Need help with a hand plane

[Louis Brandt]

Hello,
I have a hand plane, and it’s an old one. It’s about 12 inches long from what I suppose is called the heel to the toe. (I don’t know much about hand planes, but I read about the heel and toe on the web). Anyway, I would like to use it, but the blade (forgive the obviously wrong word for the cutting piece) is somewhat rusted.
First, is there any way to determine the manufacturer of the plane? All that I can see on it are the words "Made in USA". (I don’t have a digital camera to show a photo of it).
Second, where can I buy a new blade (or whatever it’s called) for it, and do I need to know the brand name, model, etc., to be able to find the correct one?
Louis

[Henry Cavanaugh]

If I were you I would bring the plane to a retailer, or woodwooking club. You could clean up blade and put a fresh edge on it.A new A2 hock blade or other is a good idea only if the plane is worthy, flat sole etc.. I purchased blades from www.toolsforworkingwood.com (http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com)

[Randal Stevenson]

If you do a search on blood and gore planes, you will find a link about Stanley Bailey planes. Another manufacturer, that was popular and widely spread was Sargent, they seemed to be the only manufacturer, whose lever was shaped like a upside down U, if you view the plane from the back side. I am fairly new to planes as well, and several books have been recommended to me, that are available at public libraries.
Hope this helps some
From another newbie!

[Mike Wenzloff]

Hi Louis,

Patrick Leach's web site for all things regarding Stanley planes is at:
http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan1.htm

Most likey your plane is perhaps 14" long? Which would make it a #5
http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan1.htm#num5

But at 11.5" it would be a #5 1/4:
http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan1.htm#num5.25

Anyway, the point is, have fun, read about the planes. Being marked only USA makes it either later plane or a brand other than Stanley. Which really doesn't matter as it most likely can be made to be a decent usable plane. For a site with good info for cleaning up and tips on how to use it:
http://www.cianperez.com/Wood/WoodDocs/Wood_How_To/INDEX_How_To.htm

You may end up needing a new plane blade. I recommend not getting one from the hardware store or one of the Big box stores, but instead get a replacement blade from Hock or Lee Valley or LN. Just make sure it is one of the replacement blades they offer and not one of the blades for their planes.

Take care, Mike

[Ian Smith]

For a site with good info for cleaning up and tips on how to use it:
http://www.cianperez.com/Wood/WoodDocs/Wood_How_To/INDEX_How_To.htm


Thanks for this link Mike. I didn't know about this one. Lots of good info there by the looks of it.

[Mike Wenzloff]

You're welcome Ian and one and all...

Cian is a good guy and the link farm he has created is pretty top notch. He's put a lot of effort into gathering and organizing the information. The information has at times come from posts and personal sites where he has gotten permission to repost or link.

Take care, Mike