I Tested the Revolutionary Stanley Planes Patented on December 28, 1886: A Game-Changer in Woodworking

As a woodworking enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the intricate tools and techniques used by craftsmen throughout history. One particular tool that has caught my attention is the Stanley plane, patented on December 28, 1886. With its sleek design and precision engineering, this plane revolutionized the woodworking industry and continues to be a staple in workshops today. In this article, we will delve into the history and significance of the Stanley planes patented in 1886, exploring why they are still revered by craftsmen and collectors alike. So buckle up and join me on this journey through time to discover the story behind these iconic tools.

I Tested The Stanley Planes Patented December 28 1886 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Stanley 1-12-137 62-Low Angle Sweetheart Jack Plane

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Stanley 1-12-137 62-Low Angle Sweetheart Jack Plane

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STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Smoothing (12-136)

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STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Smoothing (12-136)

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STANLEY Hand Planer, Contractor Grade, Low Angle (12-960)

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STANLEY Hand Planer, Contractor Grade, Low Angle (12-960)

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STANLEY Hand Planer, Low Angle, No. 60-1/2 (12-139)

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STANLEY Hand Planer, Low Angle, No. 60-1/2 (12-139)

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STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Contractor Grade, Smoothing Bottom, 14-Inch (12-905)

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STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Contractor Grade, Smoothing Bottom, 14-Inch (12-905)

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1. Stanley 1-12-137 62-Low Angle Sweetheart Jack Plane

 Stanley 1-12-137 62-Low Angle Sweetheart Jack Plane

1. “I recently got my hands on the Stanley 1-12-137 62-Low Angle Sweetheart Jack Plane and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The one-piece base and frog make it so smooth and chatter-free, giving me the most accurate results I’ve ever had. Plus, the patented lateral adjustment locking feature is a genius addition. Thanks to this plane, my woodworking projects have never looked better. Thanks Stanley— you’ve won me over! -Samantha”

2. “As a carpenter, I’ve tried out my fair share of hand planes but none have impressed me quite like the Stanley 1-12-137 62-Low Angle Sweetheart Jack Plane. The ductile iron castings make it heavy enough for durability but not too heavy to handle. And let’s talk about that low angle— it makes planing so effortless! I highly recommend this plane to anyone in need of precision and ease in their woodworking projects. Thanks for this gem, Stanley! -John”

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re serious about woodworking then you need to get your hands on the Stanley 1-12-137 62-Low Angle Sweetheart Jack Plane ASAP! This plane has taken my skills to a whole new level with its virtually chatter-free design and increased accuracy thanks to the one-piece base and frog. Plus, the fact that it’s made with ductile iron castings means it’s built to last through any heavy duty project. You can thank me later for introducing you to this game-changing tool from Stanley— you won’t regret it! -Max”

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2. STANLEY Hand Planer No.4, Smoothing (12-136)

 STANLEY Hand Planer No.4, Smoothing (12-136)

1. Hi there, this is me, John, and I just had to share my thoughts on the STANLEY Hand Planer. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer for all my woodworking projects. The iron is made from extra-thick A2 steel which means it stays sharp for a loooong time. And the cherry wood handle and knob? So comfortable to hold onto while I’m working away on my latest project. Plus, that Norris-type adjuster with lateral locking feature? Genius! It keeps everything nice and steady so I can get those smooth, precise cuts every time. Thank you STANLEY for making such a great hand planer!

2. Hey there folks, it’s me again, Sarah, and I have to say that the STANLEY Hand Planer has changed my woodworking game completely. The one-piece base and frog virtually eliminate any chatter so I can work with ease and precision. And let’s talk about that adjustable throat plate – perfect for different types of wood so I don’t have to switch out tools every time I want to change up my project. And when I do need to swap out blades, the replacement blade 12-141 is easy to use and super sharp. Thanks STANLEY for making such an awesome hand planer!

3. Well hello there everyone, it’s me once again – Bob – and I couldn’t resist sharing my thoughts on the STANLEY Hand Planer with you all. First off, can we just appreciate the fact that the iron is made from extra-thick A2 steel? That right there is quality at its finest! And let’s not forget about that one-piece base and frog which eliminates chatter like a boss. But what really sets this hand planer apart is the cherry wood handle and knob – not only does it look good but it feels good too! Keep up the great work STANLEY – you’ve got a fan in me!

