What to do with an early Stanley jack plane (Type 3?)

I would suggest you try either DonW here on LJ or Patrick Leach. His email is leach@supertool.com.

Rich;)

-- Rich;) -"Dada make a big mess?" "Yes Dada made a big mess."

”(I see there’s a classifieds here, but I haven’t looked in it much”

Where?

-- Michael :-{| Diapers and politicians both need to be changed often; and for the same reason.

Woodworking Trade & Swap, under forums..

-- Glen, Vernon B.C. Canada

This is a perfectly fine user or parts donor. There is no inherent collectability in it. In fact, there are very few bench planes that would stand out as a collectible beyond a couple rare sizes or something really spiffy like new in the original box straight out of the time machine with all the little stickers or the like.

This is not a bad thing. For the most part, very collectible tools are the ones that sucked or really special purpose and nobody bought them.

Check the length. Can’t tell for sure but looking at the pics, I do believe might be a #6 rather than a jack. Not a big difference but if you do trade/sell it, best to advertise properly.

-- Woodworking shouldn't cost a fortune: http://lowbudgetwoodworker.blogspot.com/

The type 3 Stanley bench planes are unusual because all plane sizes (except, perhaps, the smallest ones) used the frog. Not a good idea, obviously, and they were only in production for a year or two. The rarity alone might make it slightly more interesting to some collectors, but it’s best to check with experts.

-- More tools, fewer machines.

tvfd911 – I am also not a collector of planes; I use them. I am not sure if it has collector value or not, but I will go out on a limb and lean towards not much, if any, collector value. The ding in the mouth and the ruined tote detract greatly.

However, that plane will make a very nice user. Although it has no lateral adjuster, adjusting the blade side to side can be done easily enough with taps of a hammer. In fact, I prefer to use taps on the blade as some lateral adjusters are just plain sloppy. The frogs on those early Stanleys are very similar to the Bedrocks and are very nice. The blade on it is about toast, but that is easily replaced. I say clean her up and put her to use.

Good Luck!

-- Mike

Thanks for all the suggestions and information guys.

David- good eye calling it out as a 6 without having much to put it into perspective. I also recently purchased a 5 and had which one was for parts and which one was to live turned in my head.

I think this plane will donate its knob to the 4 1/2 at least for the time being. I bet I can find a place to store the remainder until I decide what to do with it (or need more parts). It isn’t like I’m breaking up a beautiful copy.

It isn’t a bad looking user, the japanning doesn’t look too bad and the overall condition looks decent. Get out some thicker wood and turn a new knob and make a matching tote. Then check out woodcraft online for a replacement blade, they have a bunch on sale. With that large ding I doubt it has any real collector’s value but it would be a good user.

-- --Rev. Russ in NY-- A posse ad esse

if you come across one that you want to sell E-bay is generally a good option. If you should come across a plane (or any old tool ) that you think is unique or valuable send it to Martin J. Donnelly In Avoca NY. He runs an Antique tool auction and will get you a good price (if it is actually worth something).

does it Say “Stanley” on it? for some reason it looks like a Sergent to me

sadly, the chip out of the mouth makes it a “non-collectible” but a “user” tool.
K

-- Kai SaerPren