Dating wooden planes

Are wooden planes relevant to use today?

I think for many people wooden planes bring nostalgia and a nice sense of tradition but don’t necessarily seem relevant to use today. We get used to a very different tool with metal planes, especially with some of the highly developed options now available, and so the techniques needed to set up, adjust and use them become further apart.

What are the different types of wooden planes?

The Different Types Of Wooden Planes: The long try plane for straightening. The jack or fore plane for rough, heavy material removal – note the wide open mouth for allowing the thick shavings through. The short coffin smoother with tight mouth to keep control of tear out.

How can you tell what year a plane was made?

For the majority of planes, you’re only going to be able to estimate their year of manufacture. Perhaps narrowed down to within a few decades. Indicators such as Logo colour/typeface, Wings square or rounded, Handle materials and shape… are only pointers.

How can I find out how old a Stanley plane is?

‘Patrick’s Blood & Gore’ website is a good source of information regarding Stanleys. You can also learn a lot by examining photos of planes for sale. E.g. on eBay. Start by looking at the boxed ones (assuming the boxes are for that plane). Those are the planes most likely to be complete and original.

Why choose a wooden jack plane?

For the hand tool gang a dedicated wooden Jack Plane is an asset, already set ready for heavy stock removal, no need to spoil those nice metal planes on rough work. Check out the photo above of the typical mouth size of a Jack Plane, that is as it should be, nice and wide to allow thick shavings to escape easily.

Why choose a wooden plane over metal?

Comfort in Use – There is a reason that metal planes have wooden handles and knobs—metal is cold and uncomfortable. I like the feel of wooden tools and find them much more inviting. Tactile Feedback – The wooden body transfers to my hands all the subtle vibrations from the iron engaging the wood.

Do wood or metal planes have a learning curve?

None of this is a big deal to someone who is used to these idiosyncrasies but my point is both metal and wooden planes have learning curves. My belief is that once you get past the learning curve, the wooden plane is faster, easier, and much more pleasurable to adjust. Try it, I dare you.

What is the difference between iron-bodied and wooden planes?

Both iron-bodied and wooden planes are in use today. The iron-bodied variety is more common in the US and the UK and the wooden-bodied variety is favored in continental Europe and Asia. The principle behind how these tools work does not change.

What are the types and dates of the Stanley planes?

Here is a list of the types and dates of the Stanley planes: Stanley Type 1 Handplanes: 1867-1869. Stanley Type 2 Handplanes: 1869-1872. Stanley Type 3 Handplanes: 1872-1873.

How can I tell how old my Stanley bench plane is?

Stanley has been creating tools such as the bench plane since 1843, and it can be difficult to date an antique tool if you dont know where to look, according to the Stanley Company. If you noted one patent date and there is a raised ring, your plane is Type 14 and dates between 1929 and 1930. Note the colour of the plane.

What are the different types of Stanley Bailey hand planes?

Stanley Bailey Hand Planes: Types 1-8 Your Stanley Bailey handplane with zero patent dates behind the handplane frog is type 1 through 8. Keep narrowing it further:

How can I tell what year my plane is?

If so, your plane is a Type 19 and dates between 1949 and 1961. Find the depth-adjustment nut, and note whether it has a diagonal knurling pattern on the outside of it or not. If so, your plane is Type 18 and dates between 1946 and 1947.