I am a hand tool woodworker. I consider the No 4 hand plane, Router hand plane, and plough plane should all be purchased at the same time as all three are essential in my opinion.
I only sort of half-heartedly (dis)agree, it really depends, as they say. I had no use for the plough / combination plane in the beginning, but this heavily depends on the projects. Anything without drawers is a good start. Six board chest, Dutch tool chest, work bench, Richard Maguire's side table, dining table.... there's a ton without groves. (also the projects Rex presented so far). Now I'm doing small cabinets with drawers, fitted a drawer to my Dutch tool chest, and I really enjoy using a plough plane (with a sticking board, also a good early project). And the only power in my shop is the light. The rest, as Roy Underhill put it, is alcohol powered.
Yes, and don't buy a combination plane - even a good one like Veritas - unless you need a combination plane. A small plough plane is a better choice. Just don't buy a left handed one unless you need a left-handed one (or if you are left handed).
I recently bought a “new” Bailey #4, Gyokucho saw and Shinto (for endgrain work/tuning, as planes suck at endgrains). (I’m on a shoestring budget) But, I still want/need a plough and router tho for drawers, boxes, more complex joints, etc. Expensive tho! 😕
With the Record 43 plough plain, you can cut an inside groove and an outside groove and then join them with a router plane to create grooves of any width the Record 43 can span. That's why to side rails are so long.
If you’re looking for flat glass for sharpening: I’ve always had good luck going to Goodwill and buying a bathroom scale for $3-$5. You’re going to be looking for ones with like 1/2” thick glass, but that’s just my preference. Hell, you know they’re all strong enough to hold 300+ pounds. I haven’t found any that were warped or out of true, but it’s probably a good idea to bring a straight edge to test with.
I got sooper lucky at the Re-Store and got pieces of thick glass. I bought the glass pane set off Taylor Tool anyway too for the price of the fancy micro film. I think it’s labeled as the Scary Sharp officially on there.
perfectly flat is an exaggeration. as flat as glass is, it's rarely ever perfect. it's just good enough for daily use. i mean seriously why do precision granite block if you could just use a 1/4 glass panel for all your metrology needs. haha. frankly it doesn't need to be that flat.
@@BloodSprite-tan Using float glass that’s half a inch thick. I like to see the flatness by the surface smoothness by reflection. If my glass or whatever had any disruption in it it would be very easy to see. The power of light. I’m using mine for measuring machine tools too and use a granite plate that has more dips in it from wear. Glass is pretty amazing for sandpaper runs.
I've been doing a lot of 19th century house porch restoration in NY state. So I've had to match the offset tongue and groove deck boards they used. I've been doing the whole thing on my table saw and I feel like a chump. I feel like it's time to get a combo plane.
About 3 years ago, I bought a complete Record 050C Combination plane, as new in box, in perfect condition with all bits and bobs and original accompanying literature, for £28. Then I was given a complete spare set of earlier model cutters in need of surface rust removal, kept in original wooden holder to max it out. I don't know what that's worth now but it isn't going anywhere because I love it and use it regularly. It's brilliant. Yes, there is a learning curve when changing from one setup to another but you soon get the hang of it. This kit does it all - almost...!
I have a Stanley 50. 2 years ago bought it online for about $40. It only had the 1/4 inch blade, which does a lot of work. Slowly added several more original blades, including ploughs and beads. Not expensive at all and cuts beautifully and smoothly. I set the blade with a small brass hammer and this can make real finesse changes. Really glad I got it. Others will find it very useful.
I already had a Stanley #45 & #55 when I got my record #43. It has become my go-to for small grooves on boxes & drawers. I have since replaced it with the Veritas box maker's plow.
I’m so glad I bought my 45 years ago be for you two started collaborating to drive the prices up! 😂 in fact, I just cleaned it up to make a drawer bottom this week. Looking forward to putting it through the paces
I got one, with a whole set of cutters. Lovely bit of kit and often gets used instead of the router for cutting grooves and starting mouldings. I have so many old hand tools and love keeping them in use. Looking forward to your video later.
Both you and Wood by Wright have raised these small plough planes recently, so prices may be heading up. I use a Stanley 50, which is nice for what it does. Buyers should note that these should come with a chip deflector and a iron securing screw for he narrowest blades - but they’re usually missing. Mine was missing these two pieces, but included the full set of cutters, all for $50. Before purchasing, I recommend searching the web for the instruction manual. The manual will help identify the pieces you need, and sipped the learning process for using the plane. Before buying
I believe Patreons get advance access to the videos so have a slightly better chance of still being able to pick up bargains before the Krueger/Wright effect comes into play 😉
Hi Rex, knowing many watch your channel I would like to add a small something. I have plow planes, here's the cost in Australian dollars for good functional plows, here we go, Luban 43 small plow $350, Stanley 50 with 20ish cutters $350 -$450, Stanley 45 no blades $350 with blades $550 full set(3 boxes), Stanley 55, $500 - $800 no blades, Full set of 4 boxes $600 -1000. Australian dollars. Now in saying this you can buy ones cheaper but they are in very poor condition a ton of work refurbishing them and I mean a lot weeks day in day out. been there done that, but if you get them well you did well, now you need to learn how to use them. cheers
I would agree that the addition of a plough plane is essential. I have been lucky enough to pick up quite a few for next to nothing over the years. The one I seem to use the most is a cute little Rapier brand plough, has 3 cutters 1/16 1/8 and 1/4. When I am building bigger stuff the Stanley 45 and 55 come out to play
Nice discussion. I've a Record 044. Using it is a learning process. There's a definite business potential for someone to start making blades for the old plow and router planes that fit properly, the way the originals were.
If you’re interested take a look at Workshop Heaven - they sell a set of 8 replacement cutters for the Record 044 for £41 or a set of 3 for the 043 for £13.
