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Block plane purchase advice

2K views 19 replies 11 participants last post by  TheTurtleCarpenter 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I;ve been hunting on craigslist and ebay for a decent block plane but have come up short. However, at a a local flea market I found a Stanley No 16 for sale. I wasn't familiar with the model, went Patrick's Blood and Gore and find that it is exactly like a No 9 1/2.

The vendor wasn't at the flea market so I didn't get to inspect it but grabbed a photo through the glass. The tag says it's an early one and after some research that seems to be true. But he is asking for $35 which is more than I want to spend (I've been buying up old grimy planes to restore). But if it is in really good shape and just about ready to go it might be worth it. Here are my really bad pics taken through the display glass…

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I just don't know anything about these fancy block planes with all the different ways to adjust them. I've got 3 or 4 block planes and they all look like this..

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What are your opinions of No 16's or 9 1/2's? What should I look out for when I go to inspect it?

Thanks
 

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#4 ·
I don't know….35 for one that only looks like it needs to be sharpened seems ok to me. It's cheaper and likely better than a new Stanley block plane, which I think are 60 bucks. The wood river ones are 90bucks.

I'd go for it.

Brian
 
#5 ·
Unless it was collectible I wouldn't even bother with a block like the 4 you have already.

Look for cracks around the edge of the mouth. For 35$ the back of the iron better have little or no pitting. I hate lapping the backs of irons.
 
#8 ·
I agree on the t-bevel, if they are asking a reasonable price. I have one of those and like it very much.

$35 seems a bit high on the block plane. If you offer a price on both together, I'd bet they'll negotiate some.
 
#9 ·
I am going to head back over there later today to check it out again. It's one of those antique malls where poeople have stalls but usually aren't actually there unless they are adding something or setting things up. Unlikely I'll run into the vendor. I asked the guy that runs the place if the vendor ever negotiated and he said no.

The block plane is appealing because I every one I am watching on eBay ends up costing $40+ with shipping and I then I would still have to restore the damn thing.

So, when I go back up there to look at it are there any particular problem areas on these types of planes that I will want to inspect to make sure it is in good condition? In the photo it looks like the eccentric lever is missing but it could just be hiding in the reflections.

This vendor has some really nice cool pieces. This low angle jack plane caught my eye. I think I am going to ask to take a look at it just so I can hold it…
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Nice looking No 8 pre lateral adjuster behind it. A liberty bell. A steel smooth plane.

Thanks everyone
 

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#10 · (Edited by Moderator)
holy smokes! If I had that lot to choose from, the heck with the block plane. I would be looking at the 62 sitting there or, next I would be looking at the bedrock in the back. Then if I had any mad money left, I would worry about the block : )

Just kidding. I don't have that kind of mad money.
 
#11 ·
holy smokes! If I had that lot to choose from, the heck with the block plane. I would be looking at the 62 sitting there or, next I would be looking at the bedrock in the back. Then if I had any mad money left, I would worry about the block : )

Just kidding. I don t have that kind of mad money.

- BlasterStumps
Yeah I can't wait to go later and ask the guy the to pull out every single piece and then, an hour later, maybe buy the block plane.
 
#13 ·
If one of thoseothersis a no 6,let me know. I will be through Louisville in a month or so and may stop in. What is the name of the place?

Brian

- bbasiaga
Didn't see a no 6 when I was there but I will look again. On the other hand, I am restoring a no 6C at the moment. Not sure I will want to sell it but might be worth sending me a message when you roll into town.

The place is called Crazy Daisy Antique Mall. A couple of the other vendors stalls had some old wood planes if that is your thing.
 
#15 ·
Well I just went ahead and bought it. It's against my nature to buy an older tool that is pretty much ready to go except for sharpening, a light cleaning and some oil but at least I can use this thing right now.
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The sole has a little pitting and the depth adjustment wheel or knob or whatever is a bit hard to turn about halfway to the top but otherwise I'm happy. I just need to figure out how to properly set this thing up and fine tune it. If anyone has any tips to that end please let me know.

And here is a teaser photo of some of the tools. Gotta run out and buy another mystery plane from some guy but I'll post more when I get back.
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#17 ·
Turtle, that is really what pushed me over the edge into buying it. Compared to all of these 110 type block planes that have no adjustment of any kind and have an odd feel in your hand, this plane feels like a Rolls Royce. Hopefully, I can find the time to tune it up this weekend.
 
#18 ·
So, I took apart the plane to do a light cleaning and to oil it up and the lateral adjustment lever has is warped a bit where it sits on the base. I can get it back onto the base but it is super wobbly and doesn't let the blade site correctly.

Not sure how I should go about flattening it out again. Mallet strike? bend it back in a vise?

Does anyone have any ideas on how to go about this?

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