Thread: Stanley #19 Block Plane.

Stanley #19 type 5, (1899 - 1900). I do have a soft spot for these lobster back lever caps, and would explain my preference for this feature in the collection I have built up over the last 20yrs. This special collection of earlier hand tools don't venture that often into the workshop , but it feels about the right time to get them fettled up to a usable condition, in readiness for the next owner to enjoy in the near future. The original blade has seen a fair bit of use, that's highlighted by its loss of usable blade length. The other issue is the amount of wear that's occurred to the machined slots on the back of the blade, which allows the depth adjustment to function correctly. A clear sign that at some stage, the previous owner has applied way too much pressure on the lever cap. The following photo shows the original blade next the block plane.



This block plane takes a 1 5/8" wide blade, and with luck I have some Japan made replacements in the workshop.



Time to focus on the soles flatness. After half a dozen strokes over 180 grit wet and dry, the areas that need further work are clearly identified.



After 10 min of work, the critical areas of the sole have been flattening has been accomplished, and there is little need to proceed further. I should make mention the quality of the wet and dry been used during this flattening process does has an impact on the time taken to flatten these metal soles. The brand I prefer to use is manufactured by Hermes.



After cleaning of the remaining remnants of permanent marker from the sole, and giving the new replacement blade a light sharpening, its time to test this block plane's performance on some hardwood edge grain.



Sweet curls in wood shavings. Good enough for me.

Not bad for a block plane that getting close to 120yrs after manufacture.

I will keep hold of the original blade, and pass it on to the block planes next owner as it represents an important feature to this planes early history.

Stewie;