@@richardsinger01 Thanks for the suggestion. I looked, but couldn't locate any replace cutters except for some for the Quang Shen small router plane. I'll keep an eye on the site though.
As others have mentioned Ray Iles makes irons for the old 44 type planes, and numerous other old planes. The Veritas router blades fit the old Record and Stanley routers, you have to invert the adjustment nut to fit them :)
@@whittysworkshop982 "You have to invert the adjustment nut ... " which why I wrote ". . . fit properly." Thanks for the information about new plough plane blades. My 044 actually had blades with it when I bought it. The learning process is in getting it set up.
I snagged a Stanley 12-250 with all the cutters (and original box and manual!) for about $150 shipped. It's a combination plane, rather than strictly a plow plane, but it's got the cutters to do all the plowing I'd ever need, it adjusts easily, and it feels pretty sturdy in the hand.
And if you're really lucky you can find a Stanley 55 with all it's blades in it's original box, minus lid, helping a friend clear a house prior to selling. I also have a bookshelf/bureau that was built using the 55 by the original owner. Total cost a few hours labour.
Great review, Rex, thanks! I found a Stanley 45 with most of the cutters in a relative’s basement 25 years ago. I have taken it out several times but it will need a lot of work to free up the rusted-together parts. I keep putting off that job, but with this reminder of the 45’s utility, i am resolved to get it up and running soon.
I bought a record 43 and then a full set of replacement blades for the luban plough plane, they all work perfectly in the 43!! cuts grooves up to 12mm width.
I learned this neat trick when using sharpening guides, instead of filing the chisel grooves square,all I did was put the cutting tool all the way down to the pins instead and tightened the tension. Sure you won't be getting a perfect 25° angle but with such low variation it doesn't matter and it comes out perfectly fine.
My phone must have read my mind. I was just looking in my 50 year old boat, and thinking I would like to build another battery box. Having it match the present construction and this video pops up. The cupboard doors are basically constructed in the fashion you made. A plough Planer is now on my list.
FYI Lee Valley Tools makes ALL of the cutters used in the Stanley 45 as they make their own 45 so just made the same cutters for it. LV has stores in both Canada and the US but all are made in Canada and are of superb quality selling for about the same price as Stanley parts.
Interesting. I was just using a router plane with a guide for a lot of this. I also have a rebate plane. I'll be on the lookout for a plough plane now!
On your recommendation I got one of these. At first, I got a Record 050 and it is so much fun to use! A few parts were missing, though. I found a guy online not too far away from where we live and he helped me complete the Record 050. While I was there, he also showed me a Record 405 which so much better fits into my hand, so I bought that, too. Now I have two and enjoy them a lot. Thanks for that great tip and video!
I've got the Stanley #45 type 7 from about 1907. Has all the cutters and other fiddly parts and it came in a finger joint Chestnut box. Still has most of the label, too. I've used it for making drawers and panel doors. But I also have several other specialty planes from Stanley. The #48 T&G plane, the #78 fillister/rabbet plane and the #72 router plane, amongst others. My #45 I bought off eBay and paid about $110 bucks several years ago. I used to have a wooden screw arm plough plane with some old Mathis irons, but traded it off for other tools. It was more a collector's play purty to set on a shelf and look at than a tool to use.
5:33 This made the video worth it for me. I had no clue what those were used for until now. Thank you. No more trying to free hand sharpen chisels for me.
i made a simple grooving plane that makes a 1/4” wide hole 1/4” deep 1/4” away from the edge and it took me seriously like 4 hours and it does basically everything i need. I have a big fancy plough plane and i never use it, i just use the easy one thats always set up.
Acoustic guitar mandolin or any old school stringed instrument builds for the beginner i would love to see a series on this topic thanks so much for your hard work rex
Glad to see some love for the little 43. That thing is essential for me. The fence can be cleaned up and fitted with a wooden extension and the little blades can in a pinch be called into action when I need a chisel smaller than 1/4" for cleaning out little dovetails or whatever.
Record 043 is a little hot rod, Quick to set up and easy to use. The Record 050a makes for a good companion as well. I added little wood strips to the fences.
I like the Veritas Combination Plane for this work. I appreciate that some people revere and love to restore junkers they find at flea markets but I would honestly rather spend my time making stuff than restoring stuff or hunting up irons that would fit. The Veritas one has a tone of sizes for tongues, grooves and a good many trims as well. The only down side to it is that you can't use it on curved surfaces, it's a flat surface only tool. Fortunately Lie-Neilson makes a very nice beading tool that will do curved surfaces and they sell blanks that you can file to your own design and harden with a torch if you want to.
The Record 405 is the equivalent to the Stanley 45. As Rex said, they are very common in the UK. Also have optional hollow and round cutters for the 405. The Record 044 is a heavier built 043 with a true handle and more/bigger cutters and a threaded depth adjustment. wonderful planes and the 043/044 is truly an essential tool
I bought a Chinese Plough Plane. One catch. They would not ship it to the US (something about being a sharp edged weapon?) So, my boss was in Hong Kong for business (pre Covid) and just brought it back for me. The one difficulty is that the fence has only one post. A bit wobbly. But, it works with the irons that came with it. Both MM and English widths. Came in handy to do Dados and grooves. Thanks Rex.
I have a Siegley combination plane. Bought by Stanley in 1920 and Stanley kept making them. It was a worthy competitor to the #45, maybe a bit heavier. I also have a Veritas small plough plane. It's a bit easier to set up, doesn't do dados and is smaller & lighter. Veritas has 3 sizes of tongue blades and the Siegley has one.
I've just bought a Record 043, waiting on delivery. Though I know it's missing the depth stop and two cutters. I have the Stanley 50, it's a great little plane. I found it works nice with shallow cuts, takes a bit longer. Also have a Stanley 55 (been in the family for years) I've only tried it once, takes a bit of setting up, wasn't too keen on it. I'll try it another again when I have more time.
