Hand planes, Stanley planes, infill planes & planemaking

DID YOU KNOW…

To some people, learning a new skill can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Handplane Central has information for beginner woodworkers on the many different types of planes and what they’re used for. Why are some planes longer than others, and why do the blades all have different angles? What hand plane is best for your needs and what are the essential planes you simply can’t work without?

Handplane Central also has information on how to set up your plane properly so that it works the best way possible. Want to know the correct way to use a plane, such as for shooting the end of a board or thicknessing down to a line, then Handplane Central can help with that as well. We also have information on blade sharpening, flattening a sole or repairing a handle.

Stanley No. 18 Block Plane

Manufactured:	1888 to 1950
Length:	6 inches
Blade Width:	1-3/4 inches
Construction:	Cast iron
Finish:	Japanned, nickel plated trimmings
Features:	Adjustable throat. Knuckle-joint lever cap
Uses:	General purpose block plane
Average Dealer Price:	$15 to $45
Average eBay Price:	$15 to $60
Type 1:	$50 to $150
Type 2:	$35 to $100
Type 3 to 4:	$25 to $75
Type 5 to 10:	$20 to $65

Other Notes:

Identical to #19 except for length. Sweetheart versions (1920-1935) often reach higher prices, but not always

Updated:

12th March, 2006

Stanley No. 18 Block Planes on eBay right now…

Sources:

While many of the dealers prices for Stanley planes are largely set by John Walters’ book “Antique & Collectible Stanley Tools” it appears that eBay, while acknowledging the Walters guide somewhat, tends to march to it’s own beat and sets its own prices. For that reason – and the fact that eBay’s reach and customer base is huge – I’ve decided to include a separate eBay average price here. Other sources include: “The Antique Tool Collector’s Guide To Value” by Ronald S. Barlow, “Antique & Collectible Stanley Tools” by John Walter, “The Stanley Plane” by Alvin Sellens, “Patrick’s Blood & Gore” by Patrick Leach, various auctions and sales of collectable tools and my own compilations of prices realized, observations and notes over the past 20+ years.