So I got a few old hand planes from my mom that used to be her dad’s. One is a Stanley Bailey No5 and the other two are smaller block planes. For replacement blades it seems there is single and double iron blades.
Is it worth the extra cost for going with the double iron for the No 5? I don’t do a lot of wood working, but I have a project where I plan on building a jig for needed very accurate angles. This is my planned use for at least the No 5. Also, where should I purchase a replacement blade for these planes?
Replies
The block planes are almost certainly single irons, and would only take single iron replacements. The Stanley number 5 can only use a double iron-- without the cap iron, it won't function.
The only source I would use would be Hock. You can Google them. They have replacement irons for a variety of planes and spokeshaves. They are better than the originals. For the number 5 I would get a new blade and cap iron together. Their cap irons are far superior to the originals.
Thank you for the quick reply. I did a quick Amazon search the other day and saw some single irons. Based on your comment, I was probably only seeing the bottom iron without the top.
Follow-up question. For the $11 difference, is there much difference between the O-1 and the A-2 sets?
I am very much a novice just getting into woodworking and probably not going to be doing a whole lot with them. Though, that might change.
I prefer O-1 myself. Depending on what kind of sharpening setup you have, O-1 is a little easier to sharpen than A-2. A-2 is a bit more durable.
As a new woodworker, go simple...go with the O-1, and buy both irons from Hock...you'll appreciate the quality...
That's the plan, messages the banker (wife) ordering from him on payday.
Veritas (Lee Valley) also makes very good replacement blades and cap irons in O-1 and A-2 steel. They are a bit thicker than the original Stanley blades and may require you to "open" the mouth with a file to allow it to fit properly, but it's a pretty easy task.
if your number 5 us pre 1930s you have to use hoch. They are the only ones that make 2 1/4 iron. Both my. Bedrock 605 and Bailey 51/2 use 2 1/4 blades.
Already measured, it is the 2" iron and not the 2 1/4" iron.
The O-1 iron from Hock is a good performer and will serve you well. I've used Hock irons in a number of my Stanley planes. You may choose to reuse your chip breaker, but I'd suggest getting the companion Hock version.
Note that the Hock products (both iron and chip breaker) are thicker than the Stanley versions. You will likely need to adjust your frog position and may need to file the mouth opening. You may have length issues with the screw that holds your iron and chip breaker together unless you buy the Hock set (it comes with a new screw).
Glad to hear that Ron has got his blade handling straightened out. Some time ago I stop using him because blades I received had terrible scratches on the back up at the edge.
I got a replacement for an old Stanley No.7 at Highland Woodworking for around $20.
Don't fall into the trap that you need to keep spending money to get tools that work. Even with new Hock irons (which are great, BTW), you will still have to learn how to sharpen them, and how they work with the plane body.
You know, the original Stanley irons are not bad. Take some time and learn how to sharpen them and tune up the planes. I have a 1930s Stanley #4 1/2 with the original iron - cost $45. Works great with the original setup. I also have a $300 Lie Nielsen #4. I actually use the Stanley more.
A great source for plane irons is any of the regional meets for Mid West Tool Collectors Assn (mwtca.org) or Early American Industries Assn. Dealers commonly have "orphan" irons and these are the ones that will actually fit. You will need to clean these up, regrind and hone, but that is a skill that you will want to develop anyway. For new tools I always purchase O1 steel. Everything that you see in the museums was made with W1 steel more than likely. The difference between A2 and O1 is nuanced and I am pretty sure is more of a marketing strategy than an essential difference.
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