Used Stanley Planes - Buyer's Guide

[SVB]

Folks,

I am sure this will have been covered before but I am not having much luck with the search.

I would like some reasonable planes but do not have the resouce for a box of LN at this stage. Therefore used Stanley's come to mind.

However, I know that the current B&Q stuff Stanley is making will not do me much good and to go for the earlier stuff. To widen the net, I was hoping to source on - line (flea bay etc) and therefore what are the visual clues for the older, quality planes. Does the Bailey logo at the front indicate anything? Obviously a lack or assurance of no rust pitting. I have seen some with red paint round the stanley logo and some without - does this tell a tale?

Any tips really, all gratefully received!

 

[Dave S]

This is a good place to start.

Dave

 

[Chems]

I've been collecting Record planes for a little while, I've only got a handful but once tuned up and sorted out cleaned they are excellent and cost next to nothing.

 

[Hatherton_wood]

If you can go for Record pre mid 1950's and Stanley pre 1935. They will be more than satisfactory for most tasks - after all people back then made a living using them.

 

[halken]

how do you date planes, is there a code on them

 

[JohnCee]

how do you date planes, is there a code on them

http://www.hyperkitten.com/tools/stanley_bench_plane/dating/main.html

I have an old No. 4 1/2, and an old No. 6, both Type 11's. I like them just as much as my LN 5 1/2 (actually I like my No. 6 more than the LN)

 

[Vann]

Firstly: The earlier Records and Stanleys (i.e. the better ones) have a straight (horizontal) top to the blade, while the later ones of both brands have slightly rounded tops.
Secondly: Although it's not obvious until you remove the irons, these planes also have better frogs, in that the face of the frog is fully machined, whereas the newer frogs have recesses cast into them to reduce machining (and hence blade seating area). These earlier frogs also have better machining on the feet (where they mate with the sole casting). Stay away from the 1990s Record SP planes, they don't even have the paint removed from where the frog mates with the sole.
Consider a good quality replacement iron or cap iron (or both).

I hope this helps. Vann.

 

[Paul Chapman]

Although it's not obvious until you remove the irons, these planes also have better frogs, in that the face of the frog is fully machined, whereas the newer frogs have recesses cast into them to reduce machining (and hence blade seating area).

Here's a picture of the different style Record frogs. Earlier (better) one on the right, more recent one on the left

Cheers :wink:

Paul