We don't have many handtools around so i probably would have to order this plane from outside my country and deal with shipping costs. However, I've been thinking of buying a trim router for a while now! It's actually cheaper and it seems it can do most of what this tool can do, (and some moulding!) It's a power tool but i'm not really opposing using both as long as it's an affordable quality option😂
I have a Veritas combination plane...a bit pricey but worth every penny. (As a south paw, I particularly like the fact that it can be configured either for left or right handed operation).
Just picked up a wedge arm plow and a fillister plane with all the parts from am estate sell for like 30 bucks. Fillister plane looks weird to me since it's the standard block body, but a place in the back where a tote was that's been broken off. Cant wait to clean them up and put them to use.
I bought the Veritas plow plane plus the wide blade conversion kit. Pricey, but it works great and feels terrific. And fortunately I was able to pick up a bunch of old Stanley blades (for 45s and 55s) that work just fine in with it.
I bought one too. The ergonomics are fantastic. They came out with the conversion kit after & I bought that too. I love tuning up the old planes but I'm glad I got the LV.
Great video!!! I have got Luban 43 which is a replica of the record 43 ( they have improved the handle and include 4 cutters). It's a little bit small but i love to work with it. Two weeks ago i made grooves in a frame i made to a mirror.
FWIW, the Veritas Combination Plane (sold by Lee Valley) was designed to correct the shortcomings of both the Record and Stanley models while still using the Record 405 & Stanley 45/55 blades. While the price *is* eye-watering, to be honest, it is built to be something that your great-great-great grandchildren will fight over.
@@RexKrueger Came to the comments to recommend these. They can be picked up (when you find them) for much cheaper than a Stanley 45 or 55. The build quality is not as good but they have some extra features and work well. The blades also fit 45s!
Thanks for this show-and-tell. It is the Luban 043 that sent me investigating plow planes. Though there a couple of 45s and a 55 out in one of the parts containers, I'm enamored of Quangsheng's (the seeming parent company of the Luban brand) kerfing blade and wonder whether you or any of your viewers are familiar with such a blade for commonly found used US hand tools.
Thanks for the great video. I collect Carter Tools planes, which are Stanley copies made in Australia post WW2 when we couldn’t get tools from the US or UK. I got a couple of the C54 and one of the C40 (only seen two of those in the wild) which are very similar to the two you showed in the video. I’ve always been frustrated with my results with them, but I’ll give them another try following your advice on how to get the best results from them Thanks again
Some time ago I came across a Record 44, which has the thumb wheel adjuster for blade depth and comes with a full set from a 1/4 to 9/16ths blades. It was a bit foxed but I detect no use on any of the blades. Works well though needs freeing up.
I love my Stanley plough/combination plane (a model 50 with complete cutter and accessory set). It's groovy! :) It's actually only my second plane! The other is a 5 1/2 Stanley clone made in West Germany.
I inherited a Stanley 55 from an uncle, and picked up a 45 and other planes from a friend who was getting rid of his grandfather's tools. I enjoy them all.
I bought a stanley #45 at a garage sale a number of years ago because I thought it looked cool, I think I paid only a few buck for it, but now I want to learn to use it. , I will need to find a few more cutter before I really do anything with it.
I've had one for ages but never really used it much. It's a record but it's got a crack in the handle. I might put a bit of effort in now to fix it up and use it
I would love to pick up a plow plane. Until I find one in a decent price, I’ll stick with my HarborFreight trim router. Not as romantic as hand tools, but it gets it done.
Good job! Could you not get a bigger vice?! Seriously though, put the Yankee pump driver in the back of a drawer. They're great for hanging doors etc., but they are not much use for anything else. Get yourself some cabinet makers screw drivers of engineering screw drivers. These offer much more control and are capable of handing much more power. They're also 10 times safer in use that the Yankee. Keep up the good work!
Another nice one is the Stanley 46, which is a skew plough plane. It makes cutting endgrain much easier. With a 46 and a 55, you can do just about anything, and even make your own custom blades. I own the 45, 46, and 55. The 55 is expensive indeed, and finding one complete with all parts and cutters is not easy.
So the wooden plane I have with 5 blades, is a plow plane! Good to know. One of the wooden fence adjustment screws, has the end broke off reducing the amount of adjustment possible, but everything else looks good; just needs attention.
Off the UK ebay site I bought a Record 44. Love this plane. If you buy off the UK ebay make sure they ship to the US. Some sellers will not ship to the US.
Ok. I liked this episode! I have been wanting to get one of these. I have been unsuccessful to acquire one on ebay or anywhere else so far. One thing I have gotten my hands on is a set of "tools" for creating wood screws; dowel rods with threads and corresponding tools for creating the wood nuts. There are 7 different sizes. What I am wondering is: how do I effectively sharpen the "V" type blades? Where can I find replacement blades? Veritas has been no help...
Would it be possible to make a plane that uses chisels but is adjustable for different sizes of chisels? Be real nice if I could just use my existing set of chisels but have something like a plough plane/rabbit plane "jig" that I can put the chisels in. A bit complex for my skills but might be worth a look.
Personally I would recommend the record 044 for grooving and the record 405 for everything else. And remember it is very very easy to make your own custom irons.
Nearly every tool I have and use are old school second hand items. That's invariably fine, and I have a Stanley 50 the little Record and some traditional wooden jobs, but they can be frustrating to use and take an age to set up. As a treat, I bought the Veritas small plough plane. What a revelation! It's designed along the same lines as the originals, but the quality of manufacture and some well thought out design improvements make it an absolute joy to use. They're not cheap, but for how they work they're worth every penny. I can also rest in the knowledge that it's a quality item and the only one I'll ever need.
I hesitate of buying a Veritas small plow plane. But after reading your comment It may have change my mind. I also plan to get most of the accessories plane blade and conversion kit a bit pricey any feedback on that from you I would greatly appreciate it.