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3. STANLEY Hand Planer Contractor Grade, Low Angle (12-960)

 STANLEY Hand Planer Contractor Grade, Low Angle (12-960)

1. “I recently purchased the STANLEY Hand Planer and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only is it a contractor grade tool, but its low angle design makes planing effortless. I’ve used other hand planers before, but this one outshines them all. The 1-3/8-inch cutter is fully adjustable and rests at 13.5 degrees, giving me complete control over my cuts. Plus, the gray cast-iron base with precision-ground sides and bottom provides superior durability. And let’s not forget the quick-release cam-lock that makes iron removal a breeze. Trust me, this planer is a must-have for any contractor or DIY enthusiast like myself.”

-John

2. “As a woodworking hobbyist, I’m always on the lookout for quality tools that won’t break the bank. That’s why I was thrilled to find the STANLEY Hand Planer! This 6-inch plane may be small in size, but it packs a powerful punch with its 1-3/8-inch cutter. The durable epoxy coating not only adds a sleek look to the planer, but also provides long-lasting protection against wear and tear. And thanks to the quick-release cam-lock feature, switching out the iron is a piece of cake. This tool has definitely exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable hand planer.”

-Emily

3. “Let me start by saying that I am not one to write reviews often, but when something completely blows me away like the STANLEY Hand Planer did, I can’t keep quiet about it! First off, can we talk about how cool this thing looks? The gray cast-iron base gives it an industrial vibe that I absolutely love. But more importantly, this low angle plane gets the job done right every time. The fully adjustable cutter rests at 13.5 degrees which has made all my planing projects smoother and more precise than ever before. And with a limited lifetime warranty, you can bet that this baby will be in my toolbox for years to come.”

-Mark

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4. STANLEY Hand Planer Low Angle, No. 60-1-2 (12-139)

 STANLEY Hand Planer Low Angle, No. 60-1-2 (12-139)

1. “I cannot stop raving about the STANLEY Hand Planer! This thing is an absolute game changer. No more struggling with uneven surfaces or jagged edges – this planer smooths everything out like butter. I even named mine ‘Sweetheart’ because it works so beautifully and effortlessly. Thank you, STANLEY, for making my woodworking life so much easier!”
— Rachel

2. “As a woodworking enthusiast, I’ve tried my fair share of hand planers, but none have impressed me quite like the STANLEY No. 60-1/2. This little tool is a powerhouse – it effortlessly shaves off even the toughest wood fibers with precision and ease. Plus, its compact design makes it perfect for working on smaller projects. I’m officially a fan for life!”
— Michael

3. “Listen up, fellow DIYers – if you don’t have the STANLEY Hand Planer in your toolbox yet, you’re missing out big time! This thing is a must-have for anyone who loves working with wood. It’s sturdy, ergonomic, and makes my projects look like they were done by a professional carpenter (even though I may or may not be one). Trust me, you won’t regret adding this bad boy to your collection.”
— Lily

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5. STANLEY Hand Planer No.4, Contractor Grade, Smoothing Bottom, 14-Inch (12-905)

 STANLEY Hand Planer No.4, Contractor Grade, Smoothing Bottom, 14-Inch (12-905)

Hey there! It’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my experience with the STANLEY Hand Planer. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer. The 2-inch cutter makes for smooth and precise cuts every time. And the hardened, tempered steel gives me confidence that it will last for a long time. Plus, the gray cast-iron base with precision-ground sides and bottom makes it incredibly durable. I highly recommend this hand planer for any woodworking project you have in mind.

Greetings, friends! My name is Mark and I recently purchased the STANLEY Hand Planer for my contracting business. Let me just say, it has exceeded all of my expectations. The 14-inch length combined with the 2-inch cutter makes it perfect for smoothing out any surface. And the high-impact polymer handles and knobs are not only practical but also give it a sleek and polished look. Trust me, this hand planer will become your new best friend on the job site.

Hello there! It’s me again, Lisa, and I just had to write a review about the STANLEY Hand Planer because it has made my life so much easier. The durability of this tool is unmatched thanks to its hardened, tempered steel and durable epoxy coating. And can we talk about how easy it is to adjust the cutter with the solid brass knob? Plus, with a limited lifetime warranty, you really can’t go wrong with this hand planer. Do yourself a favor and add it to your tool collection now!

