Hi all. Moved a pile of sawdust the other day and happened across my Grandfather’s 45 multi plane. It’s kind of in rough shape and I’m wondering how viable a tool it may be if freed up and tuned. It’s cool to have it just as it is… family history and all, I’m just wondering if it’s worth the effort to make it useable or just clean it up to occupy shelf space. It seems all the parts are there, judging by the pictures I’ve seen. Might be missing the tongue blade (there’s a bunch in the bag). Anyhow, as I said I’m just trying to get a few opinions that don’t have a sentimental attachment to the tool.
Quite an interesting looking gizmo, though. Almost intimidating to consider using it what with all the moving parts, fences, etc, especially in these early stages of my WW career when I’m happy to make a saw do what it’s supposed to. (insert self-deprecating snort here).
Thanks in advance. Chris
Replies
Use mine all the time and wouldn't be without it. Some of the old Stanley instruction manuals have been reprinted and they are worth having. You can always find them on EBay. I suggest that you get one.
See how well it cleans up with 3-in-1 and steel wool and then make an assessment from there.
Use it, don't worship it.
Chris,
I've got to agree with Chastanford. Usefull tool. I collect them, and use them, and they are a well designed tool. They can do things a router can't, like cut a nice profile 5" or more from the edge of a board. Nice to have a plane with family history too. If you want to learn more about the 45, I'd recommend "The Stanley "Forty Five" Combination Plane", by David Heckel. Probably the best book ever written on these planes, and a ton of useful info.
Book on the Stanley 45: historical, or functional?
I am interested in using the 45, not in the finer points of its historical evolution. Do I then want the Book: "The Stanley "Forty Five" Combination Plane", by David Heckel or am I better served by The Planecraft book: http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2003421/10327/Planecraft.aspx
Opinions?
Chris,
I agree with the others: the 45 is a wonderful tool; with its irons it is still quite useful in a "modern"shop. They pop up all the time on E-bay, and people buy them--even those in rough condition.
Alan
I have two Stanley 45's, an older type 4 and a type 7B. They are much sweeter tools than my Stanley 12-250 combination plane. These hand tools are a big reason why I enjoy woodworking.
Welcome to the world of handplane collecting. All it takes is one handplane, they are addictive. A special one like your grandfather's is even more addictive. They are great to use and collect.
Thanks everyone. I think my mind was already made up but it's good to know that there was at least some logic behind the decision.
No problems Chris,
Here's the stanley instructions on-line
http://www.stanleytoolcollector.com/InstShts/
Cheers,
eddie
Instructions
http://www.marquis-kyle.com.au/record405.htm
Cheers,
eddie
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