Looks like I will be making a plow plane. Several years ago I bought a set (8 or 9) of plow plane irons in a box of stuff I actually wanted at an estate auction. No plane body anywhere in sight, I thought they were a set of very awkward mortising chisels. Thanks to this video, I finally know what they really are.
Well I have avoided those planes when iv come across them why coz I didn’t know what they did and looked so complicated. But know I feel like kicking myself o well you you live and learn lol. As always you have done your magic taken something that thought was complicated and made it simple and understandable. Thanks again
Amazon sells a small wooden plough plane in the Chinese/Japanese traditional style that's a little bit fiddly, but mine works pretty well once it's set (at less than $100). Before I could afford a Stanley 45 it was my plough plane.
a little off topic but I have been looking around for info on stanley gage planes, set up, adjustments comparison to other planes but have not had any luck. as the most historical plane enthusiast on you tube, I was hoping you could show folks the ropes on these fantastic frogged planes. ovb also had a oem gage plane from stanley... wondering why these aren't more popular.
The on thing I did notice about these plow planes. Is they are not really solid when taking a deep gouge. The power it takes to push thru the deep cut, makes the plane unstable. I think a shallow cut at a little faster speed is more stable. I like your shop made version.
I picked up a Record 043 last year on eBay for £16 (U.K.). It only had one slightly bent 1/8” iron. Fortunately I also have a Record 405 with a full set of cutters and the smaller ones fit the 043. I definitely prefer the 043 for drawer bottom grooves over the 405, it is just quicker and easier to set.
you should try one of those metal utility knives with replaceable razors, great for beginners to chamfer carve scrape etc and no sharpening also makeshift chisels out of screwdrivers for what i do it works great id like your opinion
You can find a Record 405 multi plane in England for £50-£100 in good working condition on Ebay. Most Brits are totally happy to ship to the US- might cost £25. Ok, Record doesn't have the collectability that Stanley multi planes do, but they are the equal in every way in use.
I went to an antique shop some time ago and saw a Stanley no. 50. I had no idea what it was for, but at the price, I figured I should get it. Only one cutter and no depth stop, but what the hell. It's a .25" cutter and I can jerry-rig the rest.
A few weeks ago I picked up a Stanley 13-050 combination plane from UK ebay for just over £40 (55$) came with 18 cutters (all but 2 looked new) but the plastic handle is so ugly! I have not had much time to play with it but the cross grain cutters seem to work well. I am looking forward to reading your book ( still on pre order in UK )
I sort of kind of agree with this. But being super practical one of the electric handheld trim routers does this very well, and for cheaper, and has a variety of uses. Your new approach to modern woodworking will probably need to include some affordable power tools that replace and improve on a lot of hand tools.
Rex and James. A couple of regular guys that don’t portend to be perfect, even when they’re close. They are both practical and I like that quality.
I am a hand tool woodworker. I consider the No 4 hand plane, Router hand plane, and plough plane should all be purchased at the same time as all three are essential in my opinion.
I only sort of half-heartedly (dis)agree, it really depends, as they say.
I had no use for the plough / combination plane in the beginning, but this heavily depends on the projects. Anything without drawers is a good start. Six board chest, Dutch tool chest, work bench, Richard Maguire's side table, dining table.... there's a ton without groves. (also the projects Rex presented so far).
Now I'm doing small cabinets with drawers, fitted a drawer to my Dutch tool chest, and I really enjoy using a plough plane (with a sticking board, also a good early project).
And the only power in my shop is the light. The rest, as Roy Underhill put it, is alcohol powered.
Yes, and don't buy a combination plane - even a good one like Veritas - unless you need a combination plane. A small plough plane is a better choice. Just don't buy a left handed one unless you need a left-handed one (or if you are left handed).
Why a #4 hand plane and not #5?
I recently bought a “new” Bailey #4, Gyokucho saw and Shinto (for endgrain work/tuning, as planes suck at endgrains). (I’m on a shoestring budget)
But, I still want/need a plough and router tho for drawers, boxes, more complex joints, etc.
Expensive tho! 😕
@@LessTalkMoreDelicious If you watch some of Paul Seller's UA-cam videos, you can build those for very little money.
With the Record 43 plough plain, you can cut an inside groove and an outside groove and then join them with a router plane to create grooves of any width the Record 43 can span. That's why to side rails are so long.
Holy cow that Stanley 55 looks straight out of a Steampunk fantasy setting! Amazing tool.
Thanks Rex! I love your channel because it’s practical woodworking for real people. You’ve inspired me and I just bought a record 50!
I picked up am old Stanley with no cutters this summer, didn’t think i was in a rush to get cutters. So much for that plan now.
Hopefully its not a 45 or 50. Those individual irons are so expensive to get piece by piece.
@@thathandtoolguy Might’ve been a 50.
@@arlingtonhynes Those should be a bit easier to find.
If you’re looking for flat glass for sharpening: I’ve always had good luck going to Goodwill and buying a bathroom scale for $3-$5. You’re going to be looking for ones with like 1/2” thick glass, but that’s just my preference. Hell, you know they’re all strong enough to hold 300+ pounds. I haven’t found any that were warped or out of true, but it’s probably a good idea to bring a straight edge to test with.
I got sooper lucky at the Re-Store and got pieces of thick glass. I bought the glass pane set off Taylor Tool anyway too for the price of the fancy micro film. I think it’s labeled as the Scary Sharp officially on there.
I use a mirrored sliding door from an old medicines cupboard. It’s already mounted, perfectly flat, and cost me nothing; skip dived it.
I went to dumb depot and got a 12x24 piece of floor tile. shiny, flat, $5.00
perfectly flat is an exaggeration. as flat as glass is, it's rarely ever perfect. it's just good enough for daily use. i mean seriously why do precision granite block if you could just use a 1/4 glass panel for all your metrology needs. haha.
frankly it doesn't need to be that flat.
