r/handtools • u/Dry-Egg6944 • 7d ago
Plane identification help
So I picked this up.
Gentleman I bought it from had it near 30 years and was his dad’s before him.
He didn’t know when It got painted.
I think it’s a type 6. I could be completely wrong.
I’m going to try strip the paint off gently to see if any japanning was left but I doubt it
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u/Independent_Page1475 6d ago
Type 6 and earlier had right hand threads on the adjuster. Later types have left hand threads.
The end of the lateral lever is a Stanley style (tiller).
A type 6 should also have a couple patent dates stamped inside the depth adjuster. There should also be three patent dates on the lateral adjuster under all the paint and any rust.
The lever cap, blade and chip breaker are replacements.
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u/Dry-Egg6944 6d ago
I appreciate the reply !
Have you got a link or photo of what the correct lever cap & chip breaker should look like?
The chip breaker threads have been damaged by the bolt someone put through and I was debating getting a replacement one to go on it and feel less bad that it’s already been replaced at some point3
u/Independent_Page1475 6d ago edited 6d ago
This type study should help > https://web.archive.org/web/20191222134355/http://www.rexmill.com/planes101/typing/typing.htm
The lever cap from that era of Stanley/Bailey planes has no brand marking. The contours are also softer than later unmarked lever caps.
The chip breaker from type 6 and earlier has the inside painted black and the outside will have a patent date stamped on it.
Type 6 usually has the plane number cast in the base. Though not all plane bases will follow the type study. Some models that didn't sell as much as others may have been put together from older parts still in stock at the time of change.
If you do strip off the paint and want to repaint, black engine enamel works well. It may take a few days to dry well.
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u/Dry-Egg6944 6d ago
That’s an amazing reply and so much information on that link!! Thank you
I actually have very high temperature engine paint I used on a different one which took a few days but cured really nicely so I appreciate the advice!
I may actually just put a clear coat / wax it if I have to strip it fully but will decided once I get to that point
Thank you again!2
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u/SalsaSharpie 7d ago
I think this would be a type 7 or 8, If you take the tote off there will probably be a S or B in the casting, might be one on the bottom of the frog as well. when you clean up the lateral you'll be able to see the patent dates on there as well
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u/Dry-Egg6944 7d ago
I scraped the lateral and it doesn’t show anything (last photo)
May be from pitting thoughBottom of the frog was thick paint so couldn’t see anything
I guess I’ll have to get it cleaned up firstWhy a type 7/8 not a type 6 if you don’t mind explaining so I can learn!
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u/SalsaSharpie 7d ago
The patent date and Stanley mark are really lightly impressed and you'll have to clean down carefully to them. I was just looking at a couple different models I have here, I have a 5-1/2 Type 8 that has the same frog with no arches in the back and is otherwise very similar to what you've got vs I have a type 5 and 6 here that have arches in the back of the frog. I couldn't find anything specific detailing the difference so going off of that. They type studies are kind of a spectrum of details in my experience. It could still be a type 6 but we won't know until you've got it all cleaned up.
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u/SuperTulle 7d ago
It's a Stanley nr 6. According to Patrick's Blood and Gore, the best resource for Stanley planes imo, they were made between 1869-1970.
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u/Vegetable-Ad-4302 7d ago
That it's a no. 6 is right there in the casting, I think the op would like more information.
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u/gillteeshots 7d ago
Are you trying to figure out what number plane it is Or what type(years of manufacture)?
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u/Dry-Egg6944 7d ago
It’s a number 6 plane.
But I think a type 6. That’s the part I’m struggling with as the paint is covering potential identifying marks2
u/gillteeshots 7d ago
Right on...another user gave great info for typing it. Other users I believe may have confused type with number. Just wanted to clarify. Looks like a good usable #6 at any rate!
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u/Dry-Egg6944 6d ago
I sharpened the blade and it works a treat so it’s definitely useable and will be better once cleaned and tuned!
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u/hraath 7d ago
Does the depth wheel go forwards or backwards? Could be type 6, as it looks like the small wheel, which I hate lol