a stanley no 4 smoothing plane as my first plane

[Phil Pascoe]

I believe the consensus is Record before before about 1980 and Stanley before about 1970. There's no point in going for 80 - 100 year or more old collectors pieces, aim somewhere in the middle. Wooden handles are a reasonable indication of some age - just avoid the new stuff - it's dire. Try to find a car boot sale or two while you're here, you can often pick them up for a fiver.

 

[estonianwoodworker]

Do these look usable? I imagine it is hard to tell from photos - what would you look at / for? Avoid?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUPERB-QUALIT ... SwtnpXo3YQ

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Record-No-5-V ... SwJqpXoZ8G

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Recor ... Sw2zlXhpoM

 

[Racers]

The older ones with the square shouldered blades are my favourites like this..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RECORD-No5-Ca ... SwtnpXlOhq

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RECORD-No5-Ca ... SwtnpXlOhq

Are you going to be any where Nottingham? I have a couple of Record No5s all ready to go.

Pete

 

[ED65]

Yes it is hard to be sure how good a tool is from photos, especially if they're not pin-sharp and taken from every angle. Even with clear photographs some flaws may not show up, like very fine cracks which can easily be seen in the flesh can often disappear in a photograph. For example there's a small crack on the right cheek here just by the front rib, completely invisible in the photo as you can see.

Visiting a car boot sale or two would be a great idea if you can manage it. Another option worth considering if you'll have transport while in the UK is Gumtree. You'd collect the piece in person so no postage to pay on top of the auction price and prices are usually much better to begin with. Not quite as low as you'd generally find at a car boot sale but like at a car boot you can examine something before handing over any money, looking at all the important areas like the front of the mouth and the leading edge of the cap iron, and generally checking to see if everything moves that should move and all the bits that shouldn't move don't.

 

[Benchwayze]

Try

http://www.oldtools.co.uk

You will pay a fair price, and The vendors describe their tools as honestly as possible. I have dealt with them quite a lot, and they don't sell rubbish. I recommend them.

Plus; there's no bidding to worry about and no disappointment over losing a good tool for the sake of a few pence.

Once you add to your basket the tool is yours.

The choice is yours. Best of luck.

John

 

[estonianwoodworker]

Thank you everyone - really appreciate your helpful advice.

I sure would prefer to avoid the uncertainty and stress of eBay bidding - thanks John - though looks like http://www.oldtools.co.uk is on holidays. Banner on the top of the page says: "Staff holiday. Store currently closed.". I'll check again, and hopefully they reopen before I go.

ED65 - any tips for car boot sales in London area / easy to get to from London where I might discover some planes?

Thanks!

 

[AndyT]

If you want to look at old tool dealers, rather than using eBay, there's a pretty comprehensive list of them here

http://taths.org.uk/tools-trades/notes- ... ealers-etc

 

[Vann]

The older ones with the square shouldered blades are my favourites like this..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RECORD-No5-Ca ... SwtnpXlOhq

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RECORD-No5-Ca ... SwtnpXlOhq

Are you going to be any where Nottingham? I have a couple of Record No5s all ready to go.

I'm with Pete. These two look good (assuming no hidden defects), but if you're going near Nottingham, Pete's offer will be ever better, and you get a chance to try them as well.

Cheers, Vann.

 

[Benchwayze]

My first plane was a Stanley No. 4. I soon got myself a 5-1/2 for the long planing jobs. And I now prefer Record, for some reason. I think it's the blue that does it for me, plus the two piece chip breaker! :mrgreen:

If you are anywhere near the West Midlands, I have at least one 5-1/2 that would go for a charity donation.

Regards
John