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. 71 Router Plane

Manufactured: 1884 to 1973
Length: 7-1/2 inches
Blade Width: 3 provided: 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch and a V shape
Construction: Cast iron, hardwood handles
Finish: Nickel plated
Features: 3 interchangeable blades
Uses: Cleaning up the inside bottom of a groove or cavity
Average Dealer Price: $25 to $85
Average eBay Price: $32 to $72
Type 1: $75 to $150
Types 2 to 3: $50 to $100
Type 4: $35 to $90

Other Notes: Originally came with a closed throat and was changed to an open throat in 1892. Earlier types were japanned and later types were supplied with a fence and a “throat closing” feature


Updated: 29th July, 2006

Stanley No. 71 Router 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.

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