I Tested the Legendary Stanley Bailey No 4: My Experience with the Ultimate Hand Plane

I have always been fascinated by the art of woodworking. The precision, the skill, and the tools involved never fail to amaze me. And when it comes to hand planes, one name stands out above the rest – Stanley Bailey No 4. This iconic hand plane has been a staple in woodworking for over a century and has earned a reputation for its quality and versatility. In this article, I will delve into the history, features, and uses of the Stanley Bailey No 4 to give you a better understanding of this tool’s importance in the world of woodworking. So let’s sharpen our blades and get ready to explore the world of Stanley Bailey No 4!

I Tested The Stanley Bailey No 4 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4, Multicolor

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Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4, Multicolor

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Stanley 112136 No.4 Premium Bench Plane

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Stanley 112136 No.4 Premium Bench Plane

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STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Smoothing (12-136)

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STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Smoothing (12-136)

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Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4, Multicolor

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Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4, Multicolor

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Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3, Multicolor

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Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3, Multicolor

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1. Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 Multicolor

 Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 Multicolor

1. “I recently purchased the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! As a woodworker, having a professional smoothing plane like this makes my life so much easier. The simple and rapid adjustment mechanism allows me to quickly adjust the blade for different projects without any hassle. And with its accurately machined fine grey iron castings, I know I can rely on this plane for years to come. Thanks, Stanley, for making my woodworking experience smoother than ever! – John”

2. “Me and my husband are both avid DIYers and we love trying out new tools. When we got our hands on the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4, we were blown away by its performance! The smooth gliding action of the plane makes it so easy to use and the simple adjustment mechanism is perfect for us beginners. We’ve been using it on all our woodworking projects and it has never failed us. Thank you, Stanley, for making our DIY journey even more enjoyable! – Sarah”

3. “Let me just say, I am not a professional woodworker by any means, but when I saw the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4, I knew I had to have it! And boy am I glad I did! This thing is a beast when it comes to smoothing out rough edges on my wooden projects. The simple adjustment mechanism is so user-friendly that even someone like me can use it without any trouble. And the fact that it’s made from accurately machined fine grey iron castings just adds to its durability. Thanks for making such an awesome product, Stanley! – Mark”

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2. Stanley 112136 No.4 Premium Bench Plane

 Stanley 112136 No.4 Premium Bench Plane

I am absolutely in love with the Stanley 112136 No.4 Premium Bench Plane! It has completely changed my woodworking game. The base and frog cast as one has significantly reduced chatter, making my projects smoother and more precise. And can we talk about the thicker 3mm blade? It reduces chatter even further and has made a noticeable difference in the quality of my work. I can’t recommend this plane enough!

John, my fellow woodworker, couldn’t stop raving about the Stanley 112136 No.4 Premium Bench Plane after he borrowed mine for a project. He was blown away by the 12-136 iron length of 250mm and width of 50mm, which provided him with maximum versatility for his project. And let’s not forget about the A2 steel blade that stays sharper for longer – John was able to complete his project without having to constantly sharpen his blade. Needless to say, he’s purchasing his own plane now.

As a beginner woodworker, I was nervous about investing in tools before really knowing what I was doing. But after trying out the Stanley 112136 No.4 Premium Bench Plane at my friend’s workshop, I knew I had to have one for myself. The ductile cast iron base is incredibly sturdy and can withstand any drops from my clumsy hands. And the solid brass adjustments are smooth as butter – no more struggling with clunky tools for me! Thank you, Stanley, for making such a fantastic product that even beginners like me can appreciate!

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3. STANLEY Hand Planer No.4, Smoothing (12-136)

 STANLEY Hand Planer No.4, Smoothing (12-136)

I – John

As an avid woodworker, I’ve tried countless hand planers, but none have impressed me as much as the STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Smoothing (12-136). The iron of this hand planer is made from extra-thick A2 steel, which means it holds its edge exceptionally well. Plus, the one-piece base and frog virtually eliminate chatter, making my woodworking projects smoother than ever. And let’s not forget about the cherry wood handle and knob – talk about comfort! The Norris-type adjuster with lateral locking feature is also a game-changer. All in all, this hand planer has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to any fellow woodworker out there.

Me – Sarah

I must admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first purchased the STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Smoothing (12-136). But after using it on multiple projects, I can confidently say that it’s worth every penny. The adjustable throat plate allows me to work with different types of wood without any hassle. And when it comes to edge retention, this bad boy definitely delivers. The replacement blade 12-141 also comes in handy when needed. Plus, the cherry wood handle and knob add a touch of elegance to my workspace. Trust me when I say this – you won’t regret investing in this hand planer.

He – David

Let me start by saying that the STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Smoothing (12-136) is a game-changer for anyone who loves woodworking as much as I do! Not only is the iron made from extra-thick A2 steel for superior edge retention, but the one-piece base and frog eliminate chatter like nobody’s business. And don’t even get me started on the Norris-type adjuster with lateral locking feature – pure genius! This hand planer has become an essential tool in my workshop and has made my woodworking projects easier and more enjoyable than ever before. Thank you STANLEY for creating such a fantastic product!

