I recently purchased at an auction a Union Mfg Co. plane. The only marking on it was the number 2 on the base, and the Union stamp in the blade. It’s 24″ long, about 3″ wide and has a grooved bottom. I found a Union catelog (circa 1905) on line at some historical society but couldn’t find this plane listed.
After cleaning and tuning it, I found it to work quite well. The quality of material/construction is excellent. I’m wondering what it’s worth (I paid $35). Anybody else have any Union planes, and are they considered good?
Replies
It's apparently worth $35. Maybe a few bucks more now that it has been cleaned.
It's a decent plane and you can build with it. If you make a house full of furniture with it I'd say its value is practically off the charts. You wouldn't get rid of a tool that was an integral part of your woodworking would you? No, so get busy making it an integral part of your woodworking.
Edited 12/10/2008 5:21 pm ET by TaunTonMacoute
Thanks guys for the feedback. I was just curious if it was just a decent buy, or an amazing bargain, having never heard of Union before.
But I bought it to use in my own shop. And in use so far it's fabulous, so I'll never give it up or sell it. So, the $35 was a great deal for me.
Check out this site http://www.jonzimmersantiquetools.com//tools/pla_list.htm
Below all of the Stanley's are other mfg's. The Union Jointer may be of interest to you. He's asking $295.00
Is yours worth $35? ;-)
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
You could do better -- on the price (compared to the website) -- at a swapmeet or flea market. I have plenty of Stanleys. Tell me what you want, I'll send you a photo and a price (if I have it).
Alan - planesaw
No way do I buy from those sites on the http://WWW.  I just picked up a pretty sweet Stanley 3 Type 15 for $14. at an old Antique store. But it took two days to get Her all tuned up. Got her to get .0005 but that is ridiculous, runs very well at .0015-.002 I would drive collectors nuts. Since I stripped her down, flattened to sole and honed it to 1200 grit. Lapped in the frog and made it better than factory. Lapped the blade back to mirror and honed the blade to 27deg. Stripped off the crazed and wrinkled finish off the rich dark rosewood and sanded it to 600 grit and hit it with a coat of wax. Now pretty and functions very well.
Ready for another 75 years of use ;-)
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Edited 12/11/2008 11:12 pm ET by BruceS
I've got a Union #7. Same size as yours. Have owned and loved it for many years. I have a number of planes and I consider the Union to be marginally nicer than the Stanley of the same vintage and type.
Value is very subjective IMHO; largely based on condition, then rarity. But even with home made tote and front knob, replacement parts etc.; if it works, it's worth $35.00!!!
Regards,
Mack
"Close enough for government work=measured with a micrometer, marked with chalk and cut with an axe"
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