Until a few weeks ago, I’d never thought very much about circular planes. I was aware of them, but they never occurred to me as something I wanted to have really. I came into one sort of unexpectedly and am surprised how fun and useful they are if you make anything with curves. The 113 is easily adjusted to handle convex or concave work.
I was visiting a relative this summer, who knows I like old tools. He wanted to get me a gift, and had bought a large woody crown molding plane from an antique store in town. He said he knew nothing about tools, and assured me that the store had many more if I thought something else would be better. Because the plane was cracked and had a poorly patched mouth, I told him I’d like to take a trip back tot he store with him. Well, the store had a nice little pile of tools, but the one that struck me as interesting was a Stanley 113. So I made the swap, and thanked my relative for the great gift.
After a bit of light cleaning and blade sharpening, it was fully functional. I decided to try it on a curved stretcher I was making for a current project. I bandsawed the curve, but the blade marks and slight imperfections in cutting to a line were there. Usually, carfully cleaning that sort of thing up is tedious with spokeshaves, or rasps, etc. Well, I broke out the 113, and in very short order had a glassy smooth perfected curve . It was a pleasure, and the results were fantastic.
This is a plane that will have lots of work in my shop.
Just thought I’d share in case any of the rest of you had never thought much about these type of planes. FWIW, I recommend them highly.
Replies
Glad you had the chance to find out how much fun the 113 is, thats exactly the same version I have. Like so many old tools that have been made for many years, there's a number of different models, some easier to adjust than others. for those who want one, there's usually a handful for sale on Ebay any given day, but watch out for missing parts and breaks! I don't use mine every week or even every month, but usually 3-4 times a year, and nothing is better for that kind of work. When the sole curve is set correctly it actually corrects any error in your original cut, and it really fits your hands well ! Thanks for posting.
The 113 is one of the most overlooked classic planes Stanley made. Obvisouly don't use it everyday but when you do, you're glad you own one. Why Lie-Nielsen hasn't made a version of their own is baffling.
"Why Lie-Nielsen hasn't made a version of their own is baffling."Because they're squares? ;-)
S, ya got a beauty, I have seen guys sell the plane for real $$$ on Ebay and sell the rear tote casting for more $$ on the next line. Like Mr. Thumb says -you don't need it too often but when you do it's a blessing. I have one of the last Record #020c -their version- and cranked the other way it's nice for doing chair seats. Enjoy, Paddy
Those are very useful-"when you needs one you needs it bad".
I have the #20 black one same as the nickel plated one and used it a lot when re-producing parts for wood frame old cars, Jaguar screen rails etc. As long as you don't try to take huge shavings they work nicely to quickly clean up after band sawing.
I also bought a new Record version because it was on sale. It is a bit heftier than the Stanley and not to be sniffed at if you ever see a new one - not sure if they are still being made-mine is a British version.
Philip - Record was a victim of corporate takeover tactics a few years back. To my knowledge, all production of hand planes has ceased.
Anybody happen to know how the Kunz one stacks up?
http://www.traditionalwoodworker.com/product_info.php/products_id/2090
I was mildly interested in a compass plane about a year ago and as near as I can tell, this is the only one still made. Not really into rehabbing the antiques.
If you build it he will come.
Edited 9/6/2008 9:27 pm ET by douglas2cats
Douglas,
I haven't used any Kunz products, but they look to be at the same level as the modern non-premium Stanleys. Not that I need one, but I'm waiting for on of the premium plane makers to produce a compass plane too.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Probably something cooking up in Rob Lee's back room as we speak.If you build it he will come.
Nice tool. I love the use of a circular plane. Comes in handy for making chairs for several applications.
I have used both the 20 and the 113 at my dad's shop but ended up buying an old #13 that I liked the best of the three. Cal
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