Stanley block plane

[Paul O.]

Have seen on ebay recently a couple #9-1/2. Are these old enough to be a good plane? Doing a google I've seen references to the # 6 as being a good plane, but nothing on the 9-1/2's. Thanks.

[dave in fairfax]

Palce numbers don't equate to plane age, type number does to approximate age. Take a look a

to find out about plane numbers, among other things. Follow the links or DAGS on type study to learn about the dating. Hope that helps, Dave in Fairfax

[Pounds on Wood]

I don't know about age, but I have a 9 1/2 and also have a 9 1/4 (same as 9

1/2, except fixed throat). Both work well for me, the 9 1/2 for finer work, the 9 1/4 for coarser work or chamfering.

A #6 (fore bench plane) and a 9 1/2 (block plane) are different species.

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[Larry Blanchard]

I have an older (around 1950,IIRC) 9 1/2 and it's the best block plane I've ever used. There's a similar one (the number I forget), but the only difference is that it's a little smaller.

[Andy Dingley]

I never recommend buying new, when there's bottom feeding to be done on eBay.

But when it comes to block planes, do yourself a big favour, sell a kid or something, and get the Lee Valley low angle.

[Paul O.]

Yeh, been looking at those also, real nice, also looking at Steve Knight's. nice also.