CLIFTON Plane Blades
Why a plane blade made by Clifton?
The plane irons made by Clifton are considerably thicker than those usual in cast iron planes and owe their superb characteristics not only to the raw material (fine-grained carbon steel) but also to the way they are produced. Round steel rod is beaten flat. The amazing thickness thus achieved, the hardening process and the fine finish all contribute to a result that can literally be seen. These blades are hardened and tempered to give a 60-62 Rockwell C Hardness.
With hand forging the „Clifton“ mark can become somewhat rough edged, but this is an indication of the individual nature of each „Clifton“ cutting iron, each of which has also been individually hardness tested.
To avoid corrosion on the surface of the cutting iron, it should be kept lightly oiled at all times, particularly after contact with hand/fingers which can leaf acidic "paw" marks on the highly ground steel. This cutting iron may be used as supplied but individual woodworkers may prefer to add a final honing before use.
These blades are 2.8 mm thick. They are NOT suitable for wooden planes! A blade you will enjoy possessing and will lend out only reluctantly!
| Blade for: | Blade width | Order nr. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLIFTON, STANLEY, KUNZ, ANANT No. 3 |
1-3/4 in. (44 mm) | 303703  |
€ 65.90 |
| CLIFTON, STANLEY, RECORD, KUNZ, ANANT No. 4, No. 5 |
2 in. (51 mm) | 303700 |
€ 65.90 |
| CLIFTON, STANLEY, RECORD, KUNZ, ANANT No. 4-1/2, No. 5-1/2, No. 6, No. 7 |
2-3/8 in.(60 mm) | 303701 |
€ 69.90 |
| STANLEY, ANANT No. 8 |
2-5/8 in. (67 mm) | 303702 |
€ 87.90 |
consisting of two pieces. For blade sharpening only the front part has to be removed. Made in Sheffield (comes without blade).
| Chipbreaker for: | Blade width | Order nr. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLIFTON, STANLEY, KUNZ, ANANT No. 3 |
1-3/4 in. (44 mm) | 303704 |
€ 26.10 |
| CLIFTON, STANLEY, RECORD, KUNZ, ANANT No. 4 und No. 5 |
2 in. (51 mm) | 303705 |
€ 26.70 |
| CLIFTON, STANLEY, RECORD, KUNZ, ANANT No. 4-1/2, No. 5-1/2, No. 6, No. 7 |
2-3/8 in. (60 mm) | 303706 |
€ 27.30 |
| STANLEY, ANANT No. 8 |
2-5/8 in. (67 mm) | 303707 |
€ 34.20 |
Instructions
Plane production varies in measures from time to time. What suits for one Stanley may not suit for the other. Assembling blade and chipbreaker can become an adventure. These few tips may help to avoid this.
The Clifton blade is significantly thicker than a standard blade. Usually it is necessary to adjust the frog. In some cases the mouth has to be filed a bit bigger. If this was all to do, you had luck. Please read the following before buying chipbreaker and blade. You can avoid problems, when you take measurement at your plane before.
Important measures at the Clifton chipbreaker
in this picture in mm!
The reason for not fitting is because the screw, that holds chipbreaker and blade together
will press against the cutout for this screw in the frog, before the blade protrudes below the plane's sole.
Also have a view to the distance of the rectangular hole to the edge. In the case of the No. 6 and 7 it is 95 - 100 mm. This rectangular hole takes the Y adjuster lever for fine blade adjustment. If the measure of your existing chipbreaker is more than 1 mm different, it is possible that it will not engage and you cannot adjust the blade.
Not engaging of the Y adjuster lever can be due only to the thickness of the Clifton blade. This you can test before buying: Fix a piece of carton or veneer 1 mm thick below your existing blade and and try your blade adjustment.
Additional tips are always welcome!
