Official Luthiers Forum!

I just received my Convex Sole Block plane from Lie Nielsen. It's based on the Stanley 100 1/2. As with pretty much everything from LN it is a beauty to behold. But!..... I was a bit surprised when I looked at the convex sole. Compared to pictures of old Stanley 100 1/2's it's not very convex! It certainly is curved, but based on the pics I've seen of the Stanley's it's much flatter. Maybe I'm reading the pictures wrong? I've never held a real 100 1/2 in my hand so it's hard to compare. The LN is first rate though and I'm sure it will see plenty of work on my bench. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Anyone with a real Stanley 100 1/2?

Patrick's Blood and Gore information indicates that the Stanley 100 1/2 has a 12" radiused sole from toe to heel, with a 7/8" radius from side to side.

Lie-Nielsen did reduce the curvature (increased the radius) a bunch.

The Stanleys are easily found on Ebay.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

That's so strange. I wish they would have kept the curvature the same. It's still a great plane. The thing about the original Stanley 100 1/2 is that it has become quite the collector's item in the antique tool community. A year or so ago you could've snagged one of these for well under $100. Now they are all at least $150!
-John

When I bought mine about two years ago, there were almost always 1 or 2 up on Ebay, and they seemed to max out at about $100 for a pristine one.

There are lots of these around. I suggest you decide what you would like to pay and be patient. The same item can sell at a wide price range on Ebay. Avoid the ones with all the japanning that appeal to collectors.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Howard, please excuse my ignorance, but what is japanning?

Thanks

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Steve Walden
Aspiring Builder,
Bartlesville, OK

Steve, japaning is the paint. I found a home made recipe that looks interesting.

http://lordnibbo.wordpress.com/2007/05/ ... -japaning/

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Aoibeann

In days gone by there was a hardware store product called Japalac that was supposed to mimic japanning.

A real good deal might be had on ebay with a plane that's been overcleaned or re-japanned. Collectors don't like them one bit and they're often just fine as user planes. Trouble is, some newbs like the ones that "LOOK BRAND NEW!!!!" and bid them up.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com