Sometimes it gets hard to think of how to differentiate pages of similar subject matter on a website!  If you're looking for miniature planes, they are elsewhere, as are replacement handle sets for Bailey pattern planes, the full range of superb Veritas craftsmen's planes , the Vertitas scraper plane insert and flush plane as well as cabinet scrapers and burnishers.  This page is devoted to:

• Bench Planes (by Stanley and Silverline)
• Block Planes (by Stanley)
• Rebate planes (by Stanley)
• Combination Plough Plane (Multi Plane) (by Stanley & Clico - Clifton)
• Shoulder Planes (by Stanley)
• Spokeshaves (by Stanley)
• Replacement plane irons (blades/cutters)
• Veritas Bevel-Up Smoothing Plane and Scrub Plane

Bench plane is the generic term for planes used for general joinery, carpentry and cabinet-making.  Whilst many planes form the past were made entirely of wood (except the blade!), this style was superseded in design terms by the all-metal planes pioneered by Bailey towards the end of the 19th century and since produced in huge numbers by Stanley, Record and others.  Such is the influence of Bailey and the excellence of his design work that these planes are still known as Bailey-pattern and the design is essentially as defined by the company - at least on the better versions of the planes. 

Bailey pattern planes, such as these offered below, are referred to by a model number, though I have yet to establish any logical basis for what appears to me to be a serial numbering approach (if you know better, let me know!).  Of those listed below, model nos. 3, 4 and 4½ are known as "Smoothing Planes" and used for finishing and general work.  Model no. 5 is the "Jack Plane" which serves for preparation of sawn timber and for rapid stock removal.  You'll note that the models are of gradually increasing sole length, which irons out the humps and bumps of the timber and aids in establishing a straight and true edge to the timber. The largest planes are the no. 6 "Fore Plane" and the no. 7 "Jointer", so named because of its use for truing up the edges of long boards prior to jointing them together to create large composite boards for things such as tabletops. 

For those just starting out in woodworking. for DIY and for site work, we also list an economy version of the No. 4 Smoothing Plane.  This embodies all of the features of the traditional Bailey pattern plane but, we suspect, is manufactured in the far East.  Having said that, it is a robust, well-finished plane and has the added feature of a ribbed sole to reduce friction drag when planing resinous timbers such as the ubiquitous deal "PAR" beloved of the DIY barns.  The major manufacturers don't even produce planes of this pattern any more so you'll be one up with one of these in your toolbox! And just look at the price!

Much of the work of these specialist planes is today done by machinery but there's no comparison between the finish created by a finely set hand plane and that from a planing machine (US: jointer).  And there are few more rewarding activities, in woodwork, than working with such a tool to create that masterpiece.

Devised originally - ar at least so named - because of their use for trimming the end-grain surface of butcher's blocks - those wonderful old hallmarks of the butshers trade now all but eliminated by the "Food Police" ever mindful of the 'benefits' of filling us with chemicals in preference to allowing us to truly benefit from the natural anti-bacterial action of timber.  (See the article on www.woodworking.co.uk).  OK now, I'll get off the soap-box ... ...

The standard 9½G block plane has the cutter seated at 21 degrees and has adjustments not only for depth of cut and blade alignment, but also for the mouth width, allowing very fine cuts to be taken and inhibiting sub-surface damage to the wood fibres.  This plane is very useful for detail work and fine finishing of a range of projects and can be used for end grain trimming.  However, if cutting end grain is of particualr importance to you, then the 60½G style incorporates a blade bedded at a low 13½ degree angle making it superb for both this role and that of trimming laminates.

Rebate planes are designed for creating rebates, a job for which the router is much use these days.  However, the smaller planes listed below can get into places where no router dare to tread - and they're so much more peaceful to use!

The Duplex plane can be used for normal and bullnose work thanks to its two cutter positions.  It is supplied with an adjustable fence, depth gauge and cutting spur.  The No. 75 plane features an adjustable mouth for fine cutting.  The No. 90J is machined on its sides as well as the base so that it can be used in any position to give square edges.  The No.90 is classed a a cabinet-maker's plane since not only does it feature fully machined sides and base, but the front can be removed completely, allowing it to be used for working into blind recesses, as a chisel plane.

Shoulder planes are the precision end of the rebate plane scale, suitable for trimming tenon cheeks, cleaning up fine rebates and similar critical tasks.  Model No. 90, below, is similar in having an adjustable mouth, fine depth adjustment and removeable front, for use as a chisel plane.

Believe it or not, there are those in the world young enough to believe that the creation of moulded shapes on the edges of timber only became possible with the introduction of the workshop banshee otherwise known as the router!  Well whether the call was for rebates, grooves or mouldings the combination plough plane provided the answer (and before it, the moulding plane) - and it was a sight easier to grind your own pet profile onto a cutter for one of these beasties than it is to make your own router cutter!  The fine Clifton 450 plane, listed below, is just about the only option remaining for those who believe that woodwork should be a quiet, sensual, spiritual experience, divorced from the scream of the factory siren and the harsh clang of the time clock's bell.  Live a little ... ...

Spokeshaves are versatile tools often underestimated by those who have not had the opportunity to test their capbilities.  Whilst originally devised for the task for which they are named, they are, uin their modern form, more proerly thought of as miniature planes.  Two forms are available, the flat base which is used for flat and convex work and the curved which serves when working on concave surfaces.

Other irons, for spokeshaves, rebate planes, combination planes etc. are available upon  request

©1997-2009 P. Hemsley.  The information on this website is the copyright property of Peter Hemsley.  Coeur du Bois and The ToolPost are trading styles of Peter Hemsley.  Whilst reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, no liability can be accepted for errors in this information nor for contingencies arising therefrom.  If you are inexperienced in any aspect of woodworking, we would strongly counsel that you take a course of formal instruction before commencing to practice