@@BloodSprite-tan Using float glass that’s half a inch thick. I like to see the flatness by the surface smoothness by reflection. If my glass or whatever had any disruption in it it would be very easy to see. The power of light. I’m using mine for measuring machine tools too and use a granite plate that has more dips in it from wear. Glass is pretty amazing for sandpaper runs.
I've been doing a lot of 19th century house porch restoration in NY state.
So I've had to match the offset tongue and groove deck boards they used.
I've been doing the whole thing on my table saw and I feel like a chump. I feel like it's time to get a combo plane.
Great video! My grandfather gave me a box of old wooden planes, plumb bobs, irons and as luck would have it, a plough plane. It's a great tool!
About 3 years ago, I bought a complete Record 050C Combination plane, as new in box, in perfect condition with all bits and bobs and original accompanying literature, for £28. Then I was given a complete spare set of earlier model cutters in need of surface rust removal, kept in original wooden holder to max it out. I don't know what that's worth now but it isn't going anywhere because I love it and use it regularly. It's brilliant. Yes, there is a learning curve when changing from one setup to another but you soon get the hang of it. This kit does it all - almost...!
I have a Stanley 50. 2 years ago bought it online for about $40. It only had the 1/4 inch blade, which does a lot of work. Slowly added several more original blades, including ploughs and beads. Not expensive at all and cuts beautifully and smoothly. I set the blade with a small brass hammer and this can make real finesse changes. Really glad I got it. Others will find it very useful.
I already had a Stanley #45 & #55 when I got my record #43. It has become my go-to for small grooves on boxes & drawers. I have since replaced it with the Veritas box maker's plow.
Rex - you're part of the fantastic side of UA-cam. Thanks for all your great videos!
I’m so glad I bought my 45 years ago be for you two started collaborating to drive the prices up! 😂 in fact, I just cleaned it up to make a drawer bottom this week. Looking forward to putting it through the paces
I got one, with a whole set of cutters. Lovely bit of kit and often gets used instead of the router for cutting grooves and starting mouldings.
I have so many old hand tools and love keeping them in use. Looking forward to your video later.
Yes, the 050 or 051 is not bad :) using lots of candle wax on the sole and fence helps a ton. It can still be a bit of a clat though.
@@johanneswerner1140 so what is wrong with using a router to do the same thing?
Both you and Wood by Wright have raised these small plough planes recently, so prices may be heading up. I use a Stanley 50, which is nice for what it does.
Buyers should note that these should come with a chip deflector and a iron securing screw for he narrowest blades - but they’re usually missing.
Mine was missing these two pieces, but included the full set of cutters, all for $50.
Before purchasing, I recommend searching the web for the instruction manual. The manual will help identify the pieces you need, and sipped the learning process for using the plane.
Before buying
I believe Patreons get advance access to the videos so have a slightly better chance of still being able to pick up bargains before the Krueger/Wright effect comes into play 😉
Hi Rex, knowing many watch your channel I would like to add a small something. I have plow planes, here's the cost in Australian dollars for good functional plows, here we go, Luban 43 small plow $350, Stanley 50 with 20ish cutters $350 -$450, Stanley 45 no blades $350 with blades $550 full set(3 boxes), Stanley 55, $500 - $800 no blades, Full set of 4 boxes $600 -1000. Australian dollars. Now in saying this you can buy ones cheaper but they are in very poor condition a ton of work refurbishing them and I mean a lot weeks day in day out. been there done that, but if you get them well you did well, now you need to learn how to use them. cheers
good to have Uncle Fester back with educational videos :)
I would agree that the addition of a plough plane is essential. I have been lucky enough to pick up quite a few for next to nothing over the years. The one I seem to use the most is a cute little Rapier brand plough, has 3 cutters 1/16 1/8 and 1/4. When I am building bigger stuff the Stanley 45 and 55 come out to play
Nice discussion. I've a Record 044. Using it is a learning process. There's a definite business potential for someone to start making blades for the old plow and router planes that fit properly, the way the originals were.
If you’re interested take a look at Workshop Heaven - they sell a set of 8 replacement cutters for the Record 044 for £41 or a set of 3 for the 043 for £13.
@@richardsinger01 Thanks for the suggestion. I looked, but couldn't locate any replace cutters except for some for the Quang Shen small router plane. I'll keep an eye on the site though.
@@theeddorian look for “Ray Iles Plane Irons”
As others have mentioned Ray Iles makes irons for the old 44 type planes, and numerous other old planes. The Veritas router blades fit the old Record and Stanley routers, you have to invert the adjustment nut to fit them :)
@@whittysworkshop982 "You have to invert the adjustment nut ... " which why I wrote ". . . fit properly." Thanks for the information about new plough plane blades. My 044 actually had blades with it when I bought it. The learning process is in getting it set up.
Because of this video I went out and got one. A Record 043. Game changer. Thank you.
I snagged a Stanley 12-250 with all the cutters (and original box and manual!) for about $150 shipped. It's a combination plane, rather than strictly a plow plane, but it's got the cutters to do all the plowing I'd ever need, it adjusts easily, and it feels pretty sturdy in the hand.
And if you're really lucky you can find a Stanley 55 with all it's blades in it's original box, minus lid, helping a friend clear a house prior to selling.
I also have a bookshelf/bureau that was built using the 55 by the original owner.
Total cost a few hours labour.
Wow. Shame you can't post pic of the 55, plus the bookshelf 🙂great find. ❤
Nice. I also found one, the tiny teensy problem is that it's currently being sold for 1,200.
Great review, Rex, thanks! I found a Stanley 45 with most of the cutters in a relative’s basement 25 years ago. I have taken it out several times but it will need a lot of work to free up the rusted-together parts. I keep putting off that job, but with this reminder of the 45’s utility, i am resolved to get it up and running soon.
