Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Rabbet watch . . .
Steve Mackay
>OK, I've followed a weeks worth of rabbet planes on the bay. You folks said the 54 was about the only "desirable" one. As to the others models - for being "rare", "vintage", etc. there are more than a couple disapointed sellers out there ! Gotta love 'em ! Now that you've educated me I only hope that when I stop at the junk shop across town again I see the majic number on the one I was looking at. "54".
Good Luck
Todd Hughes
>The 54 is a pretty rare to find plane, though I do happen to be lucky enough have a MINT in the box example. While a nice collectable plane i think if you are looking for a "user" not only is a no. 50 much more common and normmly much cheaper when you find it but would also make a better choice.The 54 is identical to a 50 except the 54 has fewer cutters [ 8 compared to the 50's normal 17] and also the 54 does not have a depth stop. The reason the 54 is so uncommon today is because most people wanted the better user no. 50. Today I would think most users would be better served with the 50 too.....you could always throw away half your cutters and your depth stop and then you would have a no. 54 for all practical purposes....Todd