How to Use an Antique Stanley Plane
For more than 150 years, The Stanley Works has made quality tools including everything from tape measures to levels. Some of these pieces are now antiques as Stanley has replaced many hand tools with superior power tools. Every so often, however, an occasion arises where none other than the original will get the job done right.
Take, for instance, the Stanley hand plane versus the Stanley power planer. Both are great planers, but the antique hand plane is thinner, making it a better tool for precise joinery and fine-tuning.
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Things You'll Need
- Lumber
- Screwdriver
- Antique Stanley hand plane
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Wood glue
- Cordless drill
- 1/4-inch drill bit
Instructions
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Joinery
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1
Place a piece of lumber on edge. Push the Stanley hand planer against the wood, shaving a small amount off the edge to make it perfectly flat. Repeat with another piece of wood.
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2
Push the two pieces together on the edges you have planed. Make inch-long marks across both pieces of wood. Drill holes into the edges of each piece at the marks. Insert wood glue and pegs into one of the board's holes and connect the pieces. Clamp them together. Wait for the glue to dry.
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3
Plane away any extra wood or glue to make the joined pieces a perfectly flat surface. Shave undulations with the planer.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Using the Stanley hand planer requires a fair amount of strength. Do not be afraid to push hard along the surface of the wood.
Sharpen the blade after every project; a razor-sharp blade will make you woodworking projects much easier than trying to use a dull blade.
Do not place your hands in the path of the blade as you can seriously injure yourself.
