I'm considering buying a vintage Craftsman hand plane from the 1964-1969 era, and it's priced around $30. I've heard mixed opinions about older tools being better, but I've also seen that some brands, like Stanley, had quality dips in the 70s and 80s. Does this apply to Craftsman hand planes too? Also, I realized from the responses that I might be overpaying, so what's a reasonable price range for a Craftsman plane or any decent hand plane? I'd prefer to keep it under $40 since I don't have a huge need for it right now, but I like having tools on hand. I'm not finding many at flea markets or local listings either.
3 Answers
The plane you're looking at is probably not what you'd classify as 'vintage'—true vintage Craftsman models are generally from the 1920s to the 1940s. A tell-tale sign of a good Craftsman plane is an oval logo on it. You can read more about them on sites dedicated specifically to tools. I'd personally skip anything past the 1940s; the quality really drops off after that.
You're on the right track here! For the best quality, look for planes from Stanley, Sargent, or Millers Falls made before WWII. I’d recommend staying consistent with one brand so parts can be interchangeable. They did make store-branded planes that were cheaper and might skimp on features. So, while a good quality plane could run more than $30, you can find decent ones within your budget if you're diligent!
Totally get your concern! Craftsman actually didn’t make their own planes; they sourced them from brands like Stanley. The quality really started to decline after World War II, with more issues showing up in the 70s. If you're set on a pre-1970 model, you might have better luck. However, if you pay $30, that’s kind of a toss-up based on your area. Just be cautious because not all planes from that era hold up well.
Solid points! After WWII, hand tools took a backseat to power tools due to mass production needs. You can still find good quality hand tools, but they won't typically be priced at $30. Keep searching!