Stanley might actually be serious

[Richard Magbanua]

Recently, on a well attended thread we conversed about Stanley Toolworks plans for a new, "premium" line of hand planes. It seems the news was brought to us first by Chris Schwarz. Well Chris has posted a new blog announcing Stanley's plans for a premium line of chisels modeled after their Everlasting chisels made between 1911 and 1942 (thanks Chris, it actually sounds like I know something about vintage tools :p). Included in this sneak peek of chisels are revised and much better computer renderings of the new hand planes.
Personally, I'm much more excited about the upcoming premium planes from Lee Valley. Rob, time for another update?

Check it out, here's the link...
http://www.woodworking-magazine.com/blog/
Now, discuss...

[Chris Friesen]

These are a bit different than the "everlasting" chisels, which had a wooden handle all the way around the metal, and the metal mushroomed out into a striking cap at the back. With all the metal in the handle of these new ones it seems like they could end up top-heavy.

With the overall look of the block and low-angle jack, I wonder if they're subcontracting the manufacturing out to Lee Valley...they look like simplified Veritas planes.

[Rob Lee]

(snip)

Personally, I'm much more excited about the upcoming premium planes from Lee Valley. Rob, time for another update?

Check it out, here's the link...
http://www.woodworking-magazine.com/blog/
Now, discuss...

Hi Richard,

I'm thinking there may be somthing in a display case in Berea....

Cheers -

Rob

[Richard Magbanua]

hi richard,

i'm thinking there may be somthing in a display case in berea....

Cheers -

rob

road trip!!

[Tristan Raymond]

road trip!!

Good idea! Please post photos for the rest of us :)

[Will Blick]

OK, call me ignorant....

Berea ?? Kentucky?

[Mike Brady]

http://www.woodworking-magazine.com/blog/content/binary/WEB_Stanley-No4-Plane.jpghttp://www.woodworking-magazine.com/blog/content/binary/WEB_Stanley-1pc-Chisel-a.jpg

[Douglas Brummett]

Serious? Maybe, but it is really going to come down to implementation and pricing. CAD renderings look nice and all.

[John Sanford]

OK, call me ignorant....

Berea ?? Kentucky?

Big honkin' Woodworking in America (http://www.woodworkinginamerica.com/GeneralMenu/) conference.

[Bill Moser]

mike -- I see your pics -- but I have to ask, a chisel with a "perfect (screwdriver) handle" The idea that stanley works could rise again is great, but I don't believe it. LN and LV (and many others) actually care. Stanley just smells a buck IMHO...
regards,
bill

[Mike Brady]

Smelling a buck is what all companies do...on some level. I bet that these products will initially be received with curiosity and even enthusiasm. Whether they make a lasting impression remains to be seen, of course. Stanley sells their products primarily to tradesmen these days. Maybe some of them will rediscover the art of using hand tools. I'm wondering where this premium tool line will be sold since they (Stanley) profess to be avoiding the mass-market stores. Who else sells their stuff? Maybe hardware stores? Dunno.