Choosing a Jack Plane
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- This topic has 22 replies, 14 voices, and was last updated 5 years, 7 months ago by Alan.
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Right now there are some nice ebay #5 selling at “buy now” prices of $40 with free shipping. High angle (york pitch) and low angle planes are really more of a special item tool than anything else, and you are paying for that fact new or used. The fact that they are relatively rare o nteh used market tends to point to the fact also.
This a WW2 era #5, note the rubber adjuster wheel. I personally like these the most of the #5 I use own.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Stanley-Bailey-USA-No-5-Wood-Plane/263873103267?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D52885%26meid%3Dc0467c5ae21c4c6ba463ad825d2a9115%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D183387956357%26itm%3D263873103267&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851That plane is pretty doggy-looking but appears to be basically sound. I don’t see any pitting on the sole and the rust should clean off of the sides OK. I notice a clean break in the tote (made of “rosewood-colored hardwood”) and a mismatched, probably non-Stanley, lever cap.
Dave
- This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by Dave Ring.
I have an old Bailey #5 and a modern Clifton #5. Nothing stops the Clifton. I can set it so precisely and it is so stiff and massive that it cuts just about anything I try to cut…BUT, BUT, BUT,…because of the thick iron, it takes a lot of work to sharpen compared to the old Bailey #5. This is despite the fact that this is one of the Clifton’s with an O1 blade. If it were a thick A2, it would be even harder. As a result, the vast majority of my work is done with the Bailey when I want a #5 and the Clifton comes out for fine stuff. It isn’t unusual for me to change how much camber I have on an iron, and I can do that quickly with the old, thin irons. It is much more work with the thicker irons because the first step always seems to be having to drop the heel a bit and, on a fat iron, that takes some work. If you sharpened on a machine, none of this would be an issue. Sharpening by hand, I don’t in general want to deal with the thicker irons. This makes almost all of the modern planes unattractive to me.
So, my answer is to get an old Stanley #5 with a thin blade. I keep meaning to try a thin blade in the Clifton but just haven’t tried. As for the low angle plane, I find that low angles pluck up rising grain and tear it out. I’d rather have the standard Stanley / Bailey.
Everyone likes something different, but you asked for opinions.
27 August 2018 at 4:14 pm #550623It seems as if the discussion drifted from “low-angle vs Bailey-style” jack plane to “new vs used”, which is not uncommon. Again, some of this depends upon your goals, whether you are looking for one general purpose tool vs. looking something dedicated to rough stock preparation and removal. A Bailey style jack plane can be used equally well for both, but the intended use may sway your decision a bit. Some thoughts:
Used: If you’re buying used, you should expect to have to “fettle” the plane a bit to get it in working condition. Paul Sellers does have a T&T video on restoring a bench plane that is worth viewing. If you’re looking for a general purpose plane, it would be ideal to view it in person to be sure it’s not missing any screws, and that the adjustments all work as intended, and that the sole is reasonably flat and square, and not coated with rust. I did once buy a used #4 that I could not get to work properly as the frog would not sit securely on the sole, no matter how tightly I screwed everything down. I’ve also had good luck with used planes; just saying that it can be hit or miss buying on Ebay. If you’re looking for a rough stock plane, then you can likely get away with finding something on auction sites, etc. Just be sure all of the parts are there; you’ll end up spending a lot more money if you have to hunt for screws, totes, etc.
Restored: Patrick Leach sends out a mailing list of old tools each month; I have not bought from him, but he has a very good reputation of filtering out the junk tools. You’ll pay a bit more, but you’ll get something that will be complete and work as intended. After some honing of the blade, you’d be all set. Recommended if you are going the general purpose route. There are other such vendors as well.
New: Obviously, the most expensive path. Keep in mind that no matter which brand you buy, you’ll still have to hone the blade to final sharpness, but that is really no more than a 2-3 minute task. WoodRiver is a good deal on the lower end, Veritas slightly more expensive but better quality, and Lie Nielsen being even higher price and higher quality build. If you are just looking for something for rough prep, however, not sure new is necessary.
A quick note on sizes: Almost any plane can be used to do almost any task. Paul uses the #4 for most tasks; the same could apply to a #5 jack. Again, a lot comes down to personal preferences.
Finally, if you are looking at a general purpose use, then you’d probably want to get a couple of extra blades:
– Heavily cambered blade (8″ radius or so) for rough stock removal.
– Lightly cambered blade for edge jointing and smoothing work. And, if you only have funds for one blade, start with this, as it can be used for stock removal as well.
– Straight blade for shooting board work.
29 August 2018 at 4:22 am #550717I honestly didn’t read anything but the thread title.
I managed to pick up a super over rusted Stanley bedrock 605 1/2 on eBay for 60 bucks. For another 5 bucks (1gallon vinegar) and 30$ for a new blade\chip breaker that I had to file down cause it was slightly too big (sweetheart blade also) I have my favorite plane. I mean I managed to get lucky and all I had to do was disassemble everything and let it sit in the vinegar for about 3 days. And then a light scrub in the shower and then hosed in wd-40 to keep from rerusting.
Before and after picks related
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You must be logged in to view attached files.29 August 2018 at 4:28 am #550720Basically just watch eBay for a manufacturer you like, and hopefully you will get lucky. Rust is the easiest thing to get rid of and even a little putting here and there is no major problem.
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