Picked up a #3 today

[Frederick Skelly]

Gave them a bit more than I wanted to at $30, but I've been watching this antique shop for a #3 and this was the nicest he has come up with yet. Looks like a type 15 dating to the early 30's. Flat. No cracks or other damage. Dark patina. Looks like someone replaced the tote with one done in walnut. Replacement was clearly done years ago, from the consistent patina. Whether the original was broken or the owner preferred this more curvaceous and comfortable one is lost in the mists. But I really like the feel of this tote.

Can't wait to sharpen her up and make some shavings.

Fred

[Reinis Kanders]

I have one very early version where depth adjuster moves in a "wrong" direction and it is about 1/4 inch shorter then my other one that is supposedly type 15 according to the seller. Newer no.3 seems to fit better and actually has almost enough space for my regular grip. Useful planes for spot smoothing.

[Jim Koepke]

$30 isn't a bad price for a decent #3. They are a bit of a rare bird compared to a #4.

jtk

[Frederick Skelly]

Thanks guys. I'm with you - I like the #3 size. I have a Wood River #3 and use it regularly. But I've been wanting an old Stanley too. (Not that I NEEDED one. I wanted one.) The WR is noticeably heavier than the Stanley and just a bit longer/wider. I'm not sure which one I'll ultimately reach for more often. But she's a nice little tool.

Fred

[bridger berdel]

Can you give us a clear picture of that tote, with scale? I'm in process of setting up for a run of totes for #3, #4 & #5-1/4. I'm trying out some different patterns and this is perfect timing for a good alternate to add to the mix.

[Frederick Skelly]

Can you give us a clear picture of that tote, with scale? I'm in process of setting up for a run of totes for #3, #4 & #5-1/4. I'm trying out some different patterns and this is perfect timing for a good alternate to add to the mix.

Bridger, I'm out of town. I'll be glad to post a pic when I get back.
Fred

[Mike Holbrook]

Bridger maybe this will help:

323388

If the picture is scaled too small, the tops of the handles reach to almost exactly 4 1/2".

[lowell holmes]

http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=63262

The link above will lead you to a scale drawing for a Stanley #3 handle

[bridger berdel]

I have that LV handle template, and it's not bad, but of the ones I have on hand to work from it's not my favorite.

[bridger berdel]

Bridger maybe this will help:

323388

If the picture is scaled too small, the tops of the handles reach to almost exactly 4 1/2".

That looks fairly forward leaning and with a pretty deep curve in the palm of the hand as well. These features seem to make a tote that feels right, at least to me.

Thanks for the pic.

[Mike Holbrook]

I think so too Bridger, which is why I have both a smooth & corrugated version. Those handles seem to fit my hands perfectly, probably the best of any of my planes, including the ones I made.

[Frederick Skelly]

Can you give us a clear picture of that tote, with scale? I'm in process of setting up for a run of totes for #3, #4 & #5-1/4. I'm trying out some different patterns and this is perfect timing for a good alternate to add to the mix.

Bridger,
I tried to upload that picture but I'm getting error messages. I'll try again later.
Fred

[Frederick Skelly]

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Bridger, I tried to upload that picture but I'm getting error messages. I'll try again later.
Fred

I had to compress them to make them upload. Sorry for the delay. Hope you find them helpful. This tote was replaced somewhere down the years but it is REALLY comfortable.
Fred

[bridger berdel]

Nice looking tote. Thanks for the pic.

[Allan Speers]

324222324223324224


I had to compress them to make them upload. Sorry for the delay. Hope you find them helpful. This tote was replaced somewhere down the years but it is REALLY comfortable.
Fred


Fred,

I have a later model #3, type 18 I think, and though the tote is black (ugh) it's EXACTLY that shape & height.

I think yours is original.

[Frederick Skelly]

Thanks Allan!
Fred