Thread: Do you use one of these

Originally Posted by Bloubull

Hi All

I was browsing around a second hand shop and came across four old Stanley tools and wondered if anybody still uses theses regularly and can you still get parts for them.

1. The Stanley no 71 Router Plane
Yes I use mine (actually the Carter version, but the same deal) - very good for tidying up housings and dados. Spare parts are available and the LN and LV cutters fit. They sell for A$50 -A$100 depending on condition and whether all the cutters and the fence are there.
2. Stanley no 50 Multi Plane
I use the Record version - a good plough and rebate plane and not bad for beading - cutters can be hard to find, but you can make then yourself. I have started using old table saw blades as a source of tool steel for these. Jake Darvall (apricotripper) has shown us his shaping and sharpening techniques. Pricng is all over the shop because of all the pieces that they have - but you are often better off buying three incomplete ones cheap and cannabalising them to make one full plane rather than competing against the dealers and collectors for a complete one.
3. Stanley no 44 or 43 Plough Plane
Same as for the #50, just can't do beading. Have a look at Alf (Alison Frampton)'s site for good stuff on these and other combination planes - her info on technique is good, as well, even if she is only saying what Jake had said before. She also has links to a couple of YouTube videos showing how she uses them, which is useful. Pricing - A$45 - A$150 depending on condition and completeness
4. Any Stanley Bullnose Planes
I have a couple, but don't use them that often. I tend to use chisels or a router plane when I am getting up against the end of things, but others swear by them. Not sure on pricing, but Hans Brunner says A$45 for a #75, and A$120 for a #90.



Will they be worth buying or will they just become a collectable.

If the price is right (my suggestions are just my current impressions and not at all scientific, so do some comparison pricing by looking at eBay prices and the prices for user tools from Hans Brunner or Stu Minuskin in Oz (or some US guys like Bob Kaune) - I don't know if there is anyone equivalent in RSA - to get an idea of what the going prices are. Stay away from the collectible part of the sites, that is where a tatty box or an unused blade or cutter is more expensive than the tool itself!

Regards

Bloubull

I hope these thoughts are some help, Bloubull