Number 130 Plane Type Study

The A130 planes were added to the WS line probably after the A110 , but the characteristics are obviously so very similar. The difference is that this plane is both a 110 block plane at the nose end and a Bull-nose plane at the heel end, but with the blade and Lever Cap being able to be merely switched around to make the transition. Presently I do have a photo of an A130 which shows a Lever Cap transfer RHT1

The plane measures 122mm long and 52-54mm wide and weighs 1.3/4 lbs.

BLADE:

Essentially identical to the A110 blades but I have examples showing B3 and B3a stampings, whereas I have only noted B3 stampings on the A110s that I have. I suspect that the A110 was also issued with B3a stampings but I have yet to find one. Type 1 planes (below) show a B3 blade whereas Type 2 planes show both B3 and B3a markings The landing area for the blade at the mouth seems to have been ‘fettled’ in the Type 1 planes (see BODY later). Shellack over the paint is variable, but was not applied to the ‘porcelain’ planes. (See ‘Analysis of Characteristics’ section under PAINT). The nose end of A130 planes was always painted whereas the heel end was ground flat and clean. This is the total reverse of the A110 planes!

TRANSFER:

This study has been confused by the presence of an RHT1 on one of the lever caps, whereas the majority show RHT2 or nothing.

Which leaves us with the knowledge that either the A110 and/or A130 planes must have been issued at an early stage having an RHT1 transfer ( A WS PRODUCT). LEVER CAP AND TIGHTENING SCREW:

Both are exactly the same as the A110 series with slight variations in both series. The brass screw is generally 38mm diam and 6-7mm thick brass. and the Lever Cap is 107mm long and 42mm wide.

The knurling in the brass may be variable, showing quite light on the left and deep on the right. This probably applies to the A110 as well.

FRONT KNOB:

Again, exactly the same as the A110 knobs, but this study has revealed that the knob that is deeply indented, [as shown on the Left] was NOT, as previously thought, an earlier version. It must merely have been a transitional manufacturer anomaly. Always in Beech.

BASE MARKINGS:

Now this is where we get into the differences in the 2 types of A130 that I have found.

The earler version TYPE 1 has a different casting to the later TYPE 2.

TYPE 1: The number sign in front of the knob shows a bar under the o. The words BIRMINGHAM and ENGLAND cast each side of the blade supports measure respectively 45mm and 33mm.

The blade support height above the bed is 27mm. The cross bar pieces have been inserted from the Left leaving the slot on the Left Hand Side ( looking from above, toe end forward). B3 blades.

TYPE 2: The number sign in front of the knob shows no bar under the o. The words BIRMINGHAM and ENGLAND cast each side of the blade supports measure respectively 62mm and 48mm.

The blade support height above the bed is 24mm. The cross bar pieces have been inserted from the Right leaving the slot on the Right Hand Side.

B3 and B3a blades.