Stanley Hand Planes

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Stanley has been manufacturing the Stanley Hand Plane since 1869 when the first iron bench plane was produced. Stanley planes had a superior design that made it easier to fit a board with a Stanley plane.

Construction of Stanley Bench Planes

The frog is so fastened to the “heel” and “toe” supports that it is as rigid and free from vibration as if it were cast in the bed of the plane. The Cutter is supported right down to the heel of the bevel so there is no chance of chatter.

To regulate the width of the mouth, remove the lever cap and cutter, and loosen the two screws which hold the Frog. Turn the center adjusting screw as required. Tighten the frog screws and replace the cutter and lever.

Frog– The frog support directly at the rear of the mouth makes the plane practically one solid piece. The plan sides and bottom are strengthened by cross ribs. The screw bosses on each side of the center rip are very deep, allowing many threads to engage so that the frog is securely held in place.

Plane Iron or Cutter – The Stanley Plane Iron or Cutter was made from the finest steel available for this type of cutting tool. Steel for the cutters was made to their specifications and was tested in their laboratories before being used in production. The Cutters were laboratory tested for ability to hold their cutting edge, fineness of tempter, quality of hardness and for length of service to be expected. These and other tests were conducted to make certain that Stanley Plane Irons, like Stanley Planes were the finest available.

Adjustments – The finest adjustments can be made and held. Up and down adjustments are made by the large thumb nut and lever. The sidewise adjustments are made by a lever and a compensating roller. Adjustment of the frog to obtain different widths of the mouth was made with a screw.

Lever Cap – The Lever Cap holds the Cutter securely in position and prevents any chattering. In 1953 Stanley added the new pear shaped hole which overcame any tendency of the Lever Cap to loosen when the cutter was adjusted.

Knob and Handle – The knob and handle were made of rosewood. They fit the hand naturally and comfortably. The Knob fits in a ring boss cast in the plane bottom. This practically eliminates any possibility of the knob splitting at the base.

Stanley Hand Planes

Stanley No. 1 Smooth Plane
Stanley No. 2 Smooth Plane
Stanley No. 3 Smooth Plane
Stanley No. 4 Smooth Plane
Stanley No. 4C Corrugated Bottom Smooth Plane
Stanley No. 4 1/2 Smooth Plane
Stanley No. 5 Jack Plane
Stanley No. 5 1/4 Junior Jack Plane
Stanley No. 5 1/2 Jack Plane

Stanley No. 46 Skew Cutter Combination Plane
Stanley Cabinet Makers Rabbet Plane