Thread: recommendation: old stanley usa or new whatever

Hi Lucas,

Thanks for the tip. I've actually been watching it, but wasn't sure about it. My dad used to own an old Lakeside years ago, I think he gave it away. But the lever cap looked different, so I wasn't sure whether the one on ebay had been put together from different parts. One other thing I didn't like is that there is some rust on the bottom surface at the top that hasn't come off during the clean (the plane looks like it's been cleaned up to me). So, if that rust didn't come off, then chances are that there's pitting there. I may be wrong.

Regards,

Michael

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Agreed. Lakeside was made by Stanley, with the lower specifications in the timber totes (hardwood - stained beech - not rosewood) and possibly a slightly thinner (if possible!) blade.

Could be a good score!

Regards from Perth

Derek

Derek, does that mean that a thicker blade can't be used on it or is the mouth wide enough?

Also, the price of the 7C I was talking about has come down to $120, which sounds pretty good to me.

Remember, the mouth size is adjustable (via the frog), so the thin Stanley blade is not a reflection of what is possible.

The Lakeside (and Stanley) blades are on the thin side compared to those from LN, Veritas, Hock and Clifton, but they can do a great job so do not simply discard them. Certainly, those of the Sweetheart era (I am speaking from memory and think that the dates are a little broader) were laminated steel (ala Japanese blades) and are excellent. What they lack in terms of more recent designs is durability (and not sharpness).

Some planes have wider mouths than others. Most of the old Stanley planes will accept all but the thickest blades (i.e. they need to be under 1/8", which is the standard LN and Clifton blade). There are many other choices available, the LN "Stanley Replacement Blades" and the Hock being two of my favourites. These are still at least twice as thick as the original blade.

Regarding the 7C - why is the price coming down???? Is there a problem with the plane?

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Regarding the 7C - why is the price coming down???? Is there a problem with the plane?

No, the plane is ok, it's just an arrangement between myself and the seller. I'm still looking for a 7 and should know by next week whether I get the 7C or another 7 (cheaper, English maybe, just for using), but that all depends on the price and whether I do want to retain the value in the end.

BTW, thanks for the info about the blades. I'd really like to put one of the better blades in there anyway, if possible.

Regards,

Michael

Lakeside hand planes were made by Ward not Stanley.
DonN

Lakeside hand planes were made by Ward not Stanley.

Lakeside was the name used by Montgomery Wards (much as Craftsman is for Sears.) They would have been made by one of the established tool companies. Montgomery Wards never made any tools themselves.

For example, I am aware of saws made for them by Disston, and drill bits by Jennings.

There is little clear documentaton on who made what for them. In the dark recesses of my brain (getting darker all the time) is a memory of Stanley’s part (as Stanley made planes for other manufacturers as well). It is as likely, therefore, that the Lakeside planes (or some of them) could have been made for them by Stanley or Sargent, or one of a few other makers. But if it looks like a Stanley, it probably was made by Stanley.

Regards from Perth

Derek

The Lakeside isn't a secret anymore - 20 bids, up to $100 :eek: . Anything iunder $200 would still be OK though.

Don't hesitate on the 7C son - if you have first option go without something and buy it, before someone else does!

Just another question about the 7C before I buy. I'll be using it mainly on

- mahogany (600mm x 450mm x 50mm)
- rock maple (900mm x 100mm x 75mm)
- wenge, bubinga, blackwood (900mm x 100mm x 5mm or 900mm x 100mm x 20mm)
- ebony (900mm x 700mm x 5mm)

so will there be any problems with the corrigated sole catching in the corners or on the edges of the wood?

Regards,

Michael

No, it won't have any negative effect. You may need access to a smoothing plane as well - you've selected a gnarly range of timber to learn planing on! Maybe practice on some pine or tas oak first? Where do you get access to these luvverly woods eh?

Originally Posted by TassieKiwi

No, it won't have any negative effect. You may need access to a smoothing plane as well - you've selected a gnarly range of timber to learn planing on! Maybe practice on some pine or tas oak first? Where do you get access to these luvverly woods eh?

Yep, I've been practicing a fair bit on some rough oregon that I have lying around and also thinly shaving one of the mahogany blocks just to get a feel for it.

Man, I'm glad I got into this. When I was younger, I had no idea about planes. I'd try to use it on some wood and would wonder why the thing didn't work properly. I've been doing a fair bit of reading and cleaning the planes. I've also been sharpening the blades as best as I can using an oil stone and I'm very happy with the results. I'm going to buy some sand paper and try the scary sharp method as well.

Regards,

Michael

I take it you bought the #7C then - well done. I too had thought that planes were a) to fly in, or b) something that silly old gits with no power tools used.

As a consequence of firstly seeing Phil on the Mik stand at a show use waterstones to polish a block plane cutter so well that I could count my nostril hairs in the 'mirror' (which cost me $357, as I bought the veritas 'stone pond' and King waterstones etc), coupled with stumbling onto this site (searching for workbench ideas) I am know a convert. Sometimes I plane a face of a piece of wood, for no reason other than it makes me smile.

I really recommend the waterstones - I was a total novice, and I had brilliant sharp edges in no time. Chec this out:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...=1,43072,45936

you would land this in Oz for about $150 - half what I paid.

Originally Posted by TassieKiwi

I take it you bought the #7C then - well done.

No, I haven't bought it yet. I bought a nice English No.5 last week and have been using the No.4 1/2 also. I'm in two minds about the 7C thought, but must decide whether to buy today or not. I think it's a type 9.

The water stones sound good for easier sharpening of replacement Stanley blades (some of which are thicker and have the harder steel).

mkat. Have a look here:

http://www.hansbrunnertools.gil.com.au/Stanley%202.htm

See the #7C, and the price?

Now then. Go and buy your one, or I shall scream. Lots here would give a piece of anatomy for one at that price. Go. Now.

Originally Posted by TassieKiwi

mkat. Have a look here:

http://www.hansbrunnertools.gil.com.au/Stanley%202.htm

See the #7C, and the price?

Now then. Go and buy your one, or I shall scream. Lots here would give a piece of anatomy for one at that price. Go. Now.

TassieKiwi, this is funny. That's the one I was talking about. I'm a slow starter, so maybe I'm thinking too much. As I said, it looks like a type 9 but the bed's been refinished so apparently that's why it's in the users section. They also have a Canadian #7, did you see that one?