Replies

1. 
   shopteacher | Jan 26, 2011 07:52pm | #1

   Stanley 45

   Brent,

   I have a "group" of 45 that I have accumulated over the years, none of them are mint.  Generally most time is spent tuning the blades.  Straight cutters are like any plane blade and are the easiest.  I use these for plowing (such as for grooves for drawer bottoms).  I sharpen beading cutters using an appropriate size chainsaw file, widening the top of the bead a bit for clearance.  I've found that many cutters have been misused and therefore require this work.  I flatten the backs of all cutters with a combination water stone (1000 grit followed by 8000).

   For beading, I always use the beading stop (if your plane is complete, it should have one) and set the depth stop to run the top of the bead a bit lower than the surface of the board.  This protects the profile from damage when sanding.

   To adjust thedepth of cut, I loosen the blade rather than forcing the adjuster.

   There is an ongoing discussion regarding the usefullness of the 45.  My experience is that when they are set up properly, they perform as well as a router or moulding plane.  For those that disagree, please send your planes to me.

1. 
   Brentpmed | Jan 27, 2011 11:48am | #2

   Thanks for the information. I have been working through the cutters flattening the backs and honing the profiles. Fortunately, few of these cutters were ever used, so I am able to hone with slip stones and do not have to refile the profile.

   I can imagine why so many of these ended up rusting in the bottom of a toolbox. On all of the ones I have looked at, none of the blades had been lapped or honed. The original owners must have been terribly frustrated attempting to use the factory edge.

   Good suggestion about the beading stop, I forgot to use that on my test pieces, I will locate it and set it as you suggest.

   I don't suppose you have an extra cam stop you would be willing to part with? If so, how much would you want for it?

   On the sash cutters, was there a cutter made for the mating cope cut, or do I simply need to cope those with a saw? On second thought, I would probably be better off cutting a small inside miter, and trimming the profile from the area where the rails and stiles meet. Which approach have you had success with?

   Thanks for the information!

1. 
   shopteacher | Jan 28, 2011 07:40pm | #3

   Stanley 45

   I've only used the sash cutters a couple of times.  I know of no cutter that does the mating parts and always did it by hand.  The miter cut that you mentioned followed by an appropriate gouge is the method that I use.

   I think in all my collection and years of collecting I've got only one 45 that came with the cam stop so I cannot help there.  As usual, eBay is the place.

2. 
   gdblake | Jan 31, 2011 03:28pm | #4

   Using a Stanley #45 plane

   Brent:

   Do an internet search on "using a Stanley 45 plane".  You will see several links (some with video) showing how to setup and use the Stanley #45.  For a manual, Woodcraft sells a book put out by Record (as in planes) titled "Planecraft".  It has a fairly good section on the Record #405 which is an exact clone of the later model Stanley 45s.  I think the book is only around ten bucks and is a good read even if it is full of Record sales hype.

   gdblake

3. 
   labolle | Feb 04, 2011 09:29pm | #5

   Stanley 45 on YouTube

   Congratulations.  I just picked up my very own Stanley 45 just last week off of e-bay.  A 3rd generation one from 1889, I believe.  I have yet to use it on a project, but had a very good first day playing around with it in the workshop.  I found a user on YouTube who has ten short clips on showing how he sets up an uses his.  Watching those is what got me up and planing away as soon as I had a few blades sharpened and got it assembled.  Here's the link.

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CI9cFnmRdA

   I also see it used a lot in the Roy Underhill's The Woodwright's Shop series from PBS.  You can watch quite a few episodes in full here:

   http://www.pbs.org/woodwrightsshop/video/3000/index.html

   I have a few more Stanley 45 links I have found on the net.  I'd be happy to share resources if you want more.

   Next on my list is to pick up a Stanley 55.  You got one of those yet?

1. 
   Brentpmed | Feb 05, 2011 09:21pm | #6

   No, I don't have the'55. I
   No, I don't have the'55. I would like to get one some day, but they appear to be much more fussy than the 45. I am saving for some English "pig stcker" mortise chisels and then a wooden moving fillister plane....and the list goes on. Thanks for the info