Thread: Anyone using a Stanley 45 or other combination planes?

I have a 46 and a Sargent 1080 (Sargents version of the 45) and I love using them. The skate against a clamped guide is the way to cut dados a long way from the edge. I think you can put the fence on in the upper position and run the fence against a clamped guide as well. Mine are in storage atm so I can't confirm that.

Thanks, I tried the fence in the upper position but it would give me clearance once a few mm into my cut. Glad to hear I did nothing unorthodox.

I'd like to find a 46 one day, skewed cutters make better work of dadoes.

V

I have the Stanley 45, 46, 50, 55 and the Record 050..... They are all great planes and for me each is more useful in some jobs than the others. I think it really comes down to practice to get adjustments right. I would love to have more time to play with the 45 and 55 as I think they could be very versatile planes.

When cutting trenches/dadoes in the middle of board running the skate along a batten is the correct method; once the edges have been clearly defined you can remove the batten and cut down as far as the skates will allow.

In order to stop the plane from canting at an angle you can fit the eccentric cam rest onto a long fence rod but you'll need to be adjusting it pretty much constantly; it's one of those weird Stanley ideas that look good in principle but in practice may be more of a PITA than it's worth which explain why so many are missing. Only the 45 clones seem to have them; general plow & beading planes never bothered nor did Lewin with their 6/15 combination plane.

Originally Posted by Chief Tiff

...once the edges have been clearly defined you can remove the batten and cut down as far as the skates will allow.

Thanks I'll try this next time round. Instinct told me do this - but I promptly ignored ity

Originally Posted by Chief Tiff

...cam rest ... it's one of those weird Stanley ideas that look good in principle but in practice may be more of a PITA than it's worth which explain why so many are missing.

I've not yet tried using cam rest in a proper run. I can see it's use in your described situation - I'll give it a go one day soon. Probably will be a PITA though I imagine we'll see!

V