Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Stanley 45
Matt Dworman
>OK I think this is a really cool plane. I just want to get an Idea of how many of you out there have a 45 or a clifton multiplane, etc. and if you are putting it to good use....
Tell me what you like and dislike about it.
Tell me what you use it for most.
Thanks,
Matt
Re: Stanley 45
Jim in Burlington Ontario
>Matt it looks really cool. Usefull on soft woods for making small mouldings. Otherwise my choice is wooden moulding planes. They appear to be cheaper than ever steep learning curve make sure you buy a complete one. You can buy a reprint of the manual from LV to make sure your buying a complete one DOH! The models with micro adjustable fence are a little easier to use IMO.
Re: Stanley 45
Ernie Miller Topeka
>I use mine all the time Plowing and even for some reeds. I don't like the fact that it dosn't work on figured wood. I do like the fact that it was free after selling the crap that it came with Box lot deal.
Re: Stanley 45
Alan Hamilton
>Matt,
I have a Stanley #45, a Clifton/Clico Combination Plane, and a Stanley 12-250--which is sort of a stripped down #45, not nearly as pretty as a #45, but it will do most everything a #45 will.
I absolutely love my Clifton. It is great looking, and the finished castings and wood parts feel wonderful. Its only problem is that it's a bit fussy to set up, not terribly so, but it takes some effort. Once set up properly and with sharp irons it has always done everything I've asked of it. It works extremely well on figured hardwoods and every other wood I've sicced it on. If you have the money, I recommend it.
But my favorite of the three is...TA DAAA!...my Stanley 12-250. It is a snap to set up, much easier than the other two; and with sharp irons and a little know-how it works wonderfully well. With sharp irons and a light cut it works as well on hardwoods as on softwoods. It's not as capable as my Clifton, but it makes up for that by being much cheaper.
My Stanley #45? As my mother tried to teach me, if you can't say anything nice... It's much fussier than my Clifton to set up right, and doesn't work any better--and maybe not as well--as my #12-250. Things don't seem to stay in adjustment (maybe that's just me) and it doesn't work well on hardwoods.
My advice: if you have the money, get a Clifton. It's a little extra work to get it working, but once you get it set up right it's extremely capable (it will do things the two Stanley's cannot) and a delight to use.
If money is a big issue, see if you can find a Stanley #12-250. It is hands down my favorite of the three to use. It's only drawback is that it can't do some things I want; but what it can do, it does very well and very easily. I understand Stanley stopped making them a few years ago, but you may be able to find a new one sitting on some dusty shelf in some warehouse somewhere. If not, they regularly show up on Ebay.
Alan (going on too long--again!)
Re: Stanley 45
Moses Yoder in White Pigeon, MI
>I have a Craftsman version of that plane in a shop made box that is pretty close to like new except where the tip of the handle is ruined from rubbing in the box. I use it mostly for late evenings in the shop, to pull it out and look at it and ponder the possibilities. Have never actually cut wood with it.
Re: Stanley 45
Rossmoor Galoot
>Thanks Moses, I thought I was the only one who had never used his 45. I feel better now.
Re: Stanley 45
Mike G.
>I've used mine for one project which according to Galoot rule # 536, fullfills the not buying a tool unless it will be used to make something. ;^)
Mike G.
Re: Stanley 45
Luke Herzberg
>I've used mine a little bit. Mainly for grooves, and I did use the T&G match as well. It's ungainly, awkward, bulky, top heavy and really cool to have! Seriously, it has done jobs that I couldn't have accomplished otherwise, but never easily.
- Luke
Re: Stanley 45
Mike Real from Pittsburgh
>Well, I like mine, she had done a good job on beads, grooves, and rabbets. I don't mind the setup time.
1/8" plow
Jim Reed @Tallahassee
>I have and use several. The most handy blade is the 1/8" plow. It cuts quickly and accurately. I use it to cut shoulders for rabbets and to remove waste on mouldings. Used with a pair of 98/99s it is the bee's knees for making plate grooves on shelves. Also agree with the previous post that the 12-250 works better. Don't know why???? but it does. Good luck with your #45.
Re: Stanley 45
Roger Nixon
>A #45 is my main plow plane. It works as well as my woody plows and has many more sizes.