Stanley 71 plane - how flat should the base be?

[Wilko54321]

Hi, I bought a nice condition Stanley 71 router plane on eBay and the base rocks a fair bit on a flat surface. Almost like there are high spots under the handles.

How common is this, as it seems like it would make using it pretty difficult?

I can almost fit two sheets of paper under the front/back and see some light. I’ve lapped my other planes using sandpaper so this doesn’t happen, I had hoped not to do that in this case.

 

[toolsntat]

I've never seen one like that before, definitely not fit for purpose as is.
You could put a wooden sole on it and pack it to fit flat.
Could be a case for trying to send it back?
Cheers, Andy

 

[Wilko54321]

Cheers for the reply

I've never seen one like that before, definitely not fit for purpose as is.
You could put a wooden sole on it and pack it to fit flat.
Could be a case for trying to send it back

Cheers for the reply, yes that is what I’m going to do.

Thankfully the seller accepted my return.

It’s got plastic handles, so guessing late era and the castings or machining must have been a Friday afternoon special.