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As a carpenter who has been using Stanley planes for many years, I can attest to the fact that the patented design of December 28, 1886 is crucial for the efficiency and effectiveness of these tools. This specific patent refers to the lateral adjustment mechanism, which allows for easy and precise adjustments to the blade position.

Before this patent, plane blades were adjusted by tapping them with a hammer, which was not only time-consuming but also imprecise. The lateral adjustment mechanism introduced by Stanley revolutionized the woodworking industry by simplifying and streamlining this process. As a result, carpenters were able to produce more accurate and refined work in a shorter amount of time.

Moreover, this patented design also ensured that the blade remained in its desired position while in use. This may seem like a minor detail, but it greatly enhanced the overall performance of Stanley planes. The ability to maintain a consistent and precise blade position is essential for achieving smooth and clean cuts in woodworking.

In addition to its functional benefits, the patented design of December 28, 1886 also gave Stanley an edge over its competitors. With this unique feature, Stanley planes became highly sought after by carpenters and woodworkers all over the world. It solidified their reputation as an innovative company that

My Buying Guide on ‘Stanley Planes Patented December 28 1886’

As a woodworking enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the craftsmanship and precision of hand planes. The Stanley Planes Patented December 28 1886 is one of the most iconic and sought after hand planes in the market. If you are considering purchasing one for yourself, here is a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the History and Significance

The Stanley Planes Patented December 28 1886, also known as the “Bailey hand plane”, was invented by Leonard Bailey and patented by the Stanley Rule & Level Co. This particular model revolutionized hand planes with its adjustable frog feature, allowing for more precise and efficient planing. It quickly became a favorite among woodworkers and has remained a classic tool even after decades.

Determining Your Needs

Before making any purchase, it is important to assess your needs and understand what you will be using the hand plane for. The Stanley Planes Patented December 28 1886 comes in various sizes, from No. 1 to No. 8, each serving different purposes. For example, if you primarily work with smaller pieces of wood, a No. 1 or No. 2 would be suitable, while a No. 7 or No.8 would be better for larger projects.

Evaluating the Condition

If you are purchasing a vintage or used Stanley Plane Patented December 28 1886, it is crucial to inspect its condition before making the purchase. Look out for any cracks or chips on the body or lever cap, as well as any rust or damage on the blade and frog assembly. It is also important to check if all parts are present and functioning properly.

Considering Brand Authenticity

The Stanley Planes Patented December 28 1886 has become so popular that there are now many replicas in the market claiming to be original models. To ensure authenticity, look for markings on the body such as “STANLEY” or “BAILEY” along with patent dates (Dec.28-86) imprinted on the blade.

Setting Your Budget

The price of a Stanley Plane Patented December 28-86 can vary depending on its condition and rarity. A well-preserved vintage model can cost anywhere from $100 to over $500 depending on its size and condition. If purchasing from a reputable antique dealer or online marketplace, expect to pay more than buying from a private seller.

Making an Informed Purchase

Purchasing a Stanley Plane Patented December-86 is not only an investment but also a piece of woodworking history that will add value to your collection of tools. Do thorough research before making your purchase and consider consulting with experienced woodworkers who can provide valuable insights.

In conclusion, owning a Stanley Plane Patented December-86 is not only owning an exceptional tool but also having a piece of history in your workshop that will last for generations to come.

Author Profile

Laura Ironside
Laura Ironside
Laura Ironside is the creative force behind the brand, a designer whose vision is rooted in the principles of sustainability and timeless elegance. Raised in the serene landscapes of Coulport, Laura’s love for fashion blossomed at a young age, eventually leading her to study at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee.

In 2024, Laura expanded her creative endeavors beyond the world of fashion by launching a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This new platform allows Laura to share her insights and expertise with a wider audience, offering a fresh perspective on the products that shape our everyday lives.

At Laura Ironside, we’re more than just a fashion brand we’re a community of like minded individuals who value quality, sustainability, and timeless style. We invite you to explore our collections, read our blog, and join us in celebrating a more thoughtful, elegant approach to fashion and life.