I've seen three fifty five type planes* in the last week for sale. One was a stanley, with all the cutters, they wanted £100 for it. The other was a record (looked just as good as the stanley) with a lot of cutters. The chap also wanted £100 but I'd reckon I could edge him down to nearer eighty. And a record without cutters for about £45, I think.
Also saw a home-made (hand cast) copy of a fifty five (or close relative to the fifty five, I'm no expert). Mostly in metal, but with some of the fences in wood. It weighed a ton and was about the size of a small car engine. Looked like it might do the business though. It had some record cutters with it. I didn't ask how much he wanted for it, but probably no more than £20.
I also saw one of those disposable blade stanleys, that you change the blade like a razor, that was dead cheap and still in its box (I am kind of tempted by it, but that's a little off-topic).
* Edit--I have just read Alf's page about 'boat anchors' and I didn't realise there quite so many models. Maybe the record was a different model type? #405a? Something like that. I'd need to go back and check to be sure. Like I said, I am no expert.
, will let you know how I get on. I only want one of these planes as I have distinct memories of school woodwork where I used one a lot and found it very satisfying, silly I know but .....
