Thread: Stanley Planes-What you got?

Best of luck trying to find a #2 in your price range.

You might consider a #3 instead. Not that much bigger, and unless you have especially small hands, it's much easier to use than a #2. And there are enough of them around to keep the price half-way reasonable.

Two Stanleys and a Baily. All belonged to my Great Grand Father.
The Baily may have been his fathers.

All used often, the little Sweetheart is used daily.

Best of luck trying to find a #2 in your price range.

You might consider a #3 instead.

I realize I may have been ambitious, but it is worth a try.
I will probably have to settle for the #3 but that is fine, it is just as good...

Papa, looks very nice, were you making a formal offer or just showing the beauty off to make me envious?

Harlan.

Hi Harlan,
I don't know the size of your hands but mine are a little on the large size.
A number 3 is the smallest useful plane that my hands can comfortably hold and handle. This may also apply to you.
Try out a number three and see for yourself how it feels.
I have handled number 2's at wood shows, but simply could not use them.
You can do an awful lot of planing with a 4 or a 4 1/2, so this is a good place to start.
Ebay and Sunday markets have lots of these.
Happy plane hunting
SG

stanley no.4

Try here or here and your local cash converters and second hand shops.

If you really just want to dress timber, I'd suggest you get a No 6, 7 or 8 (the 7 is best but the 6 is usually a bit cheaper and just as good) to go with the 4 1/2.
That and the ability to sharpen the blades should see you through.

The rest are 'nice to have', but won't add too much to your outcomes.

Sargent's 400 series planes are a bit cheaper usually and just as good. Look for a 408 and a 422 (the 400 series are numbered 400 + the length in inches, so a plane as long as a Stanley No 7 becomes a 422.)

At the second link there is a Stanley No 3 for $45, a Record No 6 for $70, and some Stanley and Union No 7's for around $120 - $150.

Happy hunting.

AND, you might ask Hans Brunner to pick some 'cheap mixed up parts' planes that he usually sells at the local fleamarket for you... ask for good users and I'm sure that you will get good users.

Thats a great site, lot's of options! Apart from the planes, the chisels and saws look very nice. I have found a #7 I am interested in though am weary of buying over the net. How reliable is this site and have you used it before?

I will still look around and am still looking for planes so any members with un-wanted planes please contact me.

The cash converters idea is brilliant, must have slipped my mind!!

Harlan.

Originally Posted by Wooden Mechanic

Thats a great site, lot's of options! Apart from the planes, the chisels and saws look very nice. I have found a #7 I am interested in though am weary of buying over the net. How reliable is this site and have you used it before?

I have purchased from the toolexchange site a few times (Hans dosen't answer my emails, so I don't buy from his site), and I have had no problems....be sure to ask lots of questions about condition.

Cheers

Yep, recommend them both.

I have gotten more off Hans Brunner than the other place, but I have no complaints about either.

In fact, it is great to have a site like Hans to do "a no-brainer, no worries, pick up from the letter box" bit of old tool shopping... no ebay hunting and no enthusiastic ebay description dramas, and the tool exchange is particularly good for getting parts.

Both sites describe well and always point out the defects... you just need to listen to what they say.

Which No7 were you looking at?

In fact, it is great to have a site like Hans to do "a no-brainer, no worries, pick up from the letter box" bit of old tool shopping... no ebay hunting and no enthusiastic ebay description dramas, and the tool exchange is particularly good for getting parts.

Both sites describe well and always point out the defects... you just need to listen to what they say.

I hear that eBay is such a pain in the ass to deal with, so it's nice to have a mail order service that is out there delivering good products.

I have looked at the parts and am quiet surprised to how many Hans Brunner has, a big collection, might get a new tote and know for the 4 1/2 that is missing both.
_________________________________________________________________________
I was looking at this one...



"Stanley #7 USA Plane, SW cutter, 1" left on cutter, good tote and knob, uncleaned. A$ 135"

Whilst a little rusty and missing some japanning, I think it would come up very nice after electrolysis and a scrub up. Maybe sand back the tote and nob, repaint the lever cap a nice red around the Stanley print.

What do you reckon on it? It's about $135, bit steep, but hey if I want it might have to pay that.

Can you suggest anywhere cheaper??

Thanks for your help guys, really appreciated!

Harlan.

Seems to be fair for the price.

I'd suggest you check out completed (sold) listings on ebay for an indication of prices realised on ebay. I think $130 is fair, depending on the 'year of manufacture'. If it is pre-WWII then go for it.

As an alternative, check these two out, both have potential if they are described fairly.
Here and here. the Falcon Pope one should go significantly cheaper... just 'cause of the makers name, not the quality!

Good luck with growing your own user collection.
I have a few Stanleys...
a #3 for smoothing small items
a #4 1/2 for smoothing larger things
a #5 for general work, ie. thicknessing
a #7 for jointing (or dressing)
a #9 1/2 block plane for fine finishing
a #60 1/2 block for end grain finishing
a #220 block plane for general work
a #101 finger plane for tiny stuff.

Oh, and then you can start getting addicted to specialised planes, but that is a slippery slope.
I tend to use #5, #3, #9 1/2 the most in every day work.

WM you should be able to pick up a No 7 at the markets for between $70 - $90. and a No 4 for about $40 - 2 for the price of one.

Personally I prefer a 5 over a 4 as the toe is longer and if I miss Q you don't belt your knuckles. (usually in a hurry)