Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | Apr 07, 2022 08:55am | #1

   I am least picky about the number 5, because I use it as a jack plane -- a coarse tool. I'm not sure it matters which type it is, though I would never buy one of the late models, or a Handyman model.

   I am picky about planes for fine work, and I find a difference in the later Stanleys. My rough rule of thumb is to look between the rear handle and the frog. If there are 1, 2, or 3 patent dates it was made between 1902 and 1930, and is a good tool. If there are no patent dates it was an earlier or later model, and I pass it by. There are so many planes out there that a better one will come along.

   Of course you can just upgrade to a Bedrock and get a better plane. It will cost more, but it is better.

   Or, just skip to the end, and buy a Lie Nielsen. They are unquestionably better than anything Stanley made. And being in Falmouth, one of your neighbors might work there.

1. 
   user-3395150 | Apr 08, 2022 06:32pm | #11

   I agree. My favorites are the Sweetheart types (12 - 15), but I have a couple of type 9 planes that I like as well. If you're going to set it up as a fore plane, the type doesn't matter. I have a Stanley Handyman, bought before I knew better, but it's fine as a fore plane.

2. 
   jovogtmd | Apr 07, 2022 09:12am | #2

   Thank you....I actually went by Lie-Nelson last week in Warren (about an hour from here). Their showroom was closed. Also, they won't have No 5's again until next summer. They are just inundated with orders. They ARE beautiful planes though.
   I, too, will use it as a coarse tool, primarily to scrub with its iron filed to a 8" radius.

3. 
   DRBWWing | Apr 07, 2022 09:55am | #3

   All you care to know about Stanley planes:

   http://supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan0a.html

   https://hyperkitten.com/wiki/Stanley_Bench_Plane_Type_Study

1. 
   jovogtmd | Apr 07, 2022 12:47pm | #4

   thank you for these links!!

4. 
   joeleonetti | Apr 07, 2022 02:47pm | #5

   I have been mostly trained by Paul Sellers online Master Classes. From reading his writings, he is ok for user planes being from the 1960s or earlier without much concern about which one. Hope that helps.

1. 
   jovogtmd | Apr 07, 2022 09:29pm | #7

   Thank you....Paul's thoughts about post WWII planes is really interesting!

5. 
   JEarch | Apr 07, 2022 05:10pm | #6

   For a #5 set up as a scrub plane I’m not sure it makes much difference what you start with. I use a post-war blue-bodied Stanley that has a quite coarse mouth — not good for much else, but with a thick after-market blade and chip breaker, ground to a suitable radius, it works very well in this use. As John_C2 says above, it’s a coarse tool, especially for scrubbing.

6. 
   jovogtmd | Apr 07, 2022 09:30pm | #8

   That is exactly what I am going to be using it for. Only argument to pay attention to which one I find is that there may be a time that I may want to convert the plane to having a more conventional iron.

7. 
   jim_hall | Apr 07, 2022 10:05pm | #9

   There's a whole bunch of Stanley Bedrock 605s for sale on ebay right now.

8. 
   jovogtmd | Apr 08, 2022 07:39am | #10

   Thanks!!