I bought a couple of very cheap Sargeant 414 planes - basically Stanley #5's, off of EBay. I just got them today. I have to say they seem closer to a Bedrock than a Bailey, and for the very short money I paid, I am really happy with the bargain! The nicer of the two was obviously owned by a knowledgeable guy. It is very well set up, with the frog honed nicely, and very subtle camber on the blade, and the sole very flat and true. I am very psyched about these. Why were they so inexpensive? They seem better than the rusted out globs of Bailey junk that I have bought before with broken totes and cracked sides etc. These planes are really nice. I paid less than $20 for each of them, and only $35 for a pair of very reasonable jointers.
What gives?
Joe