Question about Stanley 5 1/4

[Michael Buffum]

Good Afternoon everyone!

I have a modest collection of Stanley planes that are users to me. It was mostly coincidence that the initial few planes I purchased were type 11s or earlier. However after having them and trying out older types, I found them to be much more pleasurable to use, and started seeking them out somewhat exclusively.

I've had a more difficult time finding a low-knob No. 5 1/4. Was the production of this model started after the type 11 era? I have a friend who will sell me a 5 1/4 at a pretty good price that is a type 16

Thanks!

Mike

[Joe Bailey]

5¼ production started in 1921 -- not coincidentally at a time when "manual training" of high school students was introduced to the curriculum.

[Bill Houghton]

You want to get familiar with Patrick Leach's compendium for this kind of question: http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan0a.html

[Jim Koepke]

If you want a #5-1/4 with a low knob you will need to buy a type 12 or 13 and replace the tall knob with a short one.

jtk

[Michael Buffum]

Thanks for the information guys!

I should have done some more research and compared the dates of the introduction of the 5 1/4 to the type dates listen in the study Bill directed me to. I've been to that page a bunch, but didn't put two and two together.

I like the low knob planes, but not so much as to remove the original knob. I'll enjoy this one as is.

Thanks again!

Mike

[Jim Koepke]

Here is another good site for information on Stanley Planes:

http://www.rexmill.com/planes101/typing/typing.htm

jtk