I would like to add a # 5 Jack plane to use primarily for preliminary surfacing of stock -- removing plainer marks etc. I have a blue steel replacement blade from Stuart (woodworking tools from Japan) I plan to use.
LN and LV are out of my price range right now so I'm trying to decide between an old Stanley or a new Wood River (Chinese?) planes from Woodcraft. I've restored a number of old metal planes and have no problem with lapping the bottom, truing up the frog and tote repairs if necessary.
The problem is despite my best efforts at research, I can't figure out how to recognize which of the old Stanley, Millers Falls, etc. types would be best. I'm not looking for a collector -- just an excellent user. I would like to have a lateral adjustment lever and what I guess is the "bedrock" style frog that is adjustable without removing the blade. Mostly I'm interested in whichever of the seemingly endless variety of frog/mating surface designs will offer best support for the blade and reduce the risk of chattering etc?
I have a Stanley with "Bailey” embossed on the toe, rounded sides and the kidney shaped hole in the cap iron. I use a Hock iron and have it set up as more of a smoother and it works great. I also have one of the earlier Wood River planes which seems to be a little bit heavier (which I like) and after some tuning it also works great, especially for rougher work.
I could buy one of the v3 Wood River planes which I think are ~$160 and I'm reasonably confident I can make it do what I want, especially with the blue steel blade. However, if I could identify the "right" type Stanley that would be less expensive and with some tuning would work as well/better that would be my preferred option.
I'm confused by all the different "type" Stanley's and the wide range in prices on the mega-auction site. I don't know the difference between for example, the round side and flat sided designs (does this matter?) and why planes that look to be in pretty similar condition to me sometimes sell for $50 and others for $300 -- what gives?
I don't mind paying a fair price for a quality tool and investing some time and effort in restoration and fettling - I just honestly don't know what type/model vintage plane I should be looking for.
I'm sure this is a really naïve question and some differences are a matter of personal preference, but I would really appreciate any advice or recommendations about what are some of the better types/model users I should look for and how I could recognize them by pictures/descriptions etc.?
Thanks in advance!
All the best, Mike