Stanley router planes

Re: Stanley router planes

Ted Shuck, Centennial, CO

>The original version of the Stanley #71 had a closed throat. That means the casting surrounding the hole where the blade goes did not have a hump. After a while, Stanley made the #71 with an open throat. Seems some people (like me!) preferred the closed throat, so they introduced the #71 1/2 with a closed throat.

You can close the throat on newer models of the #71 with the depth stop and foot, but the #71 1/2 is already there and simpler. I don't understand the need for an open throat on these. Anyone else?

Ted

Re: Stanley router planes

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA

>Open throat: Supposedly so you can see where you're going more easily. What's been your experience, Ted? Can you see where you're headed with a 71-1/2?

Re: Stanley router planes

Ted Shuck

>Bill,

I've never felt much of a need to know where I was going. 8~b

The open throat doesn't seem to be a problem when routing narrow grooves or dados, but for mortises it is a real pain. The open throat always seems to fall right over the only support in front of the blade, making it hard to keep the blade cutting on a level plane. I find the closed throat to be a big help here.

I have never even thought about needing to look that far ahead of the blade where the open throat arch is placed. There's a space of at least an inch in the big hole that seems to meet my needs. I have always removed most waste with a chisel first anyway, so the walls of the area that I am routing keep me on track pretty well without too many visual clues.

Ted

wooden base

Jack Guzman from Maine

>When I got my 71,it came with a 1/4" thick ebony base attached.I learned to use it with it on and have never removed it.I never run out of support when using it for anything.It's never been in the way either.---Jack

Re: Stanley router planes

Ron Krager

>Thanks you guys. After reading your responses I went to ebay for pictures and now understand what you're saying.

I think you're right Ted -- the closed throat is simpler & better for what I want to do. So now I know which one I'm looking for (I'm want to buy one).

Thanks again.

Re: Stanley router planes

paul womack

>The open throat doesn't seem to be a problem when routing narrow grooves or dados, but for mortises it is a real pain.

Surely that's what the not-normally-used "foot" on the #71 is for?

BugBear

Re: Stanley router planes

Ted Shuck, Centennial, CO

>I agree that Stanley made the foot for the #71 to close up the throat so that it would work like a #71 1/2. This is not normally used, as you say, probably because it is usually missing.

I just wonder why they opened the throat of the #71 in the first place?

Ted