Stanley “Bailey” Planes Type 16

Smooth Bottom Planes type 16 (1933-1941)

As of 1934, the Stanley “Bailey” Iron Planes had been in use for over sixty years and were recognized as the standard for planes of this type. While they retained most all of their original features, Stanley continued to add many improvements in construction from time to time.

The Frog – The frog on these planes has a support directly at the rear of the mouth, making practically one solid piece from the cap to the bottom. The sides and bottom of the plane was stiffened by means of the cross ribs. The screw bosses on each side of the center rig are very deep, allowing several threads to engage, thereby securely holding the frog in position.

The width of the mouth can be regulated and made wider or narrower as course or fine work may require. This can be accomplished by first, removing the lever cap and cutter and loosen the two frog screws that fasten the frog to its seat. With a screwdriver, turn the center adjusting screw (located behind the frog) to the right to close the mouth, and to the left to open it. When the frog is in the position desired, tighten the frog screws and replace the cutter and lever cap.

These Stanley smooth bottom planes were made between 1933 to 1941 and include Type No. 16. The featured the following characteristics.

Lever Cap – The Lever Cap was improved on these planes. The hole was upgraded to a kidney or pear shaped hole which overcame the tendency of the lever cap to loosen when the cutter is adjusted. The Stanley Lever was the most satisfactory device for fastening the cutter. It exerts a sure, even pressure sufficient to hold the cutter in the correct position and prevents any chattering.

The Plane Iron or Cutter – The end of the cutting edge on these Stanley cutters was made of crucible steel of extra high carbon content. The remainder of the cutter was made of a lower carbon crucible steel and acts as a backing for the cutting edge. Both of the parts were fused together when originally cast in the ingot. The could not be separated.

This type of construction permitted the use of a higher carbon content steel for the cutting edge the was practical in any other construction. The soft backing of steel yields readily to the pressure of the cap iron and lever cap and permitted a firmer seat on the frog. Easier honing or grinding was possible than if the entire bevel was high carbon steel. All of the cutters on these planes were individually hardened and tempered.

The bevel of the cutters on these planes was ground to approximately 25 degrees.

Handles and Knobs – The handles and knobs on these planes were made from Rosewood.

The cutters were adjustable endwise and sidewise meaning that these planes included a lateral adjustment lever. The polished surfaces were finished with a clear lacquer to improve their appearance and to prevent rusting.

Types of Stanley Planes

Smooth Plane – The Smooth Plane is used for finishing or smoothing off flat surfaces. Where uneven spots are of slight area, it’s short length will permit it to locate these irregularities, leaving the work with a smooth surface when finished.

Jack Plane – The Jack Plane is used to true up the edges of a board in the rough and prepare it for the Fore or Jointer planes.

Junior Jack Plane – The Junior Jack Plane (No. 5 1/4). Its size makes it especially desirable for all work requiring a lighter Jack Plane than the No. 5 or 5 1/2. It was particularly well adapted for Manual Training Work and was frequently found in school shops.

Fore Plane – The Fore Plane is simply a shorter Jointer Plane, and being lighter, is preferred by some woodworkers to the longer plane.

Jointer Plane – The Jointer Plane is a finishing plane for larger surfaces and is usually used to true up the edges of boards so that they can be closely fitted or joined together.

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