Stanley 203 passed down, history?

[Brian Kincaid]

Hello, I've noticed some of the Neanders are quite good with the history of old planes.

I was given a Stanley 203 block plane in terrific condition. It was given to me by my father-in-law and he told me that it was given to him by his uncle who was a cabinet maker in NY.

I spent some time sharpening this plane and now it throws beautiful streamers off the edge of a 1" thick oak board.

So, my question is, what on earth was this plane designed for? (And how do you find such neat information?)

I might try to get a picture of the plane if that helps.

Hope you guys(&gals) have as much fun as me!
-Brian

[Jim Koepke]

Hello, I've noticed some of the Neanders are quite good with the history of old planes.

I was given a Stanley 203 block plane in terrific condition. It was given to me by my father-in-law and he told me that it was given to him by his uncle who was a cabinet maker in NY.

I spent some time sharpening this plane and now it throws beautiful streamers off the edge of a 1" thick oak board.

So, my question is, what on earth was this plane designed for? (And how do you find such neat information?)

I might try to get a picture of the plane if that helps.

Hope you guys(&gals) have as much fun as me!
-Brian

Welcome to the slope Brian.

The 203 was made between 1912 and 1962 according to the first site listed below.

Here are some of my favorite links for tool information.

Others are sure to have more or at least we can hope.

First, of course, is Patrick Leach's famous "Blood & Gore" Info on planes made by Stanley:

http://www.supertool.com

To help date a Stanley plane:

https://home.comcast.net/~rarebear/planes101/typing/typing.htm

Chart format, move the divider to the right:

http://primeshop.com/access/woodwork/stanleyplane/pftsynch.htm

Information on Stanley blade logos and Bedrock planes.
http://www.antique-used-tools.com/stantms.htm

Links to other tool sites:

http://www.sonic.net/boyett/hand_woodworking.htm
http://www.geocities.com/sawnutz/index.htm
http://oldtoolheaven.com/links/links.htm

Good luck and have fun,

jim

[Ray Knight]

I had not heard of a 203, so I just looked it up on the stanley history site, blood and gore. They state that it is a smaller less bells and whistles, similar to the 60, but without adjustable throat, and much smaller. Cute little thing with the wooden front knob. If you haven't discovered the blood and gore site (don't know how the bejeezus he came up with that name), google "stanley blood and gore" and enjoy. Ray Knight

[Jim Koepke]

If you haven't discovered the blood and gore site (don't know how the bejeezus he came up with that name), google "stanley blood and gore" and enjoy. Ray Knight

B & G is the first link in the list in my first reply, supertool.com.

If you like to see some neat tools, get on his for sale email list.

The 203 looks like a good little user and should fit well in a pocket if that is how you like to carry them. Be careful it doesn't slip out though.

Here is a picture from the B & G site:

[Clint Jones]

I believe the plane was designed for technical scool use. It is a cute little plane. Standard angle. Its what you would get if a 60 1/2 and a 220 shacked up and had a baby. Here are a few pictures of one that I just sold.

[Brian Kincaid]

Never thought about hand planes shagging... thanks ;)
I appreciate the replies. It is a cute little plane. Seems to work incredibly well in my clumsy hands. :D
-Brian

[Bill Houghton]

It's a nice little trimming plane. It's actually a "high angle" block plane, with the iron bedded above 20 degrees (the standard "regular angle" for a block plane). With a 25 degree bevel on the iron, you get around 47 degrees of approach to the wood, which is considered a Good Thing for tough grain.

I like it because it fits beautifully in one hand. My example, from a friend years ago, has a fairly small mouth, which also helps with tough grain.

[Johnny Kleso]

Jim and All,

To help date a Stanley plane:

https://home.comcast.net/~rarebear/p...ing/typing.htm (https://home.comcast.net/~rarebear/planes101/typing/typing.htm)

Please change links to rexmill where it says rarebear
Comcast was screwed up for six moths and I had to use another web account to edit pages......

That link is still working but one day I will delete it..

You can just use www.rexmill.com (http://www.rexmill.com) and right click any link and choose COPY SHORTCUT to get direct comcast link..