« back to Hand Tools forum
05-17-2021 09:00 AM
|
Topic tags/keywords:
question
plane
vintage
hand tools
stanley
record
hand plane
I’ve become slightly…obsessed with hand planes.
Two new acquisitions that were given to me recently. One is an incomplete Stanley 4 1/4 (missing it’s lever cap) and a Record No. 6.
While there is good information on dating Stanley’s, the same does not appear to be the case for Record planes. I know there are many knowledgeable folks here where hand planes are concerned so I’m hoping to gain a bit of insight into these, especially the Record.
Just by looking at it, my guess is that the Record is fairly recent. It’s fitted with a Stanley blade, but the remaining parts appear to be original. I know that the blue colour used for these changed during specific periods but that’s about the gist of what I’ve been able to find out. And that Record is now owned by Irwin? The Record’s adjustment lever has a geometric/squiggly pattern on it; not sure if that is indicative of anything specific.
The Record plane is in really good condition, apart from minor surface rust. The Stanley has a bit more rust but in terms of parts, is in very good condition, too. I realised after the fact that I had forgotten to take images of the soles of the planes (whoops); in both cases, they are in very good shape.
I’ll probably fix up the Stanley with a lever cap, even though I already have a 4 and a 1/2, which happens to be in the process of getting a new tote and knob. The Record doesn’t need a complete do-over; just remove the rust and give the tote and knob some love. Maybe minor flattening for the soles on both.
I also included an image right at the end of the Stanley 4 1/4 I am in the process of restoring next to the one I just received (the incomplete one) for comparison. I’m trying to suss if these are the same…my eye seems to be picking up small differences but I may just have been staring at them for too long :p









-- Lynne, New Zealand - Crikey, Aussie is another country, Bro.
|
12 replies so far
#1 posted 05-17-2021 09:41 PM
|
I’ve become slightly…obsessed with hand planes.
Excellent! We can dish over the ones we like the most :D
It’s a shame that we can’t see the blade on the Stanley as that would help date it. The balloon shaped knob (vs low knob) means we can rule out Stanley type 11 and earlier. There’s a raised ring underneath the front knob which means at least type 13, I believe. I’m thinking mid-to-late 30’s or early 40’s on the Stanley, but it’s from England, so I don’t know completely. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
I admit to being in the dark on Record planes.
-- Devin, SF, CA
|
#2 posted 05-18-2021 12:41 AM
|
You don’t come across many 4 1/4.
|
#3 posted 05-18-2021 02:30 AM
|
Draft type study for English made Stanley’s https://www.timetestedtools.net/2016/02/20/stanley-english-type-study-draft/
Stanley planes weren’t produced in England until 1937. That 4-1/2 is a Type 3 made between 1945 and 1972. I have an early type 3 that still has “Stanley” stamped in the lateral lever and a cast iron + japanned y-lever. Both of your 4-1/2s look to be Type 3s but the shiny one possibly an earlier variant. Without all the parts its really hard to say for certain.
Type study for Record planes https://recordhandplanes.com/dating.html
Judging by the lateral lever and frog design your Record plane was built between 1976 and 1988. I am by no means an expert on Record planes so take a look at the type study if you need more details.
|
#4 posted 05-18-2021 03:50 AM
|
I’ve become slightly…obsessed with hand planes.
Excellent! We can dish over the ones we like the most :D
It s a shame that we can t see the blade on the Stanley as that would help date it. The balloon shaped knob (vs low knob) means we can rule out Stanley type 11 and earlier. There s a raised ring underneath the front knob which means at least type 13, I believe. I m thinking mid-to-late 30 s or early 40 s on the Stanley, but it s from England, so I don t know completely. Sorry I can t be of more help.
I admit to being in the dark on Record planes.
- DevinT
Hi Devin – they’re just so…pretty. And useful!
Yes the rest of the plane would have been helpful. What you say about the Stanley is, give or take, what I guessed, mostly based on the shape of the knob. I’ll keep hunting on the Record.
-- Lynne, New Zealand - Crikey, Aussie is another country, Bro.
|
#5 posted 05-18-2021 03:52 AM
|
Draft type study for English made Stanley s https://www.timetestedtools.net/2016/02/20/stanley-english-type-study-draft/
Stanley planes weren t produced in England until 1937. That 4-1/2 is a Type 3 made between 1945 and 1972. I have an early type 3 that still has “Stanley” stamped in the lateral lever and a cast iron + japanned y-lever. Both of your 4-1/2s look to be Type 3s but the shiny one possibly an earlier variant. Without all the parts its really hard to say for certain.
Type study for Record planes https://recordhandplanes.com/dating.html
Judging by the lateral lever and frog design your Record plane was built between 1976 and 1988. I am by no means an expert on Record planes so take a look at the type study if you need more details.
