Preston spokeshaves

[woden]

I've seen a few of these come up on ebay from time to time and due to the reputation of the maker I've often pondered picking one up. Here's one that recently sold.

How do these compare in performance to secondhand Stanley 151s - are they any better or so little different as to not matter? Presumably they're not a patch on the new offerings by LV and LN but I was wondering whether they'd be a cheap step up in quality from the Stanleys/Records.

Also, does anyone make replacement blades for them. Of course, you can get these for 151s from Stanley itself or even improved blades from LN but what about the Preston blades with their single notch - do any of the specialist tool makers offer these?

 

[ByronBlack]

I recently purchased two spokeshaves from ebay, a stanley and a preston - the preston was in bad condition in terms of finish but otherwise was good.

Sharpening was quite awkward, but I got them somewhat sharp and have been testing them on some straight-grained meranti, I couldn't tell the difference between the two really, maybe because i'm not that proficient with them yet, but they seemed virtually identical in how they cut albeit with a slightly different feel in the hand.

Not sure if that helps you or not, but I would imagine with all the old spokeshaves, chatter is somewhat an issue, and technique is what would make the difference.

 

[bugbear]

I
Also, does anyone make replacement blades for them.....do any of the specialist tool makers offer these?

Ray Isles, I think, available from several of the usual dealers, or direct.

BugBear

 

[Paul Chapman]

I have no experience of Preston spokeshaves. However, if you are looking for one that works really well, look out for a Stanley #53 with the adjustable mouth. They are very nice and most people who have one seem to like them. The adjustable mouth has the added feature of giving you a finer cut as you close the mouth up. I picked up one from Pennyfarthing Tools for, I think, £10. They had another one in a couple of weeks ago so you could always give them a ring - if they have any they will give you an honest opinion over the phone of the condition http://www.pennyfarthingtools.co.uk/index.htm

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[Amateurrestorer]

Preston went bust in the 1930,s and they aren't making any more of them .I usually reach for one(sorry! collector on the loose) of mine first when I need to shave spokes ,nice to look at and nice to use.The Stanley 53 is also a nice piece of kit ( don't ask I will only fib ). However I really like using the boxwood oldies and when they are sharp they are unbeatable. Obviously I haven't tried the Lee Valley one or else I would be singing high praises about that one :?

 

[Alf]

Preston shaves are the utter pits and shouldn't cast their evil shadow over any workshops - I offer a re-homing service if you're interested...

Cheers, Alf

 

[Racers]

Hi,
I have a couple and they are the ones I reach for usually, I am on the look out for a round sole one but I always forget when the auction finishes so i have missed a couple on the bay recently.


Pete

 

[Pekka Huhta]

I've seen a few of these come up on ebay from time to time and due to the reputation of the maker I've often pondered picking one up. Here's one that recently sold.

Hey! That's mine

It was just odd to see the link and a eBay page opening with the first words " This item has been paid through PayPal"...

I like the Prestons, in general and the spokeshaves in particular. The workmanship is brilliant, especially in the older ones. Old Stanleys don't even come close, even the best ones of them.

And they are pretty. Just yesterday I had a Preston and a Record bullnose rabbet plane side by side and while the Record is a nice plane the Preston is just utterly pretty. No question which gets picked up first from the shelf.

I think the irons on the Prestons and old Stanleys are just about the same, but the workmanship and aesthetics of the Preston planes give them an advantage.

OK, OK, I'm a big sissy. I had 3 different #45's to choose from and I picked up the oldest and tattiest just because it had those pretty flowers cast in it :-$ :wink:

Pekka

 

[ByronBlack]

I've seen a few of these come up on ebay from time to time and due to the reputation of the maker I've often pondered picking one up. Here's one that recently sold.

Hey! That's mine

It was just odd to see the link and a eBay page opening with the first words " This item has been paid through PayPal"...

I like the Prestons, in general and the spokeshaves in particular. The workmanship is brilliant, especially in the older ones. Old Stanleys don't even come close, even the best ones of them.

And they are pretty. Just yesterday I had a Preston and a Record bullnose rabbet plane side by side and while the Record is a nice plane the Preston is just utterly pretty. No question which gets picked up first from the shelf.

I think the irons on the Prestons and old Stanleys are just about the same, but the workmanship and aesthetics of the Preston planes give them an advantage.

OK, OK, I'm a big sissy. I had 3 different #45's to choose from and I picked up the oldest and tattiest just because it had those pretty flowers cast in it :-$ :wink:

Pekka

You old hippy you

 

[Rob Lee]

(snip) And they are pretty. Just yesterday I had a Preston and a Record bullnose rabbet plane side by side and while the Record is a nice plane the Preston is just utterly pretty. No question which gets picked up first from the shelf.

(snip)

Hi -

While I would have said "handsome" - I definitely agree with you on the Preston designs... hands down more elegant and thoughtful than most of Stanley's ... some of the castings are incredible....

Cheers -

Rob