I'm a power tool guy who is realizing that there's a place for good hand tools. (Don't tell anyone over on the power tool board that I'm straying from my current "Norm-ite" status, OK?)
Last weekend, the Mrs. dragged me off to do some antique shopping in North Georgia. I'm usually just there to carry stuff, but this time I found something to keep me occupied - looking for hand planes.
There were very slim pickings at the first few places, but then I hit the mother lode. There was a room dedicated to old hand tools. They had about 30-40 planes, and since the wife had spent some cash that day, she actually encouraged me to do the same. Not that I needed much prodding, mind you.
The problem is, I have no clue what to look for or what to pay. I took a few notes on several of the planes I was eyeing, so I hope some of you can shed some light for me.
Stanley #3
Patent Dates: 032502, 081902
Price: $40.00
Stanley #65 low angle block plane
Patent date: 021813
Price: $65.00
Stanley #5
Patent Date: 041910
Price: $65.00
Stanley #5 1/2
Patent Date: 041910
Price: $80.00
All of the above were in good condition, at least cosmetically. I saw no cracks in the metal body on any of them. The #65 is probably in the worst shape - it needs a good cleaning, and (if I recall correctly) there's some peeling of the metal plating on a few of the parts.
I've been doing some reading on restoring old planes, and I think I have a good idea of what will be required. I know I could buy a new Stanley or Record for those prices, and they'd require some work too, but I haven't heard anything good about the Record or the new Stanley planes.
So, my questions are:
1. What years were these particular Stanley plaes made?
2. I plan on using them, not collecting them, so what's your take on the quality of these particular planes, assuming they're really in good shape?
3. Are the prices I've mentioned fair, given that they're intact and in good condition?
They also had some planes by a few manufacturers that I didn't recognize:
Sargent, Winchester, Lakeside, Union, Stanley Handyman, Bluegrass
Can anyone shed some light on any of these manufacturers?
Thanks in advance,