NOTE: This type discussion, along with the foregoing material, is based on personal examination of numerous Bed Rock specimens since 1973. Many specimens have been seen, but there is always the potential for finding a new type or an anomaly. The format used for the type discussions and trademark designations generally follows other published studies. Emphasized features are in BOLD ITALICS.

This is the Type Study part of a larger paper of 8 pages that also discusses the history, development and characteristics of this, the best plane ever made. The complete paper may purchased for $3.00. See Tool Literature.

 

August, 1988 (Revised Sept., 1988; Apr., 1991;June,1996; July, 1997; Nov., 1999)

 

 

TYPE 1. 1898

• Beds marked with Bailey model numbers, No.2 to 8. All sizes in production including those with corrugated bottoms. Space (SEPT. 3. 95) below "PAT’D APR. 2. 95" has been milled out at the factory [1A]. See page 2 of discussions. "S" casting mark on bed (raised dot on some specimens).

[1A] Milled Patent Date (Sept.3.95) Detail

Most plane beds of this type are shorter than Type 3 (No.605 is 13-1/2" vs. 14" later type).

• Rounded sides profile, like Bailey planes.

• Frogs with "B" casting marks. Lateral adjustment lever with patent dates 10-21-84 &7-24-88. Frog & bed machined & mated 100%; inclined frog seat. [1B]. • "STANLEY R & L CO...BED ROCK" on lever caps. "B" casting marks. [1C].

• Q tm on most irons [1D].

• Low knob. Handle shapes same as those of comparable vintage Bailey planes.

 

[1B]

[1C]

[1D]

TYPE 2. 1898-1899

- All features of TYPE 1., except...

• 7-24-88 only patent date on frog lateral adjustment lever.

 

TYPE 2a. 1899

- All features of TYPE 2., except...

• Beds marked "No.60..". Only No.603, 604 Planes have been found of this type.

 

TYPE 3. 1900-1908

- All features of TYPE 2., except...

• Beds now marked with "600" numbers, i.e.; No.602 - 608. No milled out space below "PAT’D. APR. 2. 95." "B" casting marks on most standard length beds.

• Frogs of some planes nickel-plated on machined surfaces [3A].

 

[3A] Plated frog detail

TYPE 4. 1908-1910

- All features of TYPE 3., except...

• Beds usually do not have "B" casting marks.

• Frogs have "B" casting marks." Lateral adjustment levers without patent dates.

• Lever caps now marked "STANLEY....BED ROCK." [4A].

• Irons have T tm on later planes [4B], S tm on others [4C].

• This style of Bed Rock Plane was also manufactured for Keen Kutter & Winchester:  an identical tool with minor cosmetic differences.  Click to see Bed Rock & Keen Kutter Comparisons.

[4A]

[4B]	[4C]

TYPE 5. 1911

µ Major changes...

• Beds now marked "BED ROCK" in addition to "600" numbers. No "B" casting marks.

• "PAT’D. APR. 2. 95" & APR. 19. 10" rear of frog.

• Flat-top Sides.

• Raised knob receiver

• Frogs are now attached to beds with pins and set screws [5A].

• Irons have T tm [4B].

• Tall knobs.

[5A]

TYPE 6. 1912-1921

- All features of TYPE 5., except...

• Lever caps now marked "BED ROCK" [6A].

• Irons have trademarks-

V Tm (1914-1918). [6B]

X Tm (1918-1921). [6C]

[6A]

TYPE 6a. 1922

- All features of TYPE 6., except...

• Frog adjustment wheel is larger: 1-1/4" diameter.

• Iron has Y Tm (1922-1923). [6D]

[6B]	[6C]	[6D]

TYPE 7. 1923-1926

- All features of TYPE 6a., except...

• Beds marked with only one patent date- "U.S. PAT. APR. 19. 10."

• Lever caps marked "STANLEY" in the notched rectangular logo. [7A].

• Irons have AA Tm. (1923-1935) [7B].

• No.605-1/4 JACK introduced in 1926.

[7A]

[7B]

TYPE 8. 1927-1930

- All features of TYPE 7., except...

• Bed now has "MADE IN USA" in addition to patent date.

(No.604-1/2-C & 604-1/2 specimens have been found without either marks).

• Knob receiver boss now cupped for fitting knob [8A]. Several TYPE 6 - No.604 Planes have been found with this feature; possibly a factory "retrofit" of leftover castings.

[8A] Knob receivers detail: Left- Types 5-7; Right- Types 8 and later

 

TYPE 9. 1931-1932

- All features of TYPE 8., except...

• Beds no longer have a patent date. "MADE IN U.S.A." only.

• Lever caps of some planes nickel-plated with "STANLEY ORANGE" paint [9A].

[9A]

TYPE 10. 1933-1941

- All features of TYPE 9., except...

• Beds of No.603, 604 & 605-1/4 planes have raised handle receivers.

• Frogs of some specimens have "STANLEY ORANGE" paint on sides.

• Lever caps now have kidney-shaped bolt holes. [10A].

• Irons have BB Tm starting in 1936. [10B].

[10A]

[10B]

TYPE 11. 1942

- All features of TYPE 10., except...

• Bed castings are heavier and thicker. Start of WWII production and elimination of some finishing processes.

• Lever caps not plated or polished.

 

TYPE 12. 1943

- All features of TYPE 11., except...

• Frog has either hard rubber or small diameter steel adjustment wheel.

• Knob and handle are hardwood (maple) and finished with dark varnish stain. • All brass parts eliminated during war-time production.

• END OF PRODUCTION FOR BED ROCK PLANES.

 

 

REFERENCES

 

I recently obtained an original copy of a 1923 Stanley promotional pamphlet which illustrates and describes  the Bed Rock Planes in production at that time.  The listing does not include the No.605-1/4 (see note at Type 7), but does show the No.602-C as being available, which contradicts the assumed 1918 end of production for that model.  Click pamphlet cover to view entire publication.  Allow time for the page to download, as the image is large, in order to maintain some kind of readable quality.

BED ROCK PLANES MADE FOR KEEN KUTTER & WINCHESTER

During the 1920's, Stanley manufactured Type 4 Bed Rock Planes, for Keen Kutter and Winchester. The planes were identical to the original Stanleys, except for the markings on the beds, (W.., K..), Keen Kutter and Winchester trademarks on the blades and frogs with twisted lateral levers. Keen Kutter Bed Rocks had plain lever caps and Winchester Bed Rocks had Winchester marked lever caps.

Updated: Tuesday, July 27, 2021