Stanley No. 5 Jack Plane

Carl, that looks like it will be a good bench plane. Be sure to check out David's Blog on restoring planes, as well as WayneC's series. They should get you started on the path…or vortex, depending on who you talk to.

Cheers!

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

You could probably lap and sharpen the blade and put it to work.

Not too bad a price for a low knob (referring to height of front knob which indicates that it’s older) – can’t tell for sure but the tote may be a replacement. The tote appears painted? it should show nice rosewood grain like the front knob.

It’s the most common size plane (No. 5) so, IMO $42.50 was too high

$35.00 not outragious but borderline IMO

With patience, may have found it for $20-$25 – even less, if it needed more work

-- Paul, Texas

A good one to learn on. Study the blogs, tune it up, sharpen it up and go to learning to use it. By the time you get that done you will know all you want to know about planes or you will be just starting on the slippery slope. The feel of planing wood is seriously addictive.

-- Thos. Angle, Owyhee Design, Oregon

Careful, read my blog. You’ll be building a wall of planes soon!

-- Scott, Austin-Texas...

Nyah, it’s not painted; that’s just the finish chipping off.

In general, Carl, I’d say there are a ton more planes out there that are meant to be used and not set on a shelf and looked at. Please do clean it up and put that wonderful thing to good use!

Let us know the first time you hear that sweet “schhhhhhhhtick!” sound of a fine, thin curl of wood.

-- Ethan, http://www.merganserwoodworks.com, http://greystonegreen.blogspot.com/

Sounds like you have a little work to do, but if you are like the rest of us – and get that plane to cutting thin curls of wood, you’ll be hooked.

-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/

Thanks for the input guys! I’d say I’m already hooked and haven’t even started yet. Incidently, upon closer observation, I’d put the remaining japanning at about 50% not 80%. I’ll let ya’ll know how it turns out. Thanks again!

-- Carl Rast, Pelion, SC

I have the same opinion as Paul with respect to the price you payed. I got a #5 in significantly better condition than your in the flea market for 20$. The problem, which I pointed out in another post, is that these planes are considered collectables and every flea market seller thinks they are worth a lot.

Alin

-- -- Alin Dobra, Gainesville, Florida