I recently snagged a Stanley 10 1/2 plane along with some other hand tools in a bundle, but the iron only has about 1/4" left. I'm looking to replace it and couldn't find much online, aside from some worn options on eBay. Does anyone know if there are modern manufacturers making replacements for these irons? Also, do the Stanley 10 and 10 1/2 use the same size iron?
4 Answers
If you're feeling adventurous, you could try making your own. Just grab some 3/32 O1 steel and shape it with some basic tools. Heat treating is straightforward too—just make sure you're careful with the process. It can be a fun project!
I've upgraded a couple of Indian-made planes with Ray Iles irons, and it's made a huge difference. If you're after functionality over aesthetics and want good value, this is a top-notch option. It's really worth it!
Both the Stanley 10 and 10 1/2 use the same 2-1/8” size iron. If you're in the US, Ray Iles used to produce them, but I can't find them listed anymore. It might be worth contacting TFWW to check if they still have any. I found a Ray Iles replacement iron on teddawsonantiquetools.com that looks like a solid deal. Check it out! Also, Faithfull still makes a No. 10 plane, but I'm not sure about their quality since they're based in the UK, so shipping could be pricey if you're elsewhere.
You could also consider Lie-Nielsen blades; they might work for your plane too!
Thanks for the links! That Ray Iles blade seems like a steal. I got the whole lot for just $100, so I'm fine dropping a bit on a good iron.