Stanley planes
Stanley planes
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE STANLEY PLANES
The history of Stanley planes
The original Stanley planes are among the best-known hand tools for woodworking.
The Stanley company was founded in 1843 and has developed into a leading Manufacturer of hand tools in the years since. Stanley is particularly well known for the Bailey planes, which were named after their inventor Leonard Bailey. This series of hand planes set new standards in woodworking and remains something of an industry standard to this day. The success of Stanley planes is based on the ability to precisely adjust planing irons. The range of speciality planes included Block planes, Block planes, Plastering planes, Scraper planes, Bench planes, rabbeting planes, universal planes such as the No. 62 and more.
Standard block planes from Stanley
Stanley Block planes, such as the popular Stanley No. 60½, are smaller single-handed planes with a Total length of 160 mm, which are characterised by their handiness and versatility. They are ideal for edge processing, bevelling and smoothing small surfaces. Thanks to the bevel up principle and the low iron support, Standard block planes offer the possibility of influencing cutting angles.
Stanley Flat Angle Block Planes No. 60½
Ideal for processing end grain: With an inclination angle of 13.5° and a bevel angle of 25°, the effective cutting angle is 38.5°. The 2 mm-thick irons lie in the bed with the bevel facing upwards (without chip breaker) and are thus supported close to the cutting edge to dampen vibrations. The Standard block planes are made of grey cast iron and have an adjustable jaw opening. The flap is clamped using an eccentric lever, and both the lateral adjustment and the depth setting can be precisely adjusted.
Care and maintenance of Stanley planes
To maximise the service life of a Stanley planes and to achieve clean, precise results at all times, regular maintenance is important. The plane iron should be sharpened regularly. The sole of the plane should also be kept clean in order to achieve consistent results. As Stanley planes are made of metal, occasional rust protection is necessary. Lightly oiling the metal parts protects against corrosion and keeps the Planes in perfect condition.
Conclusion
Stanley planes have been synonymous with robust and reliable woodworking tools for generations. Anyone who values the classic Stanley designs in combination with modern materials (such as cast steel or nodular cast iron) and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes (finely ground sole) is well advised to choose the DICTUM or Hattori planer series in the entry-level range, and Clifton and Lie-Nielsen in the upper quality and price segment.
