>This discussion about 5 1/4 planes got me thinking. I don't own one. I figure I wouldn't get much use out of one. It's place in the Stanley lineup is puzzling. It's narrower than a #5,right?
So,what if any are the benefits to a narrower #5? Why would someone reach for this over any other plane on their shelf?
Don't get me wrong.If I found one in the wild,I would get it just because. However,I haven't seen one yet for sale in my journeys and I have no reason to seek one out,or do I?
>The blade and plane width are the same as a #3. If I'm not mistaken, the length is closer to a #4 than a #5. It's much shorter than a #5. I have two. One because I got the plane minus blade and chip breaker for $15 and the other one because it was cheaper than buying a Stanley #40. I've never used a scrub plane, but the 5 1/4 with a rounded blade works fine for me as a scrub. I suspect the length of the plane may be close to that of a #40, but I'm just guessing.
>I have one which I use as quite often as a small jointer, as well as countless other uses.
Seems like I build alot more small items (mantle clocks and jewely boxes/humidors, etc.) and it comes in very handy. A #5 is too big for that and a # 3 doesn't "feel" right for some of the applications. I only picked one up because a few guys from BP claimed they loved them. I gave it a try and now I love 'em too.
Prices for them have come down since I picked mine up. Give one a try!
>mini jointer as Terry says. I use mine for jointing thin boards (about 5/8" or less). Also for squaring short boards that are thin. It's probably not a nessary plane so to speak, but it's fun to play with.
>I like it for rails and stiles on door frames and the like. Its narrower body is easier to keep square than the wider #5 yet, its longer length helps keep the wood flat its entire length.
>So,..mini jointer,fun to play with,good for work with small projects.That's enough reasons for me.I think I'd better find me one while the prices are low. Thanks for the input.---Jack
