Thread: Stanley 4 1/2 type 8

There must be 3 trillion of these around. Unless a plane is (a) rare or moderately rare, and (2) in as-new condition or as close to original condition as possible (and that includes all original transfers), then it is not a collector's piece. Clean it up and use it.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Your tool - your decision. If it was mine, I wouldn't mess with a good one - maybe do a bit of light work on the sanding plate if I wanted to use it. But with a rough one, I personally believe that you can do whatever you like. But everyone has their own opinion on these matters: some may say that it is not a klectable unless in Fine condition, some may say that any type 8 is a klectable - it all depends on the rarity of the tool. I notice that Stanley #4 1/2's are fairly scarce in the USA, from any era. Some may say that even though a tool may not be rare today, it may be in the future so you shouldn't mess with it. Another point of view is that Stanley tools were made to be used, not collected - I am primarily a user and collector second.
I hope this helps.
Take care and Stay Sharp,
Jim
Jim Davey - Planes and Sharpening - Home

I like your way of thinking Jim. The tool has been around somewhere between 108-111 years so I am just another custodian. I wouldn't know if it is in fine or very good condition, I'm not a klector, but to my eye it is of superior quality to most I've seen, so I'll just sharpen the blade and see if it works well enough for me.
BTW, I am really impressed with the IBC blade you sent me, quality of finish is excellent!

Cheers
Michael

Originally Posted by JimDavey

Your tool - your decision. If it was mine, I wouldn't mess with a good one - maybe do a bit of light work on the sanding plate if I wanted to use it. But with a rough one, I personally believe that you can do whatever you like. But everyone has their own opinion on these matters: some may say that it is not a klectable unless in Fine condition, some may say that any type 8 is a klectable - it all depends on the rarity of the tool. I notice that Stanley #4 1/2's are fairly scarce in the USA, from any era. Some may say that even though a tool may not be rare today, it may be in the future so you shouldn't mess with it. Another point of view is that Stanley tools were made to be used, not collected - I am primarily a user and collector second.
I hope this helps.
Take care and Stay Sharp,
Jim
Jim Davey - Planes and Sharpening - Home

here 'tis. Probably not fine condition.

Cheers
Michael

Very Very Nice - great condition for its age, nice and crisp, hasn't had a lot of use.
Give it a hone and away you go - enjoy it.
Take car and Stay Sharp,
Jim
Jim Davey - Planes and Sharpening - Home

Hi Mic,

I take the position where my planes are collectors items when they are on the shelf and users when they are on the bench. I don't really care how much my estate gets for them just because I modified them to suit my needs.

Regards from Geraldton,
Chris

Ta Chris. I sharpened the blade this morning and while it works nicely enough there is a slight idiosyncrasy to the way the shaving starts since the toe is not perfectly flat, something I have not experienced since scraping the soles, which jigs the blade perfectly. I can live with it and am really very surprised how well it works with just a blade sharpening.

Cheers
Michael