DID YOU KNOW…

Making planes can be a difficult task, but the most difficult part is actually finding good information on planemaking and how to go about it. Handplane Central simplifies the process somewhat by providing a wealth of information and various tips and tricks on making planes, as well as the tools and materials necessary for planemaking (and how to make the plane making tools themselves in some instances).


Stanley No. 20 Circular Plane

Manufactured: 1897 to 1958
Length: 10 inches
Blade Width: 1-3/4 inches
Construction: Cast iron
Finish: Japanned
Features: Compact one-handed use
Uses: Adjustable steel sole cuts a concave or convex surface
Average Dealer Price: $75 to $250
Average eBay Price: $70 to $220
Type 1: $200 to $450

Other Notes: Earlier types were nickel plated until 1919. Sweetheart versions (1920-1935) often reach higher prices, but not always


Updated: 12th March, 2006

Stanley No. 20 Circular 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.