BigShot
Established Member
Yes, another.
My apologies if this has been done to death already - I never have much luck with these forum search thingies.
I've got the impression, from reading several things on here and elsewhere, that older Stanley planes are generally better than the new ones. A while back I found a site that dated #4 planes based on various features (ring to receive the front handle or not, cast lettering positions, etc) but I can't remember what site it was now.
I'd like to find out if my other Stanley planes are old or new, worth tidying up or not and also get an idea of what to look for in a #7 (I'm going to need one soonish as I won't be able to afford a power jointer for a long time).
I've got a 3, 4, 4½, 9½, RB10, 78.
On that note, what's the cut-off point (if there is one) where the "good" old becomes the "not so good" new? Is there a certain year where the quality plunged or is it not so clear cut?
Am I right in thinking that (for example) a Stanley 9½ can only mean a block plane like mine, or could there be (for example) a 9½ block and a 9½ bailey (or something else - being new to all this I wouldn't know, y'see).
As I'm about to start learning to plane soon, I'd like to have the best tools I can afford, and as there's no way I'll be able to afford any of the really well respected brands new I'll be going for older Stanleys from car boots and the like. My budget is just too tight for anything more. My money really needs to go into wood for things like tool storage (it's that or the floor!) a bench and then wood for the projects I've got lined up.
I look forwards to any responses you can come up with.
Cheers folks.
My apologies if this has been done to death already - I never have much luck with these forum search thingies.
I've got the impression, from reading several things on here and elsewhere, that older Stanley planes are generally better than the new ones. A while back I found a site that dated #4 planes based on various features (ring to receive the front handle or not, cast lettering positions, etc) but I can't remember what site it was now.
I'd like to find out if my other Stanley planes are old or new, worth tidying up or not and also get an idea of what to look for in a #7 (I'm going to need one soonish as I won't be able to afford a power jointer for a long time).
I've got a 3, 4, 4½, 9½, RB10, 78.
On that note, what's the cut-off point (if there is one) where the "good" old becomes the "not so good" new? Is there a certain year where the quality plunged or is it not so clear cut?
Am I right in thinking that (for example) a Stanley 9½ can only mean a block plane like mine, or could there be (for example) a 9½ block and a 9½ bailey (or something else - being new to all this I wouldn't know, y'see).
As I'm about to start learning to plane soon, I'd like to have the best tools I can afford, and as there's no way I'll be able to afford any of the really well respected brands new I'll be going for older Stanleys from car boots and the like. My budget is just too tight for anything more. My money really needs to go into wood for things like tool storage (it's that or the floor!) a bench and then wood for the projects I've got lined up.
I look forwards to any responses you can come up with.
Cheers folks.
