Stanley 103 Plane

[dgbot]

What is the opinion on this plane I would like some advice before I commit.

David B

[kurtvd19]

David:

The reviews on this plane are mixed from great to junk.  It's nice and small and if you can get it good and sharp - this will depend on the actual quality of the blade (see the reviews below) as I know you can do the sharpening bit just fine it will probably fit your needs quite well.

Kurt 

 

 

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?157725-stanley-102-103-a-good-purchase

http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan12.htm

http://stanleynumber103blockplane.wordpress.com/tag/stanley-block-plane/

http://lumberjocks.com/topics/22164

[Tuffarts]

Garrett and Wade used to sell 'Violin Planes'

 

I do not know how good they are or if suited, they are very small but I think they have a convex sole, to suit the concave back of a violin.

 

Maybe try some instrument tool makers . 

[BANYAN]

Hi David, I have not used that plane so cannot provide a recommendation either way, but I have two veritas planes I just love.  I also use IBEX finger planes.

 

IBEX also make luthier's (or finger) planes, some with a curved, some with a flat sole in various sizes.  Good quality but a little on the expensive side (they have come down in price in the past year or two down here anyway).  In Australia they are available through CarbaTec (http://www.carbatec.com.au/ibex-violin-makers-planes_c6560) - no associations etc.  I am sure there are many other sources though; here is just one http://www.lmii.com/products/tools-services/planes/ibex-finger-plane

 

cheers

 

Pat.

[dgbot]

I have a Lie Nielson that I absolutely adore and I would like something similar that will not break the bank or my wallet.  The little rascal is going for a small fortune at the moment.

David B

Edited November 24, 2014 by dgbot

[WackoWolf]

I also have a couple of small planes from Lee Valley, they are good tools and like Bart said I thought that they were a lot until I look at other from different company's. I always remember the old saying "You get what you pay for". So i look at it this way why should I have to buy something I use twice when I can just buy it once. Just my 2 cents.

[NHDave]

Lee Nielsen makes a "model maker's" plane modeled after the Stanley 100. I use an original Stanley 100, but have several Lee Nielsen planes. I have never regretted spending the money on a quality tool. There are quite a few older (antique?) tools out there that can be brought back to first class condition if the new one breaks the bank. A tool functions in proportion to its price. Buy cheap and you will never be happy with the results. Just my opinion.

 

Dave

[Q A's Revenge]

I had to google the 103 to see what it looked like. Can't say I was impressed with the concept of the blade adjustment etc so not one for me.

Don't see why it shouldn't work well for you though provide the blade is nice and sharp.

[dgbot]

I have bought mini planes before that turned out to be pretty bad.  After honing the blade and truing it up they still are junk.  The xacto for one.  The blade is honed that I could shave with it.  And I trued up the base.  More work involved getting it prepared to use than anything else,  I still cannot use the silly thing.  I am frugal by nature and as a result make do with what i get.  That plane should have been thrown in the garbage but I put it with used tools that can be reworked.  When I was back in Chgo after my 1st infusion I grabbed a box of hand tools and when I finally got around to looking them over I saw it and was angry. I planned on getting some work done. The only thing decent about it is the blade.  I feel sorry for anyone who buys their tool set.  They will be disappointed and never know how useful a well made  plane is. I have used mine for trimming and shaping and am looking for a shoulder plane to go with it.

 

David B

Edited November 25, 2014 by dgbot

[SJSoane]

I also use the Lie-Nielsen model maker planes, as well as the small block plane, and they are a joy to use. I endorse the idea of "buy quality tools once" for life. I spent way too much in earlier years on "make-do" tools that I later had to throw or give away. My son will inherit these tools, and they will be good for another life!

[Bob Blarney]

Lie-Nielsen planes aren't cheap, but my L-N 102 is one of the best  planes that I own.  My other favorite is a Stanley 60-1/2.  Learning how to sharpen them is equally important. 

Edited December 7, 2014 by Bob Blarney

[WackoWolf]

A Person can have the best plane in the world, but if it isn't sharp it's not worth the material it cut off. Having a good plane is one thing but knowing how to keep it sharp is another thing. Having good tools is the right choice but knowing how to use them and taking care of them is another. Just my 2 cents.

[NHDave]

Just thought I'd mention this little low angle block plane from Lee Valley. The shavings are about 1/2 a thou.

 

Dave

[WackoWolf]

I also have that one, I love it. Good choice.