- sansoo22
Hi Sansoo – thanks for the useful links. This is the first Record I’ve had a good look at up close. I have to say, it’s not a bad-looking plane. Looking forward to testing it out :)
-- Lynne, New Zealand - Crikey, Aussie is another country, Bro.
|
#6 posted 05-18-2021 03:16 PM
|
The Record planes have grown on me quite a bit. I find I really like the Royal blue, dark handles, and nickel plated lever cap combination. Unfortunately they are a bit tough to find in the states so I don’t own one.
|
#7 posted 05-18-2021 03:37 PM
|
I recently sold a later model Record 07 that appears to be about the same vintage. It was a fine user and I agree with Sansoo, the blue enamel and dark wood do make for an attractive plane. It should be a good plane for you. Just be sure the frog seats solidly on the base. For some reason they machined the pads on the frogs but then painted the mating surfaces on the plane. Can’t wrap my head around why they would do that but the paint buildup could cause some rocking of the frog when set into place before screwing it down.
-- I collect hobbies. There is no sense in limiting yourself (Don W) - - - - - - - - Kenny in SW VA
|
#8 posted 05-18-2021 03:51 PM
|
Did you sell the Record because the blue was clashing with all the Miller Falls red?
Also I need to stop discussing Record planes or I will overspend on one just to never use it. All I want one for is the wall of smoothers collection.
|
#9 posted 05-18-2021 03:58 PM
|
Did you sell the Record because the blue was clashing with all the Miller Falls red? ...
- sansoo22
Basically, yes :-) I sold my last remaining Stanley so I was down to a single Record plane among all the Millers Falls. So when I found a MF in the same size, the Record had to go.
-- I collect hobbies. There is no sense in limiting yourself (Don W) - - - - - - - - Kenny in SW VA
|
#10 posted 05-18-2021 06:56 PM
|
I recently sold a later model Record 07 that appears to be about the same vintage. It was a fine user and I agree with Sansoo, the blue enamel and dark wood do make for an attractive plane. It should be a good plane for you. Just be sure the frog seats solidly on the base. For some reason they machined the pads on the frogs but then painted the mating surfaces on the plane. Can t wrap my head around why they would do that but the paint buildup could cause some rocking of the frog when set into place before screwing it down.
- HokieKen
Hi HokieKen, thanks, that’s useful info to know. And I agree about the blue colour; looking forward to cleaning the handle and making it pop even a bit more.
-- Lynne, New Zealand - Crikey, Aussie is another country, Bro.
|
#11 posted 05-18-2021 06:59 PM
|
Polish that brass adjuster nut to within an inch of it’s life too. It looks really sharp against the blue enamel :-P
-- I collect hobbies. There is no sense in limiting yourself (Don W) - - - - - - - - Kenny in SW VA
|
#12 posted 05-19-2021 01:43 AM
|
Polish that brass adjuster nut to within an inch of it s life too. It looks really sharp against the blue enamel :-P
- HokieKen
:D
-- Lynne, New Zealand - Crikey, Aussie is another country, Bro.
|
Have your say...
You must be signed in to reply.
|
Forum |
Topics |
Woodworking Skill Share
Your woodworking skills are displayed for several lifetimes in each project. Have you had to compromise your project...
|
13556 |
Woodturning
On the lathe, by the lathe: do you have questions? frustrations? tips? This forum is for all the woodturners out there.
|
3018 |
Woodcarving
Relief, 3D, chip-carving, whittling; carving knives, chisels, pocket-knives, power tools. If you are a carver or want...
|
621 |
Scrollsawing
Intarsia, fretwork, intricate design cutting and more! This forum is for scrollsawers: share your tips, ask questions...
|
438 |
Joinery
Have a question? a tip/strategy to share? a challenge, perhaps? Share your "joinery" discussion here.
|
2084 |
Finishing
The finish, whether paint, wax, stain, or something else, can make or break a project. What are your tips and questio...
|
6732 |
Designing Woodworking Projects
Looking for information on designing your projects? Having difficulties reading project plans? Looking for help with ...
|
8200 |
Power Tools, Hardware and Accessories
Are you unsure of which tools, or hardware, you need, or which brands to buy? Investing in tools and hardware can be ...
|
34249 |
CNC Woodworking
Questions and answers about CNC machines, tooling, best practices, and projects.
|
387 |
Hand Tools
Wood, your hand tools, you and a little know-how. Share your questions, tips and strategies for the use and maintenan...
|
6788 |
Jigs & Fixtures
Using a jig is like having a couple extra hands helping out. Show us your jigs, share your tips, strategies and, of c...
|
1926 |
Wood & Lumber
Different wood requires different woodworking strategies - from cutting to finishing. Share your tips and challenges ...
|
7620 |
Safety in the Woodworking Shop
Before you pick up those woodworking tools, take the time to ensure your safety in the shop! Eyes, ears, fingers, and...
|
1700 |
Focus on the Workspace
Are you looking for or do you have tips to share regarding the workshop? Storage, equipment placement, efficiency, an...
|
2752 |
Sweating for Bucks Through Woodworking
If you are selling your work, then you have entered a woodworking dimension with added complexity and stress. If you...
|
1296 |
Woodworking Trade & Swap
All of us are holding onto treasure in our shops, that we either don't need, don't want, or could part with if presen...
|
5586 |
LumberJocks.com Site Feedback
Connect with the Website Gurus and tell us what you are thinking, suggestions, problems, functionality issues, and so...
|
2434 |
Coffee Lounge
Need a break from all the standing and wood dust? Chat with your Forum Friends about their projects, their life, thei...
|
9911 |
|