My newest plane

[Tom Bussey]

I got this plane at an auction last night. It is a Stanley No.278 and I didn't have a clue as to what it was. The wife just got on ebay and had the answer in a minute or two. I know now that it is a rabbit and fillister plane. It seams that this plane is not so common and the prices jump all over the place. I do but I am wondering what the whole is for.

I have all the screws loose including the nickers on both sided. It seems that I am missing the fence and am wondering if a fence of from a 78 will fit. Does anyone have first hand knowledge if the will interchange or not.

I am also trying to decide if I should keep it and restore because it is just not in me to leave it as it is or post it for sale on the forum. Since I am undecided I would like to here what the general consensus is on this plane because I am definitely not a collector.

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[Jim Koepke]

Tom, It is surprising you didn't look at Patrick's Blood & Gore > http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan14.htm#num278

He tells about the plane and answers not only your question, but maybe a few others you may have.

jtk

[Stew Denton]

Man Tom,

That looks like quite a beast. My guess is that it will not be worth as much to collectors with the 78 fence, but it probably will be worth more with a 78 than with out a fence at all.

Keep us informed if you restore it, as it will be neat to see how it turns out and how well it works.

Regards,

Stew

[Tony Zaffuto]

Lee Richmond/The Best Things currently has a complete one listed, $189.00. No damage, but Japanning is only 20%.