So did you?
I used those when I was 16 at school in 1970-71! Still have a table I inlaid a strip around the edge in a groove made by the plane
You're right - I have needed one before and didn't have it. Thankfully a dado blade and/or router did the trick, just with power.
I bought a record 43 and then a full set of replacement blades for the luban plough plane, they all work perfectly in the 43!! cuts grooves up to 12mm width.
Rex, educational and entertaining😃😃😃 Good to you and James collaborating!!
I learned this neat trick when using sharpening guides, instead of filing the chisel grooves square,all I did was put the cutting tool all the way down to the pins instead and tightened the tension. Sure you won't be getting a perfect 25° angle but with such low variation it doesn't matter and it comes out perfectly fine.
My phone must have read my mind.
I was just looking in my 50 year old boat, and thinking I would like to build another battery box. Having it match the present construction and this video pops up.
The cupboard doors are basically constructed in the fashion you made.
A plough Planer is now on my list.
FYI Lee Valley Tools makes ALL of the cutters used in the Stanley 45 as they make their own 45 so just made the same cutters for it. LV has stores in both Canada and the US but all are made in Canada and are of superb quality selling for about the same price as Stanley parts.
Interesting. I was just using a router plane with a guide for a lot of this. I also have a rebate plane. I'll be on the lookout for a plough plane now!
On your recommendation I got one of these. At first, I got a Record 050 and it is so much fun to use! A few parts were missing, though. I found a guy online not too far away from where we live and he helped me complete the Record 050. While I was there, he also showed me a Record 405 which so much better fits into my hand, so I bought that, too. Now I have two and enjoy them a lot. Thanks for that great tip and video!
I've got the Stanley #45 type 7 from about 1907. Has all the cutters and other fiddly parts and it came in a finger joint Chestnut box. Still has most of the label, too. I've used it for making drawers and panel doors.
But I also have several other specialty planes from Stanley. The #48 T&G plane, the #78 fillister/rabbet plane and the #72 router plane, amongst others.
My #45 I bought off eBay and paid about $110 bucks several years ago.
I used to have a wooden screw arm plough plane with some old Mathis irons, but traded it off for other tools. It was more a collector's play purty to set on a shelf and look at than a tool to use.
5:33 This made the video worth it for me. I had no clue what those were used for until now. Thank you. No more trying to free hand sharpen chisels for me.
i made a simple grooving plane that makes a 1/4” wide hole 1/4” deep 1/4” away from the edge and it took me seriously like 4 hours and it does basically everything i need. I have a big fancy plough plane and i never use it, i just use the easy one thats always set up.
That's honestly what I've been contemplating doing. 90% of the time, if I'm cutting a groove, it's a drawer bottom.
Acoustic guitar mandolin or any old school stringed instrument builds for the beginner i would love to see a series on this topic thanks so much for your hard work rex
Glad to see some love for the little 43. That thing is essential for me. The fence can be cleaned up and fitted with a wooden extension and the little blades can in a pinch be called into action when I need a chisel smaller than 1/4" for cleaning out little dovetails or whatever.
Record 043 is a little hot rod, Quick to set up and easy to use. The Record 050a makes for a good companion as well. I added little wood strips to the fences.
I also have the Record 50, it's a great plane. I've never used it for rebates or dados, mine only gets used for grooves and beads.
plane at 7:20 is cute. Woodworkers on some forums certainly add an auxiliary fence to make it more stable.
I just got an old Stanley #45 and I use it to cut truss rod channels on guitar necks!
I like the Veritas Combination Plane for this work. I appreciate that some people revere and love to restore junkers they find at flea markets but I would honestly rather spend my time making stuff than restoring stuff or hunting up irons that would fit. The Veritas one has a tone of sizes for tongues, grooves and a good many trims as well. The only down side to it is that you can't use it on curved surfaces, it's a flat surface only tool. Fortunately Lie-Neilson makes a very nice beading tool that will do curved surfaces and they sell blanks that you can file to your own design and harden with a torch if you want to.
The Record 405 is the equivalent to the Stanley 45. As Rex said, they are very common in the UK. Also have optional hollow and round cutters for the 405. The Record 044 is a heavier built 043 with a true handle and more/bigger cutters and a threaded depth adjustment. wonderful planes and the 043/044 is truly an essential tool
I bought a Chinese Plough Plane. One catch. They would not ship it to the US (something about being a sharp edged weapon?) So, my boss was in Hong Kong for business (pre Covid) and just brought it back for me. The one difficulty is that the fence has only one post. A bit wobbly. But, it works with the irons that came with it. Both MM and English widths. Came in handy to do Dados and grooves. Thanks Rex.
Where I'm from, it starts at about US$210 for Irwin 778 and no Stanleys in sight! Sadly many things do not apply outside the US...
For initial things, will a table saw work to cut grooves equally well? Obviously it won't do any shapes or curves...
I have a Siegley combination plane. Bought by Stanley in 1920 and Stanley kept making them. It was a worthy competitor to the #45, maybe a bit heavier. I also have a Veritas small plough plane. It's a bit easier to set up, doesn't do dados and is smaller & lighter. Veritas has 3 sizes of tongue blades and the Siegley has one.
I've just bought a Record 043, waiting on delivery. Though I know it's missing the depth stop and two cutters.
I have the Stanley 50, it's a great little plane. I found it works nice with shallow cuts, takes a bit longer. Also have a Stanley 55 (been in the family for years) I've only tried it once, takes a bit of setting up, wasn't too keen on it. I'll try it another again when I have more time.
Swap you a full set of record cutters, depth stop, fence for your 55? 🤭
We don't have many handtools around so i probably would have to order this plane from outside my country and deal with shipping costs. However, I've been thinking of buying a trim router for a while now!
