This is the latest version of the Stanley No. 60-1/2 design. Features that once were patented, breakthrough advances in plane technology are nowadays often taken for granted. Genuine Stanley innovations include the adjustable throat, which functions smoothly and precisely; the endwise blade-depth adjuster, which functions effectively (even though it has a bit of backlash); and the milled depression in the sides of the body. The lever cap is easy to remove using the pivoting lock-lever.

Stanley’s relatively thin blade does not receive much support from its small bed. Lateral adjustment is easily accomplished using the patented lever. However, the plane I received from the factory was defective and relied on the lateral adjuster to the extreme. This defect must have occurred at the factory when the body casting was misaligned during the machining of the bed. The result was a slightly angled bed. By moving the adjuster all the way to the right, the blade could be made parallel with the sole and did work properly. I am confident that most dealers and Stanley would replace a plane with this defect, if asked.

The Stanley required the most attention right out of the box, but in 30 minutes it was ready to go. The sole was out about 0.004 in., toe to heel, and it took 15 minutes to lap it flat. Even if it had been flat, at the factory they coat the cast iron with a rust-preventing varnish finish that I prefer to remove. After tuning the blade, the plane was in service.

With a sharp blade, the plane performed the basics nicely, but it showed some weaknesses on end grain, miter cuts, and dense hardwoods, where it was susceptible to chatter due to its small bed and thin blade. As the least expensive tool reviewed, it is only reasonable to expect some shortcomings. Still, this tool has a lot of great features and appeal for the price. For a trim carpenter working primarily in softwoods or the occasional user who has a limited budget, this may be just the tool.

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