This blog entry is just a “proof in the pudding” post of encouragement for those starting woodworking and are looking for a way in to hand planing.
I got this old stanley #5 about 6 months ago and over the course of that time have learned about how to sharpen it, tune it, and use it. it’s my only other plane other than another old stanley block plane. Since i dont need to mill lumber from the rough, i set it first to take off several thousandths. i gradually got better at tuning it and most recently have been able to use it as a smoothing plane. check out these fine babies:
the point i want to make is, the plane bed isn’t terribly smooth (some old scratches), and its even very slightly bowed upwards near the mouth. but it works. it makes things square and smooth, and it works!


















5 comments so far
CoolDavion
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372 posts in 1994 days
#1 posted 1350 days ago
Lets see the plane
-- Do or do not, there is no try!
blackcherry
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2905 posts in 1992 days
#2 posted 1350 days ago
Please be careful the warning label has fade off these old plane…..Warning use of these tool can cause a serious addiction!!!!!!!!! LOL You have arrive in the skill of sharping congrats , also you will be able to hear the dinner bell, kids playing in the street, the sound of music in the shop, ect, ect, ect, Good luck on your new collection….Blkcherry
AaronK
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1365 posts in 1634 days
#3 posted 1350 days ago
yeah, after using those two hand planes to dimension and finish all the work in my last project, i realized how great they were to work with.
yeah, i should show the plane in all its glory/misery! will try to get pics tomorrow.
AaronK
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1365 posts in 1634 days
#4 posted 1350 days ago
pics! various ones showing scratching, pitting, chippings, a playful depth adjustment knob, and a non-flat sole.
still, the sides are 90ยบ to the sole (can be used for shooting), everything stays put once its fastened, and it makes 0.001” shavings.
Bud
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44 posts in 1454 days
#5 posted 1279 days ago
That’s impressive man, I’m still trying to achieve results like that with my old #4…getting there.
-- http://www.schoolisfortools.blogspot.com/
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