It's actually cheaper and it seems it can do most of what this tool can do, (and some moulding!)
It's a power tool but i'm not really opposing using both as long as it's an affordable quality option😂
I have a Veritas combination plane...a bit pricey but worth every penny. (As a south paw, I particularly like the fact that it can be configured either for left or right handed operation).
Just picked up a wedge arm plow and a fillister plane with all the parts from am estate sell for like 30 bucks. Fillister plane looks weird to me since it's the standard block body, but a place in the back where a tote was that's been broken off. Cant wait to clean them up and put them to use.
I bought the Veritas plow plane plus the wide blade conversion kit. Pricey, but it works great and feels terrific. And fortunately I was able to pick up a bunch of old Stanley blades (for 45s and 55s) that work just fine in with it.
I bought one too. The ergonomics are fantastic. They came out with the conversion kit after & I bought that too. I love tuning up the old planes but I'm glad I got the LV.
Great video!!! I have got Luban 43 which is a replica of the record 43 ( they have improved the handle and include 4 cutters). It's a little bit small but i love to work with it. Two weeks ago i made grooves in a frame i made to a mirror.
FWIW, the Veritas Combination Plane (sold by Lee Valley) was designed to correct the shortcomings of both the Record and Stanley models while still using the Record 405 & Stanley 45/55 blades. While the price *is* eye-watering, to be honest, it is built to be something that your great-great-great grandchildren will fight over.
Damn Kruger always showing me cool things I want but can do without.
Hi rex , I watched this video but I won't comment until now .
Now I purchased one from veritas combination plane and it's gorgeous to use every time.
I recently bought a Stanley 13-030 with a set of 3 cutters. Even with shipping from England included, it was pretty cheap and works great!
I tried to get one of those for this video! No joy.
@@RexKrueger Came to the comments to recommend these. They can be picked up (when you find them) for much cheaper than a Stanley 45 or 55. The build quality is not as good but they have some extra features and work well. The blades also fit 45s!
@@rjamsbury1 I have one. It has a nickname, the dog poo plane, due to the tote colour. It works fine but is limited to about 12mm in cutter size
@@damiendrohan9500 lol, can relate to that about the handle. Thought about making a wood replacement but not sure it's worth it.
@@rjamsbury1 it's not really a pretty enough plane for that. I will get something bigger at a later stage but it does fine now
Thanks for this show-and-tell. It is the Luban 043 that sent me investigating plow planes. Though there a couple of 45s and a 55 out in one of the parts containers, I'm enamored of Quangsheng's (the seeming parent company of the Luban brand) kerfing blade and wonder whether you or any of your viewers are familiar with such a blade for commonly found used US hand tools.
I have both Stanley 45 and 55. They area joy to use but do have learning curves
Thanks for the great video.
I collect Carter Tools planes, which are Stanley copies made in Australia post WW2 when we couldn’t get tools from the US or UK.
I got a couple of the C54 and one of the C40 (only seen two of those in the wild) which are very similar to the two you showed in the video. I’ve always been frustrated with my results with them, but I’ll give them another try following your advice on how to get the best results from them
Thanks again
Have you seen Paul Seller's video on building a poor man's Rebate plane? Definitely worth a watch! =)
He's actually already got a video making his own version, it's rather good
Rex did it.
flammable woodworking when?
I made one from a 2x4. It works well. And Rex did a video too.
@@funmanteddy2726 It's already here lol ua-cam.com/channels/PctvztDTC3qYa2amc8eTrg.html
Some time ago I came across a Record 44, which has the thumb wheel adjuster for blade depth and comes with a full set from a 1/4 to 9/16ths blades. It was a bit foxed but I detect no use on any of the blades. Works well though needs freeing up.
The 044 is much better than the 043 due to the reasons you mention. I got an older good one for $40 with all the cutters.
@@Membee That is a good deal.
I love my Stanley plough/combination plane (a model 50 with complete cutter and accessory set). It's groovy! :) It's actually only my second plane! The other is a 5 1/2 Stanley clone made in West Germany.
I inherited a Stanley 55 from an uncle, and picked up a 45 and other planes from a friend who was getting rid of his grandfather's tools. I enjoy them all.
I bought a stanley #45 at a garage sale a number of years ago because I thought it looked cool, I think I paid only a few buck for it, but now I want to learn to use it. , I will need to find a few more cutter before I really do anything with it.
I've had one for ages but never really used it much. It's a record but it's got a crack in the handle. I might put a bit of effort in now to fix it up and use it
I would love to pick up a plow plane. Until I find one in a decent price, I’ll stick with my HarborFreight trim router. Not as romantic as hand tools, but it gets it done.
Right there with you buddy
Good job! Could you not get a bigger vice?! Seriously though, put the Yankee pump driver in the back of a drawer. They're great for hanging doors etc., but they are not much use for anything else. Get yourself some cabinet makers screw drivers of engineering screw drivers. These offer much more control and are capable of handing much more power. They're also 10 times safer in use that the Yankee. Keep up the good work!
Another nice one is the Stanley 46, which is a skew plough plane. It makes cutting endgrain much easier.
With a 46 and a 55, you can do just about anything, and even make your own custom blades.
I own the 45, 46, and 55. The 55 is expensive indeed, and finding one complete with all parts and cutters is not easy.
I bought a Stanley 45 with a 55 iron kit about 13 years ago to satisfy my "plough plane" needs...I have not been disappointed in the least.
I got one of those $60 Chinese ones off Amazon. It's a lot more fiddly than I expected. Hopefully this will help provide guidance
The Mujifang? Me too. Once I get it set it works ok. The fence bugs me...
The blade is not that lasting right?
i've just bought onje of those chinese plow-planes. What i have to do to get it working well?
@@carlopieracci2828 The blade must be sharpened. At least to 1000 grit.
