DID YOU KNOW…

Ever wanted to try your hand at making a woodworking plane? Handplane Central has a ton of information for budding planemakers. Whether you’re a beginner who wants to start off making a simple Krenov style handplane, or a more advanced woodworker who wants to tackle something more complex like a dovetailed infill plane, you’ll find something here on Handplane Central.

We’ll show you how to source materials, design, cut, shape and construct your plane, as well as information on what tools you’ll need and which books are more helpful. We even have plans and diagrams that you can use.


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.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email