Overview
The No. 604 is the Bedrock version of the Bailey No. 4, the 9-inch standard smoother. It is the most commonly found Bedrock smoother and a good entry point to the premium line.
Gallery
Click any photo to view it larger. Photographs courtesy of Jim Bode Tools.
Specifications & Variants
The #604 base size and its factory variants, with the sole length, cutter width, weight, and years of production for each.
The standard cast-iron version that the variants below are based on.
Corrugated sole version of the No. 604.
A modest premium over the smooth-soled 604.
Dimensions are nominal factory figures; casting tolerances vary slightly across types.
Identifying Features
- BED ROCK casting: The body is cast BED ROCK, with the 604 number on the bed.
- Rear frog setscrews: Flat-sided types adjust the frog from the rear without removing the iron.
Dating is shared across all Bedrock sizes. Use the Bedrock type study to pin down your plane's type.
History & Design
History
Made from 1898 to 1943. The flat-sided types after 1911 let you adjust the frog without pulling the iron, using setscrews at the rear of the frog.
Design
The same 9-inch by 2-inch footprint as the Bailey No. 4, but with the full-width Bedrock frog seat for a more solid bed under the iron.
For Collectors
The easiest Bedrock smoother to find, though still priced above the Bailey No. 4. A clean flat-sided example is the usual goal.
Market Value
Realized sale prices for the #604, based on ~85 recorded sales, with a median of $265.
| Condition / grade | Typical range |
|---|---|
| User | $149 – $195 |
| Good / Fine | $195 – $295 |
| Extra Fine / Sweetheart | $295 – $395 |
The most commonly traded Bedrock, with steady demand across every condition grade.
These are past sale prices gathered from Jim Bode's Value Guide to Antique Tools, not a current appraisal. What any given plane is worth depends mostly on its condition and type.
Sources & Credits
Patrick's Blood & Gore
Primary reference for plane history, dimensions, and collector notes.
supertool.com/StanleyBG