Hey everyone! I'm thinking about picking up a used #4 smoothing plane but I'm not really sure how to assess the quality since I'm new to hand planing. I want something that's in good shape and ready to use right away. I've been working on cutting boards and jewelry boxes lately. I already have a small block plane, but I'm looking for a bench plane to help smooth out larger surfaces. I'm located in NYC, so I'm hoping to find some options nearby!
2 Answers
Check out thevintagetoolshoppe.com. They have a good selection of vintage Stanley #4 planes in stock. It’s worth looking through their inventory—we're talking quality stuff!
You can definitely find a good one on eBay by searching for 'Stanley No. 4 restored'. Look for specific types like type 10-12 or sweetheart types, as well as type 18 and 19, which are all solid picks. I grabbed mine from hyperkitten.com, which I found through Reddit. The seller is totally legit and honest, providing nice vintage tools at fair prices. Just be prepared to sharpen the blade and maybe flatten the sole a bit — but that's part of the fun of hand planes! No need to be intimidated, it's all part of the learning process.
I also second hyperkitten! I've bought several tools from Josh, and he really focuses on user-grade items. It might seem slightly pricier than some eBay listings, but you get peace of mind knowing your tool is ready to work. Plus, if you run into any issues, Josh is super helpful!