I am having trouble locating a decent Stanley #5 for a decent price, but I do see a couple ECE Jack planes. But they look quite a bit shorter than Stanley #5. For a primary jack plane, should I keep looking for a #5 size?
While the #5 is the most common size for a jack, at least in the US, lots of woodworkers use a #4 with an open mouth and cambered iron as a jack/scrub plane. A #4's about the same size as the ECE jack. If that's the route you want to go and is easier to find, go for it.
Hey SMP, I'm not sure where you are, but for the list price I see for an ECE jack plane I can get a very good condition older Stanley No. 5 in my area… It may take a while, but they do show up - If you are comparing on price… For a user Stanley, go for condition and, in my opinion, age… Generally, the older ones made between 1910 and 1928 have the best machining, fit and features. I use, collect and restore primarily Stanley planes. An advantage is the commonly available irons, both OEM and new aftermarket. As long as the bed and frog are in good condition, all else can be repaired or replacement parts found.
Regards from Kentucky!
That'll work fine. Almost anything with an open mouth and a chambered blade works fine as a Jack.
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