View Full Version : Stanley 9 1/2
Mark Gibney
02-02-2019, 2:23 PM
I found a Stanley 9 1/2 at the back of a drawer.
Before I go and fettle it, is this a useful plane? The reason I ask is that with a bed of 20° and a bevel of 25° that's 45°, same as a bench plane.
I can see this being fine for long grain, but what about on end grain?
I have a 60 1/2 too as it happens. Were they made for different purposes?
Is there an argument to put a 30 or 35° bevel on the 9 1/2 and just not consider using it on end grain?
thanks, looking forward to learning something.
Jim Koepke
02-02-2019, 3:51 PM
Funny there was one of these found a week or two ago in one of my drawers, laying there forgotten.
To me it is somewhat the same as using a bench plane without the knob and tote. My #102 is my go to block plane when a small standard angle plane is wanted.
For me it is a usable tool, but rather redundant. For another it would be a fine choice when they want a smaller plane than their #3 or 4.
jtk
Andrew Seemann
02-02-2019, 5:10 PM
I use my 9 1/2 planes all the time. I have one dedicated to chamfering, one set very fine for end grain or touching up face grain, another set more coarse, and another set fine as a spare. I find them more useful than 60 1/2 planes for whatever reason. I also carry one in my carpentry box.
Warren Mickley
02-02-2019, 5:12 PM
Block planes were designed for carpenters to carry around and use with one hand. They were called block planes because carpenters did an operation called blocking in: cutting a piece a little over long and planing the end grain to get a fit to just squeeze in.
Your bench plane will do a fine job of planing end grain.
Derek Cohen
02-02-2019, 6:58 PM
I found a Stanley 9 1/2 at the back of a drawer.
Before I go and fettle it, is this a useful plane? The reason I ask is that with a bed of 20° and a bevel of 25° that's 45°, same as a bench plane.
I can see this being fine for long grain, but what about on end grain?
I have a 60 1/2 too as it happens. Were they made for different purposes?
Is there an argument to put a 30 or 35° bevel on the 9 1/2 and just not consider using it on end grain?
thanks, looking forward to learning something.
Mark, try the plane after adding a 40 degree secondary bevel. Add a little camber at the same time. (use a honing guide to do this).
What you now have is a one-handed smoother. This will be terrific for small sections where you are concerned about tearout, and especially for chamfering edges.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Mark Gibney
02-03-2019, 1:40 AM
Thanks for the replies guys.
I think I'll put a 40° secondary bevel on the iron à la Derek and get smoothing.
Mark Gibney
02-18-2019, 10:58 AM
Checking back in with an update - I put a 40° bevel on the 9 1/2, lapped the sole, and it works great as a one-handed smoother.
It's light, and a good size to hold. I've been using it when a piece is too big to be easily clamped, but is not heavy enough to resist being pushed around by planing, so I need my free hand to hold it.
Kevin Hampshire
02-18-2019, 4:24 PM
Good to hear that you’re liking your No. 9 1/2.
I already have a No. 1 smoother that’s absolutely awesome, but a few weeks ago I ordered a Stanley No. 9 1/2 to try out.
It’s in, I just need to pick it up.
Jim Koepke
02-19-2019, 2:12 AM
To my surprise, a #9-1/2 was found in a drawer the other day. My vague memory was it was purchased at an estate sale for less than $5.
jtk
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