Refinished #15 Block plane

As promised, Here are some shots of the refinished Stanley #15. I’ve only spent about an hour using this plane, but I like it’s size and lateral blade adjustment a lot more than I do my #60-1/2. Within a minute of putting in a new Hock blade, I was using it like a miniature smoother, and taking full width transparent shavings in scrap cherry. I also like the size of the #15 better, it’s greater length and width fit’s into my hand better than the #60-1/2.

Stanley #15 Block plane

I haven’t spent much time in the shop the last month or so because of a big project at work. Thankfully that project is now over, and I’ve been able to get into the shop again. One of the projects I want to get completed before Christmas is refurbishing the Stanley #15 I picked up on eBay about 6 weeks ago. I picked it up, because I wanted A regular angle block plane to supplement my #60-1/2. I’ll probably do the refurbishment after I finish Rebecca’s Shoe Rack. The following shots (I went a little overboard) are as I received it from the seller.

A Stanley #60-1/2

I picked this little beauty up on eBay a few weeks back and finally got around to cleaning her this weekend. She’s in pretty good shape, so after a quick cleaning, lapping and sharpening she is now ready to make shavings.

Refurbished Stanley #3

Some of you might remember that back in April I picked up a well used Stanley type 13 #3, that was in need of some TLC. Tonight I finished refurbishing the plane.  To get the plane back into working condition, I performed the following tasks:

1. general cleaning
2. de-rusted the sole
3. lapped the sole
4. fixed the broken tote
5. refinished the sole with an industrial grade enamel
6. lapped the frog

The following photos are of the  plane after a few test cuts.

My new smoother plane

I’m a power tool guy at heart, however I have come to the realization that some tasks are easier with hand tools. For example,  face/edge jointing large cumbersome boards. With that in mind, I’ve been learning about hand planes & their uses. Earlier this week I came across this plane on eBay, it’s a Stanley type 13(1925-1928) #3 smooth plane. Since it looked to be in good shape,  I placed my bid and waited.  Since it’s a fairly common plane, & not in pristine condition I picked it up for $21.50. The following pictures show what it looked like when it arrived on my door step. All I need to do now is clean it up.