WANTED: Record or Stanley No 78

[beech1948]

Hi,

I have recently been frustrated with trying to buy a 78 on Ebay. Frustration is in part due either to manky stuff which seems to fetch a fortune even though parts are missing to just plain silly prices..recent auction went to £49.

So I wondered if any member maybe, just possibly had one they might sell. I might come over as a bit tight in this message but as long as theirs some value for me I will pay a fair price.

regards

Alan

 

[MikeW]

Hi Alan,

If a forum member doesn't have one for a good price, consider getting the Anant from Axminster or elsewhere. It's a copy of Record 778, which was always better than the Stanley 78.

New it is £32.

Axminster 778.

Take care, Mike

 

[beech1948]

Hi Mike,
The Anant is one idea. I am prejudiced against it because Anant have always struck me as probably needing quite a bit of fettling to make them work...

Anyone got any comments re Anant.

regards
alan

 

[TonyW]

Reading your post and not knowing what a number 78 is had to look it up and came across this Stanley 78 at oldtools not sure if it is any help to you as it has missing depth stop and fence.

http://www.oldtools.co.uk/tools/stanley/stanley.pl61.php
Description
Stanley Rabbet Plane No 78

Stanley no 78 rabbet plane marked U.S.PAT.6-7-10. Blades marked Stanley sweetheart made in USA. Missing fence and depth stop.
EDIT
Just spotted this while looking around for planes

http://www.theoldtoolshop.fsnet.co.uk/SR183des.html
This pre 1925 US made rabbet plane is in very good condition, retaining most of the original black lacquer and a good length original blade.

Price =UK £38 or US $68


I am also interested in comments about the Anant planes - looking to add a jointer and possibly block plane. I dont mind a bit of fettling if they can be made into an acceptable tool.

Regards Tony

 

[Anonymous]

£49 looks reasonable to me - Record 778 brand new is £70-!00 depending on where you look for one

 

[MikeW]

I wouldn't recommend the whole range of Anant planes. But a rebate plane such as their 778 is too simple a plane to get too wrong.

I have used several. While the blades leave something to be desired in comparison to modern day better blade makers, the #778 planes have been reasonable. That is, they have been reasonably flat soled, the right side reasonably square to the sole, the fence arms and fence secure and square to the main casting.

If one ends up wanting a better blade, those too are available from other sources.

Most of the other planes in their line which need/ought to be better machined such as the smoother and perhaps the larger bench planes are in fact not. The adjusters seem to be so sloppy on the block plane up through the bench planes that adjustment is poor.

I think on Alf's review page she has a review of the Anant 1/2" dado. That plane needs to be more precise than the one she bought. But for the price seems like the effort would be worth it compared to a vintage Stanley.

But aside from all those Anant copies, wood moving fillisters are available for cheap if one looks. I think they are better in use than the metal 78/778 planes. The skewed blades work better for cross grained rebates.

Take care, Mike

 

[beech1948]

Hi,
Tony...I'm afraid I think that £49 is too dear for a second hand plane which is very common and not at all rare. Being Record or Stanley it will still need to be fettled as blade seating on these is not all that accurate and soles are often not square to sides.

perhaps I'm just too mean here but I think there is no value in a price of £49. £39 maybe. £29 yes I'd buy. £20 I'd buy 2.

regards
Alan

 

[Paul Chapman]

If the choice were between a second-hand Stanley #78 and a new Anant #778 I think I would consider the Anant for the simple reason that it has twin fence rods as opposed to the single rod on the Stanley. Single fence rods can be a real pain.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[beech1948]

I just finished a search of the site re Anant.

What I came up with was fairly damning about quality and performance. Roughly similar to but possibly worse than modern Stanley.

However, there was some talk of an improved range. Has anyone here bought and used an Annant 78 or other plane in the past 6 months.

regards

Alan

 

[Alf]

I think on Alf's review page she has a review of the Anant 1/2" dado.

Nope, although I suppose I could link to this blog entry about it on there. :-k

Alan, I'd have a look and see if I can bear to part with my Woden two-rod but I have a feeling our ideas of relative value may disagree... :wink:

Cheers, Alf

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,
Tony...I'm afraid I think that £49 is too dear for a second hand plane which is very common and not at all rare. Being Record or Stanley it will still need to be fettled

Beech

the new Record needs exactly the same fettling and costs twice as much.....

I have seen the new Record 778 at over £100!

 

[Amateurrestorer]

Hi I tend to spend most of Saturday morning in the old tool shop, they have a wide range of both record and stanley planes for sale all less than £30 give then a ring on the contact number and see if they will send you one by post.The stuff on their website is usually top quality and aimed at collectors and therefore commands a higher price. If you ever get chance pop into their shop ,its only open on saturdays and enter an alladins cave of old tools.Great people as well, and no I am not related to them,just a very satisfied customer.[/quote]

 

[CHJ]

How's this compare for condition, paint is original, bought by me in the early 1960's

Although possibly not in the same class as Alf's Woden, I doubt if my idea of value matches either, especially if it has to be posted.

 

[beech1948]

CHJ,
Thanks for message. Your pictures look great and the tool seems to be in good nick.

Are you suggesting that you might want to sell it or were you merely teasing me.

best regards

Alan

 

[beech1948]

Amatuerrestorer,

Thanks for mention of Old Tool site. I discovered this yesterday. I will see if I can stretch to a visit and have a look. I guess a trip to Pennyfarthing Tools would be an the cards also.

Regards

Alan

 

[CHJ]

Alan, PM sent

 

[beech1948]

Well thanks to all who replied to my request.

I have now been offered a 78 by a kind member, at what seems a good price and better than that he lives about 3 miles from me.

Result.

I'll pick up plane this Saturday and maybe post picture.

many thanks

Alan