Having succumbed to the handplane sirens, I have now refurbished and tuned a Stanley #6 Type 11 (1910-1918), which only cost me $35.00 ("slightly rusted" at an Antique tools convention) and about 8 hours (electrolysis, washing, cleaning all parts (including screws, knobs, etc. - did you know you can not only get the rust off, but polish both steel and brass screws?), refinishing, sharpening (really now), tuning, waxing, etc. A GREAT BARGAIN - be aware of the commitment if you get one of these babies. With that investment, I have to love it. Right! It (they) do(es) a fabulous job of leveling glued up panels (I don't own or want a wide-belt sander, well at least I don't own one, but I do have both jointer and planer with tails). Now I learn that I could really use a #7 (a REAL jointer plane), a #5, a #5 1/2, a #5 1/4 (just for novelty), to go with my #6, #4 and my #220 block plane - and yes I do need a low angle block plane - and those little #2 and #3 smoothers are so cute even LOML would approve. And with two or more planes ( I currently have three, but only got my first about 2 weeks ago), I am now a "collector" who only really wants Stanley Type 11s. I have learned (translate that I have a buddy that has also succumbed to the siren call) that if you use the planes in succession (from high number down) each smaller plane magically takes off the hills and swells, if any, left by the previous plane. My favorite part may be how quiet the motor runs (although it does seem at times to be working hard) and that wonderful ssssshtpt sound as those beautiful curls litter my shop floor. The mystery is also magical - how do these things get boards so flat - I know that it is not the craftsman, uh user, this time!
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LOL, i too love the simplicity of the plane. Knowing barely how to use them properly, I have a small block plane that I just used the day before to..... get this, joint a 2x8 p.t. board that I was using as a screed to level a floor!!!
If anyone was wondering, I used an aluminum angle to see the high spots on the board and knocked them down until there was hardly any light coming out from between the angle and the board. If anyone has better suggestions, I all open! hehe
I think in straight lines, but dream in curves
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Keep your knuckles from dragging as you slide down the slope. I started when Ma gave me my Dad's #5. After restoring it, I decided to buy another as a user and treat his as the treasur ethat it is to me.
Except for the No 1 & 2, I now have at least one of the bench planes of Type 9 or earlier (Pre-frog adjustment screw) and one Type 10 or later. Current goal is to complete the WWII set.
Add to those a fair, and still growing, collection of block and specialty planes including an early 45 and a set of 98/99 trim planes.
Understand, this is a hobby and not an obsession...I can quit any time I choose!Don, aka Pappy,
Wise men talk because they have something to say,
Fools because they have to say something.
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Hey Don - you might already know but the Hand Tool Forum on Woodnet has several people that restore and sell old planes for amazingly low prices. I just got a jointer plane that cut like my Lie-Neilson out of the wrapping.Comment
Riiiiiight... Once you've been waist deep in wispy curls, yer a lifer...
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