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.

 

[Cabinetman]

I had a similar thing when not knowing any better I stripped a no4 right down to have the sole surface ground, screwed the handles back on and the cast iron deformed,who knew it’s a thing lol.
If it’s new send it back or just rub it on abrasive till it’s flat.

 

[Wilko54321]

I had a similar thing when not knowing any better I stripped a no4 right down to have the sole surface ground, screwed the handles back on and the cast iron deformed,who knew it’s a thing lol.
If it’s new send it back or just rub it on abrasive till it’s flat.

That must have been a bit swear worthy when you found out the hard way.

It’s going back, the plating on the bottom and convex shape means it would not be worth the effort.

Actually reckon the Veritas one is the way forwards in this case, with fence it’s about £100 more than the really good condition 71s. However it’s got greater depth and should require a lot less fettling to be right.