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My first plane of the New Year!

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  • 13-01-2010 8:32pm
    #1
    jack of all
    Registered Users Posts: 2,376 ✭✭✭


    I was given a gift of this old Bailey pattern, Stanley No. 6 fore plane today, it belonged to a grand uncle of mine (now deceased). I haven't dated it yet but I reckon it's late 40's early 50's. It's in pretty good nick, well used but no evidence of any abuse. The blade has a good 2" left on it (it may have been replaced at some point?). There's a little bit of light corrosion under the frog and some of the black japanning is lifting in parts. It's an uncommon plane size I suppose but it fits neatly into my plane selection, given that I don't already own a No.6. I'm looking forward to stripping the plane down and giving it some much need care and attention. Happy days! It's nice to think that soon I'll be using a handtool that was once owned and used by my grand uncle, if only these tools could talk!


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    #2
    SpitfireIV
    Registered Users Posts: 4,504 ✭✭✭SpitfireIV


    Nice one!! She looks to be in fairly good nick from the picture anyway! Of course the family connection adds a whole other layer to it! :) There was a site, must have a look for it again where you can date planes just by colors of paint used, stampings, text machining processes etc. It dated my No5 to the early 50's! :o. Its an odd siz alright, a No6, isnt there a 5 and a half?! Thats one I always wondered about!


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    #3
    jack of all
    Registered Users Posts: 2,376 ✭✭✭jack of all


    Cheers CroppyBoy; I have it stripped down now and it is in great nick, considering it lay untouched in a toolbox for probably 20 years in a damp environment. I have checked out Patrick Leach's Stanley site (this appears to be the bible) but I am having difficulty getting a definitive match on it; I will probably drop him an email and see if he can help me. As for the 5 1/2 size, I have one in a LN and I think it's a great size! It's just a wider jack plane with a blade the same width as the larger 6, 7 or 8. It's a great all rounder and plenty of weight in it. Plan to have this No. 6 cleaned up and ready to go before the weekend.


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