Early Series ‘Uncle Sam’ Bench Planes

Vaughan & Bushnell Early Uncle Sam Series
NOTE: Later “Drop Forged” model shown above.

Uncle Sam Planes

With Supersteel Blades

MADE IN SMOOTH, JACK, FORE AND JOINTER PATTERNS

In the design and construction of the Uncle Sam plane we have embodied the principals which are most essential to a high-grade plane. The blade is of the thin type and is made of genuine Vanadium Supersteel. It is tempered so that it may be resharpened back as far as the slot

The frog is machined so as to fit tightly and squarely on a solid base on the bottom of the plane. This design insures perfect rigidity and eliminates the chatter. The movement of the frog for opening or closing the throat is governed by an adjusting screw at the rear of the frog and locked by two screws which are in a very accessible plane on the top of the frog.

The parts, which when assembled constitute the Uncle Sam plane, are made very carefully and accurately on the latest improved machines by skilled workmen. The handles and knobs are made of genuine walnut and have a hand-rubbed finish.

Every plane is thoroughly tested before it leaves our factory.

The corrugated bottom is furnished when desired.

Note: The above information has been reproduced from an original catalog listing.

Additional Notes:


The early ‘Uncle Sam’ series of planes were the first line of bench planes offered by Vaughan & Bushnell. The planes in this line were made from cast iron rather than drop forged from a billet of steel, and it is possible that many of these planes were ‘re-badged’ as ‘Lincoln’ series planes in an effort to sell off remaining stock. It should also be noted that they were more expensive than the planes that replaced them in the 1923 catalogue. They were not very popular and are, therefore, quite hard to come by nowadays. It is with this scarcity factor in mind that the author believes that there is a very good chance that they were sold as ‘Lincoln’ planes when that line was introduced in 1923.

Like the ‘Lincoln’ series planes they compare favorably with Stanley Tools ‘Bedrock’ line of bench planes, which were also made from cast iron.

Not to be confused with the later series of ‘Uncle Sam’ planes, which were all dropped forged. Unless planes are marked with the words ‘Drop Forged’ on the toe of the plane it should be considered that they are made from cast iron.

Unfortunately, due to their scarcity there are not many examples of existing planes around, so the image galleries for these will be lacking. The site would appreciate any assistance that can be given in this regard.

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