Reply To: Stanley No 50 Combination Plane
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First, we don’t know where you are, so answering a question on value is difficult.
This plane went through lots of iterations, depending on when it was made and where.
The British version sometimes offered the deflector and screw (needed for 1/8” and 3/16” cutters) as an extra; they were packed separately in a small brown envelope and Stanley UK sometimes offered an extended cutter range as well. You need to ascertain its age and do some research as to what is original and complete and what is not. Having said that, these were ‘trophy’ tools when new. Often bought as presents or on impulse then left in the cupboard, consequently good, virtually unused versions from the 50s and 60s are not rare in the UK.
An incomplete version, although usable, may not be as valuable as a complete one when you decide it is time to move it on.
The screw thread is an obscure obsolete BSF or Whitworth tread; the Americans used a type of Unified thread. But, When you sort the correct thread out you will discover that the most important and unique part of this screw is the size and shape of the underside of the head the shape of which which is specifically designed to grip the side of the cutter in two places. Unique is the word.
Personally, I have never used the smaller blades – there are better tools than a No: 50 for these sizes. The chip deflector is another thing that remains in its packet. With or without the deflector, these planes are renowned for choking on everything but the straightest and most compliant-grained woods..
However – and this is a personal view – if I had the choice between a complete, mint and unused Stanley No: 50 and a Complete Record 050, I’d grab the Record every time. Better tool hands-down.