums.
Where Did They Come From
I have found plenty of references to this plane and 2 other ‘The Boston’ block planes. However they all generally ask the question about their origin.
A while ago I found the following information (but have not been able to find the source again).
These aluminium planes were made in South Wales by the Thomas Machine Co Ltd and distributed by “Welsh Industries” (Bridgend)”. Puzzled why anyone would call a plane made in Wales, ‘The Boston’, or make one from aluminium for that matter, I’ve done a little research. I now believe these planes were literally made from ‘planes’.
During WWII RAF Llandow, Glamorgan, Wales, was used as an Aircraft Storage Unit (ASU) run by 38 Maintenance Unit (MU). Stored aircraft included….‘The Boston’ light bomber (US Douglas A-20 Havocs renamed by the RAF)……
By 1946 some 856 airframes were waiting to be scrapped. It would appear highly likely that a scrapped and smelted Boston airframe provided not just the name, but the raw material to make these planes.
This seems very likely as shortages of materials continued post War and there would have been a strong demand for affordable hand tools to repair war damaged housing and build new.
The London Gazette shows “Welsh Industries (Bridgend)” dissolved as a company, Feb 1962.
The above information is at least partially corroborated by the red sticker on the lever cap. What I can read on it are ‘Made by Thomas of ……’ .
The black paint seems typical, however other colours have been observed.
In size – the plane is directly comparable to a Stanley Nos.110 & 220.
It is 6 7/8″ long, with a 1 5/8″ wide blade.
Interesting Blade Adjustment
The blade itself has a 2 pronged lug spot welded near it’s top on the underneath surface.
The plane body has an angled support with 1/4″ diameter hole bored in it.
There is a machined aluminium block with a milled protuberance that fits into that hole. That block is tapped to take a brass screw with knurled nut and which has a collar to seat the lug on the blade in.
When put together the lever cap is tightened by a large lugged screw.
The whole setup allows the blade to be easily adjusted fore & aft. There is no lateral adjustment.
Hi Geoff.
Last week I purchased a Boston No 2 aluminium block plane. I already own the 2A aluminium block plane, which has the different lever cap. The history of these planes is intriguing and a great conversation piece. My research also supports the production of these planes by Thomas Machine Company and distributed by Welsh Industries (Bridgend), which went out of business in the early 1960’s. Thank you for sharing the information.
Hi Ross,
thanks for your comments. I hope my blog was of some use in your research.