I'm just starting my hand tool journey and I'm looking to buy my first plane. I found this Stanley plane online (link: https://ebay.us/m/sXCuHb) and I'm curious about your thoughts. I'm open to options whether it looks brand new or has a nice patina; what I really want is a reliable plane that works well. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
In my opinion, it seems a bit pricey, especially with shipping costs. Just to share, I found a similar plane from the same era, a type 14 like yours, for just $19.49 at an antique mall, but it needed a lot of restoration. If you decide to go for this one, make sure to ask the seller for close-up photos of the blade to check for any pitting. You wouldn't want to spend more later on a new iron. Remember, No 5s are everywhere, so don’t settle for one that’s painted blue or maroon; stick with the Bailey versions. I think around $50 is reasonable, but I'll admit, I can be thrifty!
My first was a type 13, and I found that restoring it helped me learn how to use it effectively. You’ll want to get acquainted with tuning and sharpening it soon, and this experience builds a personal connection with your tool. That’s why a lot of people gravitate towards hand tools—the bond you create!
That looks like a solid start for your first plane! Just keep in mind that you want something that's ready to use without too much fuss. If you’re willing to put in a bit of work later, you might find even better deals, but this one seems decent for a beginner.
Thanks for the insight! I’ve been looking around my local Facebook marketplace, but it’s mostly filled with either rusted antiques or lower-quality models, often priced higher than the one I linked. So, considering that, I thought the asking price here was okay. I just want to get started and dive into woodworking!