Thread: What Stanley plane type to collect?

Type 11 are the most sort after in the Baileys but you could collect a few of the Bedrocks if your feeling wealthy

MP is right about the type 11 being popular.
I think it is because of the low front knob.
I prefer type 12's and through to 15's - the SW planes.
These have the higher front knob - not liked by some - but more importantly they have the large depth adjuster - easier to use - as well as keeping the flat faced solid frog and keyhole lever caps.
I actually like the type 18 depth adjusters with their diagonal knurling. This type often has the thicker base as well.
I don't collect any of these but have some of each in my lineup.
Anything earlier than type 10 does not have the frog adjusting screw.
SG

Great, thanks for information. I just have to learn to tell the difference between all different types!
What era were the bedrocks?

Andy

Originally Posted by groeneaj

Hi,
I'm looking at collecting...

I didn't think we were allowed to use the 'c' word in any hand tool thread.



Cheers, Vann.

Collecting as users!

Are Bedrocks "better" to use or just rarer?
I can see the benefits of the shape but I am wondering if they are actually better planes.

Chris

Also should I be looking for US or England Stanleys?

US are the ones to go for if you're a collector.....but just trying to build up a set of English bench planes (and sundry #71, #78 etc) is challenging enough. So I've found.

If, for some reason, you have a preference for England over the USA, you might consider collecting Record planes.....generally superior to English Stanleys.......funny colour, but.

Originally Posted by haggismuncher

Are Bedrocks "better" to use or just rarer?
I can see the benefits of the shape but I am wondering if they are actually better planes.

Bedrocks are better (better design of frog support), but are so expensive that you can almost buy a new Bedrock (Lie-Nielsen or Clifton) for the same money.

Originally Posted by groeneaj

Also should I be looking for US or England Stanleys?

As Seanz says, the USA ones are the ones to go for. Not just for collectors. I think Aussie is like NZ, once Stanley started producing planes in England, NZ stopped importing them from the non-Commonwealth USA. So USA models generally found in NZ are older and better quality (from an era of better quality engineering).

Stanley USA began reducing the quality of their planes from the mid 1930s (as seen in the ribbed frog vrs the earlier solid frog). Record copied late 1920s/early 1930s Stanleys (with the solid frog), and continued with that design until the late 1950s. Whereas Stanley UK started manufacturing planes ~1936 based on the Stanley USA design of that time (with ribbed frog). So Record (pre-1960) are considered better that UK Stanleys or post mid-1930s USA Stanleys.

Hope this helps (not confuses)

Cheers, Vann.

This will help you come to grips with the Stanley Types:
www.rexmill.com
There are others, but this is the easiest to start off with.

Bedrocks also have types.
You may wish to look at these on Bob Kaune's site:
Stanley Bed Rock Plane Types - Bob Kaune - Antique & Used Tools

Most bedrockers prefer the squared off sided ones as these are easier to adjust the frog.

As Vann has said, sometimes bedrocks are more expensive than new Lie Nielsens, and aren't as good (IMHO)

For example, here is Lie Nielsen's listing for a number 5C:
No. 5 Bench Plane, Corrugation
$360.00

And here is Bob Kaune's listing for a Bedrock 5C
BED ROCK No.605-C JACK. c.1925. Type 7. HANDLE DECAL. Paint=98%. RARE & EXC+ *PIC* 459.95
Ouch!
Here are the Pics:

Great replies!
Thanks for the links- SO helpful!!

Slightly off the topic of bench planes the stanley 196 circualr rebate plane. It is collectable but not really useful. DC describes it in this post.

Here is mine that i came across in a garage sale. Shame about the nickel plating but it is complete.

Here is my collection of Type 11 C's They have all been restored & are users



Click pic for a bigger version

Major what do you see as the main benefits of the corrugated type