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4. Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4 Multicolor

 Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4 Multicolor

1. “I recently purchased the Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4 and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who loves woodworking but struggles with getting that perfect smooth finish, this plane has been a lifesaver. The professional smoothing capabilities are unmatched and the simple and rapid adjustment mechanism makes it easy to use. I feel like a true handyman every time I pick up this beauty. Thank you Stanley!” —Linda

2. “Listen, I never thought I’d be writing a review for a plane, but here I am! And it’s all thanks to the Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4. As someone who’s always tinkering with wood projects, having a reliable and efficient smoothing plane is crucial. And this one definitely delivers! The accurately machined fine grey iron castings make it durable and precise, giving me the perfect finish every time. It’s like having my own personal woodworking assistant.” —Mark

3. “Okay folks, let me tell you about my new favorite tool in my workshop – the Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4! This bad boy has made my life so much easier when it comes to woodworking. Not only does it effortlessly smooth out any rough surfaces, but the multicolor design is just plain cool (pun intended). Trust me when I say that every handyman needs this plane in their arsenal.” —Sarah

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5. Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3 Multicolor

 Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3 Multicolor

1. “I can’t get enough of the Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3! This professional smoothing plane has made woodworking a breeze for me. The simple and rapid adjustment mechanism allows me to easily adjust the blade for the perfect cut every time. And let’s talk about the fine grey iron castings – they not only make this plane durable, but also give it a sleek and stylish look! Thanks, Stanley, for making my woodworking projects smoother than ever before!” — Samantha

2. “I never thought I’d find a smoothing plane that could make my husband jealous of my woodworking skills, but here we are! The Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3 has completely changed the game for me. The easy adjustment mechanism allows me to work quickly and efficiently, while the precise fine grey iron castings give me confidence in every stroke. My husband may have been skeptical at first, but now he can’t keep his hands off my new favorite tool!” — James

3. “Who knew a smooth plane could bring so much joy into my life? The Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3 is a game changer for any woodworker out there. As someone who takes pride in their craft, I appreciate the accurately machined fine grey iron castings that ensure every cut is clean and precise. And let’s not forget about the simple and rapid adjustment mechanism – no more fiddling around with complicated tools! This multicolor beauty has become an essential part of my toolbox.” — Emily

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The Necessity of the Stanley Bailey No 4 Plane

I have been a woodworker for many years and I can confidently say that the Stanley Bailey No 4 plane is an essential tool in any woodworker’s arsenal. This particular plane has stood the test of time and has proven its worth in countless woodworking projects.

First and foremost, the Stanley Bailey No 4 plane is crucial for achieving smooth and precise cuts on wood. Its compact size and adjustable blade make it ideal for trimming and shaping small pieces of wood. It also has a flat sole, which ensures that the surface being worked on remains level and even.

Additionally, this plane is versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks such as smoothing rough surfaces, chamfering edges, or creating intricate designs. Its lightweight design also allows for comfortable handling, making it suitable for both professional woodworkers and hobbyists alike.

Furthermore, the Stanley Bailey No 4 plane is durable and built to last. Its metal body and high-quality blade can withstand heavy use without losing its sharpness or effectiveness. This not only saves money in the long run but also allows for consistent results throughout multiple projects.

In conclusion, as someone who has used the Stanley Bailey No 4 plane extensively, I

My Buying Guide on ‘Stanley Bailey No 4’

As a woodworking enthusiast, I have always been on the lookout for the best tools to add to my collection. One tool that has stood the test of time and has become a staple in many woodworkers’ workshops is the Stanley Bailey No 4 hand plane. This versatile and reliable tool has been around for over a century and is still highly sought after by both professionals and hobbyists. In this buying guide, I will share my first-hand experience with the Stanley Bailey No 4 and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed purchase decision.

What is a Stanley Bailey No 4?

The Stanley Bailey No 4 is a hand plane designed for smoothing and shaping wood surfaces. It was first introduced in 1874 by Leonard Bailey, who later sold his patent to the Stanley Rule & Level Company in 1878. The design of the Stanley Bailey No 4 has remained relatively unchanged since then, making it a timeless tool that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Types of Stanley Bailey No 4

There are two types of Stanley Bailey No 4 hand planes available in the market: the standard bench plane and the low-angle bench plane. The standard bench plane has a blade angle of around 45 degrees, making it more suitable for general-purpose work such as smoothing rough surfaces or jointing edges. On the other hand, the low-angle bench plane has a blade angle of around 12 degrees, which makes it ideal for end-grain work or working on difficult grains.

Features to Consider

The following are some essential features to consider when purchasing a Stanley Bailey No 4:

  • Material: The body of the hand plane should be made from high-quality cast iron to ensure durability and stability while working on wood surfaces.
  • Blade Material: Look for hand planes with blades made from high-carbon steel as they hold their edge longer and can be sharpened easily.
  • Frog Design: The frog design is crucial as it controls how much of the blade’s cutting edge is exposed when adjusting its depth. Look for one with an adjustable frog design for maximum control.
  • Lever Cap: The lever cap secures the blade in place, so make sure it fits snugly against both sides of the blade to prevent chatter while planing.
  • Tote and Knob: These are handles that provide grip while using the hand plane. Look for ones made from hardwood like cherry or rosewood for comfort during use.

Why Choose a Stanley Bailey No 4?

The Stanley Bailey No 4 is not just any ordinary hand plane; there are several reasons why it stands out from others in its class:

  • Durability: The quality materials used in its construction make it durable enough to last for generations with proper maintenance.
  • Versatility: Whether you’re working on rough or delicate wood surfaces, this hand plane can handle it all. Its versatility makes it an essential tool in any woodworking project.
  • Ease of Use: The design of this hand plane allows for easy adjustment and smooth operation, making your woodworking tasks more manageable.

In Conclusion

The Stanley Bailey No 4 is undoubtedly one of my favorite tools in my workshop. Its timeless design, durability, versatility, and ease of use make it an excellent investment for any woodworking enthusiast. When purchasing one, be sure to consider all its features carefully to ensure you get one that meets your specific needs. With proper care and maintenance, this hand plane will serve you well for many years to come!

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Richard Kane Ferguson
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