In collecting, repairing and using Stanley planes, I am one of those that prefer pre WW II Bailey’s or Bedrock planes. The Planes made during the war show cost cutting in fit & finish and due to war shortages, substitute materials, i.e the Bakelite adjuster. After the war, Stanley was apparently in cost cutting mode. None of the post war changes were improvements in use, just cheaper to manufacture. The best of Stanley’s quality with all the best features in my opinion are those made between 1910 and 1928. Try to look for planes with “PAT’D followed by dates of 02 and 10 on the bed behind the frog. If the bed of the plane has ” Made in USA” anywhere it is later than 1928. Be patient, a good plane will show up when you least expect it. Tell everyone you know that you’re looking for old tools… The old plane from a great uncle is in someone’s closet… I’ve had some real treasures literally given to me because I was interested!
-- "Good enough" is just another way of saying "it could be better"...