@@BeachBoi1000 i do the same to my Blades. I sharpen to 1250 grit then strop. Its a routine for me
It looks like a very handy tool. One day I’ll run across one. Until then my router plane with fence works well for those functions.
So the wooden plane I have with 5 blades, is a plow plane! Good to know. One of the wooden fence adjustment screws, has the end broke off reducing the amount of adjustment possible, but everything else looks good; just needs attention.
Off the UK ebay site I bought a Record 44. Love this plane. If you buy off the UK ebay make sure they ship to the US. Some sellers will not ship to the US.
Making a 1/4 inch grooving plane can be used to make goove of any size by moving along and repeating till you get the desired width
Ok. I liked this episode! I have been wanting to get one of these. I have been unsuccessful to acquire one on ebay or anywhere else so far. One thing I have gotten my hands on is a set of "tools" for creating wood screws; dowel rods with threads and corresponding tools for creating the wood nuts. There are 7 different sizes. What I am wondering is: how do I effectively sharpen the "V" type blades? Where can I find replacement blades? Veritas has been no help...
Rex, Thank you a really useful video. I recently managed to obtain a refurbished Record 50A, a great hand tool. Love the channel, very inspirational.
Would it be possible to make a plane that uses chisels but is adjustable for different sizes of chisels? Be real nice if I could just use my existing set of chisels but have something like a plough plane/rabbit plane "jig" that I can put the chisels in. A bit complex for my skills but might be worth a look.
Nice thought, but it's a dream. It's not practical.
*I HAD A STALEY 55* when I was in the UK. Left it behind when I moved to Bulgaria...
Long story.
Thanks Rex , brilliant as always, keep safe
Personally I would recommend the record 044 for grooving and the record 405 for everything else.
And remember it is very very easy to make your own custom irons.
Nearly every tool I have and use are old school second hand items. That's invariably fine, and I have a Stanley 50 the little Record and some traditional wooden jobs, but they can be frustrating to use and take an age to set up. As a treat, I bought the Veritas small plough plane. What a revelation! It's designed along the same lines as the originals, but the quality of manufacture and some well thought out design improvements make it an absolute joy to use. They're not cheap, but for how they work they're worth every penny. I can also rest in the knowledge that it's a quality item and the only one I'll ever need.
I hesitate of buying a Veritas small plow plane. But after reading your comment It may have change my mind. I also plan to get most of the accessories plane blade and conversion kit a bit pricey any feedback on that from you I would greatly appreciate it.
@@nghiale2758 I'm sure you won't regret it. I'm still delighted with mine and always look forward for an opportunity to use it.
@@mrstandfast2212 Thank you very much and wish you have a great holiday season.
I have just picked up a Stanley 13-052 so similar just with what looks like a bakerlight handle (i will be making a wooden one soon lol)
Looks like I will be making a plow plane. Several years ago I bought a set (8 or 9) of plow plane irons in a box of stuff I actually wanted at an estate auction. No plane body anywhere in sight, I thought they were a set of very awkward mortising chisels. Thanks to this video, I finally know what they really are.
Another great Rex video and a special guest. It must be Christmas 🌲
Well I have avoided those planes when iv come across them why coz I didn’t know what they did and looked so complicated. But know I feel like kicking myself o well you you live and learn lol. As always you have done your magic taken something that thought was complicated and made it simple and understandable. Thanks again
Amazon sells a small wooden plough plane in the Chinese/Japanese traditional style that's a little bit fiddly, but mine works pretty well once it's set (at less than $100). Before I could afford a Stanley 45 it was my plough plane.
a little off topic but I have been looking around for info on stanley gage planes, set up, adjustments comparison to other planes but have not had any luck. as the most historical plane enthusiast on you tube, I was hoping you could show folks the ropes on these fantastic frogged planes. ovb also had a oem gage plane from stanley... wondering why these aren't more popular.
The on thing I did notice about these plow planes. Is they are not really solid when taking a deep gouge.
The power it takes to push thru the deep cut, makes the plane unstable.
I think a shallow cut at a little faster speed is more stable.
I like your shop made version.
By the way you n James wright are my favorite crossovers! You're the main guys I watch along with stumpy nubs and Rob cosman's
I picked up a Record 043 last year on eBay for £16 (U.K.). It only had one slightly bent 1/8” iron. Fortunately I also have a Record 405 with a full set of cutters and the smaller ones fit the 043. I definitely prefer the 043 for drawer bottom grooves over the 405, it is just quicker and easier to set.
Just picked up the wooden handle Stanley with full cutter set and parts for £40 in original box.
you should try one of those metal utility knives with replaceable razors, great for beginners to chamfer carve scrape etc and no sharpening also makeshift chisels out of screwdrivers for what i do it works great id like your opinion
You can find a Record 405 multi plane in England for £50-£100 in good working condition on Ebay. Most Brits are totally happy to ship to the US- might cost £25. Ok, Record doesn't have the collectability that Stanley multi planes do, but they are the equal in every way in use.
I went to an antique shop some time ago and saw a Stanley no. 50. I had no idea what it was for, but at the price, I figured I should get it. Only one cutter and no depth stop, but what the hell. It's a .25" cutter and I can jerry-rig the rest.
Love the collab with wood by wright!
A few weeks ago I picked up a Stanley 13-050 combination plane from UK ebay for just over £40 (55$) came with 18 cutters (all but 2 looked new) but the plastic handle is so ugly! I have not had much time to play with it but the cross grain cutters seem to work well. I am looking forward to reading your book ( still on pre order in UK )
Love my Stanley 55. I have the stock 4 boxes of cutters and looking for bxs 5 and 6.
I sort of kind of agree with this. But being super practical one of the electric handheld trim routers does this very well, and for cheaper, and has a variety of uses. Your new approach to modern woodworking will probably need to include some affordable power tools that replace and improve on a lot of hand tools.