Which 5 1/2 do I want?

Don't pass up a millers falls 15 or a Sargent 415 if you come by one. There's also Keen Kutters and Winchesters. In that size

I would suggest a Stanley type 11 or later because of the tote. The earlier totes were not comfortable to use, at least not to me anyway. I don't think there is anything wrong with the earlier planes if you could put a better shaped tote on them. Just my 2 Cents.

11 or later. Cool.

I have a M-F 814 and it is quite sloppy. Seems a bit light too.
I always thought a #4 was the go-to, but I am learning and want a 5 1/2.

I see the list of types, but have not found listed details on the changes, just the map to see what one has. Totes changed. Knobs changed, frog adjustment changed, some casting features changed.

I think my #5 bedrock is a type 6. Don't know if that helps finding a frog. It is a little heavier than the M-F but getting tired of adjusting it with a hammer.

I have a type 9 #7 too and it does not even have the screw for the frog adjustment. I have yet to get it to shave very fine. Not high on my list though as I do have a DeWalt planer.

Dont go by that Millers falls. that 800 series was a cheap low level plane.

https://www.timetestedtools.net

https://www.timetestedtools.net/?s=5+1%2F2

Some food for thought

I have the M-F No. 15 and the Stanley No. 5-1/2….both are very good planes…

The early Stanleys and the Union versions….used a 2-1/4" wide iron…NOT the later 2-3/8" wide iron….the Union version was marked as a #5 A…...

I tried the "get an older plane and fix it up" route and did not enjoy it. A lot of work and still won't perform the way you want.

Woodriver makes great planes and they're a good value. I have several Veritas planes and love them.

I know nice tools can get pricey but buy it once and you're done

I tried the "get an older plane and fix it up" route and did not enjoy it. A lot of work and still won t perform the way you want.

Woodriver makes great planes and they re a good value. I have several Veritas planes and love them.

I know nice tools can get pricey but buy it once and you re done

- Hazem

Click to expand...

I have not had a problem refurbing older tools if I get the correct one. Yea, the Woodriver is a nice tool. ( I have a #4) Bedrock design. Hefty. Also 10 times the price which I do not intend at this point. Heft is an advantage on a shooting board, but I also have a Lyon trimmer I use more often. I also have a L-N 102 which I just love so I know the difference. Just thought, I have not picked up my block plane once since I got the little L-N.

So going through all the maps, it would be types 10 through 15

I have a Stanley 5-1/2, but searching for a MF 15. I much prefer MF planes, not all, but only the ones with the articulating lever cap.

As prices keep going up for vintage hand planes it leaves three options IMO.
1) Be patient and hope you get lucky on any sites where you can buy a plane.
2) Go the flea market, yard sale or estate sale route but it will take a lot of time.
3) Buy premium, It'll cost $$$ but saves time and you are ready to go out of the box. Its the cry once method.

Not a big fan but check Ebay?

A quick search has one with 1902 date for around $60 including shipping

Got my hands on a WoodRiver. Too heavy. Probably better for a shooting board, but not as an every day go-to.

So a Stanley type 10 to 15 is what I am looking for.

Don't get in a hurry. There are lots of us old guys, with a rarely used #5 Stanley (or several) resting in a tool cabinet in our garage. We learned to tune and use them as a required step in Junior High woodshop. When we die, our kids will toss it all in a dumpster. So, "where there's death, there's hope!"

After some research, I found the correct frog for my bedrock on e-bay. (I hope)

I'll convert my MF 814 into another scrub.

Not going to outlive and wait for the "kids" to toss them. So turning my search to tenon and carcass saws.