Son of Stanley #52

**derekcohen** · 8th March 2010, 01:32 AM

Blame it on two days of painting walls, ceilings and trim. The mind gets to wandering to preserve sanity, such that is left.

I had been thinking about the Stanley #51 shooting board plane replica that Lie-Nielsen are planning to bring out some time (hopefully) soon. I had a brief discussion with Thomas LN about this a couple of years ago. At the time I think that the intention was to produce the entire #51/52 combination. About a month or so ago Chris Schwarz released information on his blog that LN may just produce the #51 plane. This would be used on a shooting board of your choice. The #51 would be able to be used on the Stanley #52 shooting board, and I would be keen to get one as it would be a more durable version than my vintage original. But that is another matter.

I had been thinking about a wooden version of the #52 shooting board. In particular, the fence. Making a shooting board is a simple matter when the design is kept basic. This one took me about 5 minutes. It is ply glued and nailed to veneered MDF.

Well I managed to get into the shop this afternoon and needed a building fix, sooo ...

Here is my restored Stanley #52 fence ...

This is a superb design. Not only does it have the capacity for variable angle settings, but it has fixed stops at 45- and 90 degrees, and these are always spot-on. The fence slides to adjust for the angle changing - angling the fence reduces the distance to the blade. This is a very solidly built fence. Wonderful tool altogether.

I wanted to come up with something that worked in a similar way - the minimum of adjustments and parts, with the maximum of settings. Here's what I came up with ..

Features:

Details:

The base has a 5" radius, while the fence is 7 1/2" long (the original is about 7").

I have a few mods in mind, such as lengthening the slots for the subfence, as well as adding the extra angles.

Regards from Perth

Derek

**jmk89** · 8th March 2010, 09:13 AM

Very neat, Derek. I have found that adjustment of my microadjustable shooting board is not quite as positive as I would like, so I might flatter you by imitating your design (or using them as inspiration for some similar developments). Thanks for sharing (greenie would be on its way, 'cept I have to share the lerv some more before I can give you another!)

**tea lady** · 8th March 2010, 12:01 PM

Very neat solution.

**Wongdai** · 8th March 2010, 01:26 PM

Quite inventive. I like it.

**haggismuncher** · 8th March 2010, 05:29 PM

What an excellent idea,
and not as expensive,
Ebays' last 51 52 combo went for $1265.... Ouch!

Just a quick question, for lesser mortals what would be an affordable plane to use?

Chris

**ian** · 9th March 2010, 12:41 AM

what would be an affordable plane to use?

a bevel up jack from either Lie Neilsen or Veritas (Lee Valley)

**ian** · 9th March 2010, 12:51 AM

Derek

very subtle drive by there, I had to look more than twice before I noticed, Hoevere, I would have thought it a bit short and narrow for shooting

but I digress -- mods ?
fence allows either right to left or left to right shooting
angles -- I can see the rationale for 45° and 90°, but the others? How often do you build a hex- or oct-agonal frame? maybe incorporating a protractor would be more useful? Or maybe skip the protractor and incorporate a rest for a sliding bevel which would be set using one of the commercial angle setting jigs

**Virgil** · 9th March 2010, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by ian

Just a quick question, for lesser mortals what would be an affordable plane to use?
A bevel up jack from either Lie Neilsen or Veritas (Lee Valley)

...or the 51 currently on ebay!

Cheers,
Virg.

**Virgil** · 9th March 2010, 09:10 AM

Stanley No.51 Chute plane - eBay Carpentry, Woodworking, Tools, Tools, Hardware Locks, Collectibles. (end time 09-Mar-10 09:55:22 AEDST)

Only 45min to go. Currently $275 and no bids.

Cheers,
Virg.

PS No, I'm not the seller.

**derekcohen** · 9th March 2010, 11:27 AM

It ended on $340. This is a good price for someone wanting a shooting plane, noting that it had two drilled holes (not too conspicuous) and a plastic replacement tote and replacement blade (no big deal). Also there was no information about the frog, the weak area of design.

Regards from Perth

Derek

**Virgil** · 9th March 2010, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Also there was no information about the frog, the weak area of design.

That (and a minor cashflow issue) was the main reason I didn't bid. I was also thinking when I first saw it that I wouldn't go for one unless it had the 52 with it but after seeing you new toy I think I can survive without one.

Cheerio,
Virg.

**derekcohen** · 9th March 2010, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by Virgil

... but after seeing you new toy I think I can survive without one.

Cheerio,
Virg.

Hi Virg

A note for you and others regarding the shooting fence above...

I have a few refinements to make to this prototype, and then I may make up a bunch for sale if there is interest. Installation is very quick and fool-proof.

Anyone interested, just reply here.

Regards from Perth

Derek

**rhancock** · 9th March 2010, 10:46 PM

I'll put my hand up as "interested", Derek. I haven't spend my birthday money yet - its in British pounds though, does that make the exchange rate good or bad at the moment?

**Gezawa** · 9th March 2010, 11:05 PM

G Day Derek
I would like to put an order in for one if you are taking orders. Thanks Derek
Cheers Gerry

**Dion N** · 9th March 2010, 11:08 PM

I'm interested as well. What about a set of plans and step by step instructions? I'd be willing to pay a small fee for that as it's always more interesting to make your own if you can...

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