Plane question - 5 1/2

Re: Plane question - 5 1/2

Neal (San Jose)

>Sometimes, when progresing between the scrub plane and the jointer, I like a plane with more mass. If the wood has knots or other areas where it is difficult to keep the plane moving, the extra mass of a 5 1/2 is sometimes very helpful. It is also very convenient to have more than one jack sized plane available when in the middle of an extended flattening session so you don't have to stop and sharpen blades as often - just change to a sharp plane!

Another advantage of a 5 1/2 is that it will probably fit the same aftermarket blade you bought for your #7 (and your 4 1/2). I say probably, because the early Stanley 5 1/2 has an in-between sized blade (2 1/4). Have it in your hot, sweaty hands before you order the aftermarket blade. DAMHIKT!!!

5 1/2 or 5 1/4?

Neal (San Jose)

>I just went over to the benefit auction side, and can't find an auction for a 5 1/2. There is a 5 1/4, tho. Is that the one you mean? If so, I can't comment; I don't have a 5 1/4, which is smaller than a 5.

However, if you are a true galoot, you obviously need a 5, a 5 1/4 and a 5 1/2, right? I have two 5s, two 605s, a 5 1/2, and an Ohio 5 1/4, which is wider than a 5 at 2 1/8 inches.

Re: 5 1/2 or 5 1/4?

JL

>You are correct. It is a 5 1/4. Why did I read it as 5 1/2? Must of been cause I am bidding on the 10 1/2. OK, so less mass. I currently have three 5s (two inherited), so I don't really need another 5. My 4 1/2 works as a good smoother and all around plane. So I guess I don't really need a 5 1/4. Thanks.

5 1/4

david charlesworth

>I believe this was a plane for young persons.

Very nice fully functional small jack plane, I keep one for ladies with slim wrists.

david charlesworth

Re: 5 1/4

Moses Yoder in White Pigeon, MI

>I have a number of planes I don't use. Someone has to give these things a good home, and I am trying hard to do my share. The 5-1/4 is a nice sized plane. I think one of the major benifits to having this particular plane, if you can afford it, is that the money is going towards a charitable cause. I have a 10-1/2, but unfortunately it does not see much use either ;) Generally just grab my LN 60-1/2R for those. But the 10-1/2 is also a very neat plane. I aim to have one of each when I have my auction at age 72. It'll be interesting to see how close I come. I think the girls are already looking forward to the auction. My youngest daughter said she wants the LV large shoulder plane.

Re: 5 1/4

dave caudill

>I find the 5 1/4 to be a vry handy plane. It is the same width as the #3 smoother which is also a favorite of mine. I find the 5 1/4 very handy for planing door frames and other longer narrow pieces. It has a nice feel and a decent length without all of the weight of some of the longer wider planes. Also good for jointing edges on smaller projects.

As David said it was for younger folks and was called the Junior Jack and was marketed as such. Many schools purchased them for just this use and a lot of them are marked as being property of such and such a school.

Dave

Re: 5 1/4

mikew

>It does make a substantial scrub plane...

After using mine for most of an afternoon a week or so ago, my LN felt like a toy.

"Slender-wristed" Mike

Re: 5 1/4

Ross Canant

>Moses, get that 10 1/2 down and raise a panel with it...

Re: 5 1/4

Ernie Miller

>I guess you daughter can have it as long as she is the high bidder. does she have interest in woodworking or does she think it would look cute on a shelf some where?