Used Rabbet plane purchase

[Brian Deakin]

I Live in the United Kingdom and plan to visit a tool auction on 5th August 2011

My Question
I hope to purchase a second hand Rabbet plane at the auction and can anyone please provide me with any advice which rabbet plane to look for and how to judge if the plane is worth purchasing

regards Brian

[Peter Scoma]

I like stanley 191's and 192's personally. Look for a tool that was used, not abused, that has all parts and some life left in the iron. I also like wooden rabbet planes that essentially look like moulding planes but obviously have flat bottoms. For these, look at the mouth of the plane and see if it has been flattened a few to many times. You can add a new sole to such planes but they are generally so cheap its worth passing on and finding another. You may also come across some infill models that usually command a higher price tag but are often worth it. See what you find. Everytime I go antique tool shopping I go looking for one thing and come home with another. Enjoy the hunt!
PJS