Thread: stanley/bailey plane

Originally Posted by robbygard

.... was there a particular reason you wanted a 4½?

regards david

No reason for wanting a 4 1/2, just using it as a comparison to Jim Davey's as the plane for sale in my original post was a 4 1/2.

I am definitely no expert at using a plane so am wanting to start my collection with 2 or 3 of the most useful planes, i was thinking maybe a 4, a 6 and maybe a block plane or a shoulder plane to clean up tenons.

I have been using some cranky redgum of late that my thicknesser has been struggling with causing much tear-out. A nice sharp hand plane may help me out in these situations.

I am taking on board all of your suggestions an advice and am really appreciative of the time you all have given me. I'm just a beginner at this dark side stuff but at the same time excited to give it a crac

k.

Originally Posted by pmcgee

Here is just one idea - if you get one well-setup plane as a 'gold standard', then you can feel more comfortable about getting another flea-market example and trying to get that setup, as you will have a good idea of the end-point you are aiming for.

Cheers,
Paul

Spokeshave, starting out with a couple of planes is a good plan, I reckon, but not essential. For more years than I care to remember, I struggled along with a #5 only - it had to do every job from jointing to smoothing, & while it managed all of those things remarkably well, all things considered, I can vouch that life is a lot easier with a few more dedicated plane types.

You have to start somewhere, & it seems like a smoother is your first desperate need. For RG, I would think the heavier 4 1/2 to be more suitable, but people are very variable in what they like in smoothers. I don't get on with that size at all, & much prefer the smaller 4, but I work almost exclusively with softer woods, and I'm not as young & fit as I once was. It's the same with larger bench planes, & many folks recommend a #6 as a great all-rounder - they can do a better job of jointing than a shorter plane, so pairing a 6 & 4 1/2 could be a good combo if you are a fit, strapping young bloke .

Until you have used planes for a while, you can't really know what suits you, so just make a start with what is as close to the sizes you think you need that you can easily get your hands on. In time, you may decide you want additional sizes or that the ones you have don't suit. If you buy reasonable tools to start with, you shouldn't have much trouble on-selling them for near-enough what you paid, & they will have given you priceless experience, so you should be far from out of pocket....

Cheers,

Thanks IanW.

Last year i made a sideboard out of Khaya and had a go with my fathers old Falcon. (it has no size number other than '9 inches' stamped on it). I ran the iron over a sharpening stone and dragged it over a panel for a bit.

It made some nice shavings but i really didnt know what i was doing. I hadn't flattened the sole, cleaned it up or anything.

I think i may 'borrow' this plane again and give it a good once over to introduce myself. I'm sure this is isnt a desirable plane, but it will give me the basics i suppose. Then ill look at purchasing a better tool to refurbish.

Thanks again all.

Steven

Originally Posted by spokeshave

...with my fathers old Falcon. (it has no size number other than '9 inches' stamped on it).

That's Falcons equivilent to a No.4 plane.

Originally Posted by spokeshave

I'm sure this is isnt a desirable plane...

I would think it would be to an Australian. As far as Stanley clones go, they don't appear to be too bad. Scribbly did a write-up about them on his blog.

Cheers, Vann.

Originally Posted by Vann

I know it's hard to get your head around when you're new to this hobby, but a dirty old well-used plane that works, is far better than a nice shiney one that's a dog. The plastic/resin handles date the plane to an era (late 1970s or 1980s) when Stanleys quality control had gone out the window. So the chances of it being a crapper are mucher than for an earlier plane. Maybe there's a reason it never been used....

Cheers, Vann.

(that's not to say you couldn't fluke a good one)

I like this.
got a stanley/baily 4 1/2from the market at 8 bucks.It worked well after being serviced.

Originally Posted by leelumi

I like this.
got a stanley/baily 4 1/2from the market at 8 bucks.It worked well after being serviced.

Hey leelumi that was a great price!

I have been on the lookout for a No.5 Stanley that I can fettle myself and seem to just miss out each time

Some time back I bought some tools from a chap on the Sunshine Coast and I am blowed if I can remember his name or business name.
I think he was at Little Mountain or there abouts.
Can anyone tell me his name and whether he is still in business?

Chippy71

Originally Posted by chippy 71

Hey leelumi that was a great price!

I have been on the lookout for a No.5 Stanley that I can fettle myself and seem to just miss out each time

Some time back I bought some tools from a chap on the Sunshine Coast and I am blowed if I can remember his name or business name.
I think he was at Little Mountain or there abouts.
Can anyone tell me his name and whether he is still in business?

Chippy71

Sounds like Tool Exchange - has a good website and very extensive stock.
Bruce

Yep, sounds like the Tool Exchange.

Thank you Bruce, that is the place, I may have to keep looking for a No.5, I was hoping to pick something up for about $50/$100. There have been a couple sold on the Forum in recent weeks for around $50/$60, these of course needed fettling which I can do myself.

Regards,

Colin.

Originally Posted by chippy 71

Thank you Bruce, that is the place, I may have to keep looking for a No.5, I was hoping to pick something up for about $50/$100. There have been a couple sold on the Forum in recent weeks for around $50/$60, these of course needed fettling which I can do myself.

Regards,

Colin.

You should be able to find a No. 5 for that price Colin. Keep an eye on Ebay and markets in your area. I found a 5 1/2 in a market for $60, which has become an excellent user after a bit of work and a Veritas blade, as well as a 4 for $30 which needed a more work. It's good to turn an old plane into a good worker - I have my Dad's 4 1/2 (circa 1930) and have enjoyed making it into a really nice plane. I like the extra heft of the 1/2s and the 2 3/8 inch blade.
Be patient and you will find the right one to buy.
Good luck,
Bruce

This could be an option
Vintage Record 5 Jack Plane IN Original Working Condition | eBay

Vintage Stanley Carpentry Plane | eBay

Stanley NO 5 Plane Made IN England | eBay

Stanley Bailey NO5 Jack Plane Hand Plane Made IN England | eBay

...

Stanley NO 5 Plane Made IN England | eBay

Ohio Tool 05 Plane Vintage Shop Tool Parts Repair Stanley Blade I | eBay

Originally Posted by NCArcher

This could be an option
Vintage Record 5 Jack Plane IN Original Working Condition | eBay

Many thanks for the link NCArcher, I have had a look and put in a bid, I shall see what happens.

Regards,

Colin.