Record #778 Duplex Fillester Plane

The Stanley 78 plane is one of the most common of the specialty planes (i.e., non-bench planes). The technical name for the plane is a duplex fillester. Fillesters are rabbet planes with a fence and depth stop and duplex refers to the two blade positions. These were typically used for cutting rabbets on the edge of boards. Given the large number of used 78s on the market it is evident that these planes were very commonly used during the days of extensive hand tool work. (Peter Sellers blog has an excellent reference to these planes.)

Many of Stanley’s competitors also came out with versions of the 78. Even Sears' Craftsman brand had their own version. Record of Great Britain also had their version. and between 1959-2004, they marketed a redesigned version of the 78 as the 778 plane.

Record’s 778 plane had several differences/improvements from the original 78. First, the fence was mounted on two arms as compared to the original with one arm. This made for improved stability of the fence. In addition, blade adjustment was made with a screw adjuster as compared to the somewhat coarse lever adjuster on the Stanley. Finally, the fence on the 778 was drilled out to accommodate an auxiliary wooden fence as it sometimes advantageous to be able to have a longer fence to register against the workpiece.

Even though this type of plane has two blade locations, it was only provided with one blade and lever cap. It was expected that the user would transfer the blade from the more typical middle location to the forward position for bullnose cuts (I.e., cuts close to a corner).

This Record 778 plane appears to have never been used. The blade has never been sharpened and still retains the manufacturer’s original lacquer. The plane is in excellent condition with a few “dull” spots in the finish on the handle that were probably acquired as it sat on a shelf for many years. The only cleaning that I have done is to wipe it down with a damp rag to remove a thick layer of dust and dry it off.

This plane would make an excellent user plane for making various rabbets. (Note: My wooden handscrew clamp in the picture helps me with the photos is NOT included with the plane).

This will be shipped by the most economical method via USPS. Because the cost of shipping can vary depending upon the distance and the weight of the item, I use the shipping calculator to estimate shipping costs for a single item. I also offer combined postage for multiple items placed in the same order. Unfortunately, the shipping calculator does not work as well for combined shipments as the box size often changes with multiple items.

In the event of an unrealistic shipping estimate or combined shipping, I will refund excess postage costs.

Shipping will typically be USPS Ground Advantage which is tracked and insured.

Please feel free to ask any questions.

Thanks for looking at my item.