Thread: When the Dark Side crosses the threshold ...

Looks like an older Stanley #4 1/2. The plastic front knob was most likely a replacement at some point in time. It's a good smoother--as long as there are no cracks in the casting and it is tuned up. Preferably a Hock blade added, but even the original blade will work OK. Seems like a good starting price--but I suspect it'll go up if there's interest to another user.

Mike

Yeh, does look like a 4 and 1/2. Like Mikes says on getting it to work.

Personally, I'd go nuts with such a thin blade. And I don't like the 4and1/2's. I find them too wide. I don't see why a plane needs to be that wide. To me it feels as though you can't see as much of your work while using it. Feels clumsy. Probably sounds stupid. Thats just me.
Also, if you intend to use it on a shooting board, it being so wide, will pronounce that instability problem even further.
If I was you; going for a good first plane(if thats the case ?); I'd go for an old no.4 or even better a no.5. Do it up, with a thicker blade.

Yep, Jake's got it right. A #4 is a better all-round smoother and a #5 would be good to get as well. Vintage if you can find them. And Hock or other thick blades make a big improvement. But if one keeps the original blade sharp, they do work enough to see if the Darkside works for you.

btw, here's my latest veneer edge shooting board...

http://www.wenzloffandsons.com/temp/.../edges0001.jpg

Take care. Back to veneering for me.

Mike

GW, sometimes these old 4 1/2 are not properly earthed. If you win it, get a sparky to check the wiring. Better safe than sorry.

Gentlemen --

Thanks for your replies. Javali -- I think you've gotten to the nub of the issue. That was the question bugging me!

Guys -- I'm not seriously looking at this plane. Sorry! I just couldn't resist a photo of a Dark Side implement accompanied by an alternative power source. Maybe if the lead had been coming out from under the plane, my (obscure) little joke would have been a bit more obvious.

Interesting info on Stanley planes, nonetheless. I have a nice old US-made No.4 myself, but I confess to loving the thicker blades on my woodies, which seem to be chatter-free (so far, anyway).

Regards from a pokey little town called Sydney,
GW

GW,

I have a 4.1/2 Stanley and it has no cord, could be something missing.

Regards Mike

Originally Posted by MikeW

Yep, Jake's got it right. A #4 is a better all-round smoother and a #5 would be good to get as well. Vintage if you can find them. And Hock or other thick blades make a big improvement. But if one keeps the original blade sharp, they do work enough to see if the Darkside works for you.

btw, here's my latest veneer edge shooting board...

http://www.wenzloffandsons.com/temp/.../edges0001.jpg

Take care. Back to veneering for me.

Mike

Thats a top looking shooting plane you got there Mike . Looks good.

And as for you cheeky power tool heads........ may all your power tools simultaneously self combust !!!!!!!! .... oh, she'll be right. Just wack a little WD-40 on it ! .....that stuff fixes everything from leaky drains to tennis elbow. :mad: :confused: :eek:

Does the light in the knob turn on when it's plugged in?

Micky G --

I would ring the manufacturers. If they're half as efficient as the folks at Lee Valley etc. then they'll get onto it straight away. Although I wouldn't get my hopes up -- members of this forum haven't always had much luck in their dealings with Stanley.

Good luck.
GW