DID YOU KNOW…

Handplane Central has a range of diagrams and plans for woodworking planes and even some tutorials on plane making and tips and tricks from industry experts such as plane makers Steve Knight of Knight Toolworks, Bill Carter and C.R. Miller Planes. Need to true the sole of a wooden plane or repair a plane handle then look no further.


Stanley No. 3 Smooth Plane

Manufactured: 1869 to 1984
Length: 8 inches
Blade Width: 1-3/4 inches
Construction: Cast iron, rosewood handle & knob
Finish: Japanned
Features: Handy size smoother
Uses: General purpose bench plane
Average Dealer Price: $50 to $100
Average eBay Price: $40 to $80
Type 1: $400 to $800
Type 2: $250 to $500
Type 3: $350 to $800
Type 4: $80 to $150

Other Notes: Suitable for smaller work. Sweetheart versions (1920-1935) often reach higher prices, but not always.


Updated: 12th March, 2006

Stanley No. 3 Smooth 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.