And what I’ve found so far in the Stanley 113 realm on ebay etc . . . frankly I dont have that much time in my life to make them servicable.
Now after a lot of looking it seems Record made them and quit, and ECE Primus still does but near as I can tell Highland is the only online joint with them . . .
I want / need one in near future. Anything else I should look at? Anyone have one they’d just as soon part with? I guess in the end if I have to shell out 4 bills, then it is what it is. I just want to know I didnt overlook some relevant options along the way.
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
Replies
Look for an old Stanley # 20. Check the dealers in the back of FWW, very reputable. Should be able to find a servicable one for under $200. The # 20 is better than the 113. Should be able to find one fairly fast. I bought two for an actual job with a couple hours of research.
Edited 8/21/2007 2:18 pm ET by RickL
What do you intend to use the compass plane for?
I use a #113 in boatbuilding and have also used a #20. Yet with as many curves as I cut, their changing radius means I use the shaves and rasps after the bandsaw a whole lot more than I do the #113. They aren't difficult to rehab however, the main pieces come apart easily with dovetails and pins after a good soak in Kroil. While they will adjust in use to plane changing radii, the transitions usually have to be touched up with a shave anyway. Their niche is long, thin architectural trim with sweeping curves, and little else.
Make sure with any iron compass plane of the #113 design, you get the later models that have a setscrew lock on the front knob so the knob doesn't move and the radius doesn't change while you're planing. The #20's adjustment knob is on the center and these can loosen too in hard use, and some even peen the threads to make it fit tighter.
For chair seats or any application hogging out large amounts of wood, a woodie with a cambered iron is far superior to any patent iron plane. You can make your own from an old, 10-dollar coffin smoother.
And for those planning a rehab, #3 or #4 parts won't fit the various Stanley and Record compass planes, either:
Edited 8/21/2007 2:31 pm by BobSmalser
RW
I've used an old Record #020 for some years. It required minimal tuning and has worked well from the beginning.
Keep in mind that these planes are best suited for creating or smoothing constant inside or outside curves. However, it becomes important to maintain a vigillent eye on the grain direction as they are not friendly when it suddenly reverses on you.
Do also look at spokeshaves - my recent exposure with the 55 degree bed HNT Gordon spokeshaves have really sold me on the round sole version. Both this and the flat sole can go much further into the grain than Stanley spokeshave I have used.
Also consider using card scrapers. For this curved work I like to use the stiff ends of a card scraper for better control.
Regards from Perth
Derek
If you can bring yourself to phone the UK, S McDermott had one on his stall on saturday. Phone no 01799 521453 subject to usual int. code and allow for time factor.
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