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We have set up a brand new Plane Makers Gallery on Handplane Central. The purpose of this gallery is to highlight some of the wonderful work that has been done by contemporary plane makers from around the world.

Whether you’re a professional or an amateur plane maker, if you’ve ever made a hand plane in the past – even just for your own enjoyment – then register for an account and start posting some pics of your work for others to see. You can even add some comments to the images, such as constructional notes, materials etc. It’s entirely up to you. To check it out, just click here.


Stanley No. 51 Chute Board Plane

Manufactured: 1909 to 1943
Length: 15 inches
Blade Width: 2-3/8 inches
Construction: Cast iron, rosewood handle & knob
Finish: Japanned
Features: Skewed blade
Uses: Trims and mitres end grain
Average Dealer Price: $220 to $480
Average eBay Price: $200 to $440

Other Notes: Used with a chute board to accurately trim end grain for joints, such as with picture framing. Sweetheart versions (1920-1935) often reach higher prices, but not always


Updated: 30th March, 2006

Stanley No. 51 Chute Board 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.