Reply To: Buying Woodworking Tools is Becoming Stupid
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One man’s opinion. I’ve used both planes but have never purchased a 9 1/2.
I prefer the 60 1/2 mainly because it is a more compact tool in your hand and in Your apron pocket. ( ok, I’m dating myself there.)
But there is a caveat. The tool has been made for a century and a quarter and there are many versions of it – more than even most type studies show.
I dislike te new “Sweetheart” version because it weighs a pound more than it needs to, and over a pound more than my 1930’s tool from the sweethart era. The new tool weighs in at 2.3 pounds, according to their literature.
For a similar reason, I dislike my 1980’s English made version with an added lateral adjuster system which I find has limited utility. It weighs 1.78 pounds.
I purchased my first 60 1/2 new as a replacement for a 65 1/2 that went on walkabout, and which I preferred. It weighs 1.45 pounds.
And my favorite 60 1/2 is my 1930’s plane which weighs 1.2 pounds due mostly to a more refined casting. Think about it.. that’s just about HALF the weight of the new Stanley tool.
Also, there are at least two adjuster systems. I prefer the double helix that gives the finest adjustments. The 1970’s tool came with a single helix adjuster, but I found a double helix adjuster that was a no modifications fit.
So it matters which 601/2 you get.
Below are the 1930’s, 1970’s. And 1980’s planes. They look the same, but the heft and feel are decidedly different.
Don’t rule out the #60, which is the same plane with chromed bits, or the 65 1/5, which is 1/4” wider but otherwise the same.
You will probably have to give more for those planes, as they are more sought after, as would be a knuckle cap version of any of those.
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