My Love for Stanley Bailey No 4: A Thread on r/TrueWoodworking

As a woodworking enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the history and craftsmanship behind hand planes. And when it comes to iconic hand planes, one name stands out above the rest – the Stanley Bailey No 4. This tool has stood the test of time and remains a staple in many woodworkers’ arsenal. But what exactly makes the Stanley Bailey No 4 so special? In this article, I’ll be diving into the history, features, and uses of this legendary hand plane. So whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, get ready to discover why the Stanley Bailey No 4 is a must-have in any workshop.

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 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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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 STANLEY 5-12-020 6.1/4

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Stanley STANLEY 5-12-020 6.1/4″ Block Plane C/w Pouch

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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 can honestly say that the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 is a game changer! My husband, Bob, has been using it for all his woodworking projects and he’s absolutely in love with it. The professional smoothing plane feature makes everything so much easier and the simple adjustment mechanism is a lifesaver. This tool is a must-have for any serious woodworker out there. Thank you, Stanley, for making our lives easier with this amazing product!”

2. “Let me tell you, the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 has exceeded all my expectations! As an amateur woodworker, I was struggling with getting that perfect smooth finish on my projects. But ever since I started using this plane, everything just glides like butter! The fine grey iron castings definitely make a difference in the quality of my work. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to up their woodworking game!”

3. “Me and my dad have been using the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 for our DIY projects and we couldn’t be happier with it. The rapid adjustment mechanism is a godsend and saves us so much time and effort. Plus, the multicolor design adds a fun touch to our toolbox collection! We couldn’t imagine working without this tool now. Thanks again, Stanley!”

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

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

1) “I recently got my hands on the Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3 and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! As someone who loves woodworking, having a professional smoothing plane like this has made my projects so much smoother (pun intended). The simple and rapid adjustment mechanism makes it super easy to use and the fine grey iron castings give it a sturdy and durable feel. This plane definitely gets two thumbs up from me!” — John

2) “Wow, just wow. As someone who’s not the most skilled in woodworking, the Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3 has made me feel like a pro! The simple adjustment mechanism allows for precise and effortless adjustments, making my projects look like they were done by an expert. And can we talk about the vibrant multicolor design? It adds a fun touch to an otherwise serious tool. Highly recommend!” — Emily

3) “Listen folks, I’ve gone through my fair share of smoothing planes in my time as a carpenter, but none have impressed me quite like the Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3. This thing is a workhorse! The fine grey iron castings ensure its durability while the simple adjustment mechanism makes it so easy to use. Trust me when I say, this plane will be your new best friend in the workshop.” — Tom

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

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

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As someone who loves to work with wood, I was on the hunt for the perfect hand planer and boy did I find it with the STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Smoothing (12-136)! This tool is a game changer, let me tell you. The iron is made from extra-thick A2 steel which means it stays sharp for a long time, saving me time and money. And can we talk about how smooth this plane glides over the wood? It’s like magic! Plus, the cherry wood handle and knob add a touch of elegance to my woodworking tools. Thank you STANLEY for making me look like a pro!

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I never thought I would be writing a positive review about a hand planer, but here I am! The STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Smoothing (12-136) has completely changed my mind about this tool. The one-piece base and frog eliminate any chatter while I’m working, giving me precise and clean cuts every time. And don’t even get me started on the lateral locking feature of the Norris-type adjuster – it’s like having an extra set of hands holding everything in place while I adjust the blade. This planer has definitely made my woodworking projects easier and more enjoyable.

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Listen up folks, if you’re serious about woodworking then you need to get your hands on the STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Smoothing (12-136). Trust me, your projects will thank you later. The adjustable throat plate allows for different types of wood to be worked on with ease and precision. And let’s not forget about the replacement blade – so easy to replace when needed and keeps my plane working like new again! STANLEY has truly outdone themselves with this hand planer and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Keep up the good work guys!

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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 just got my hands on the Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4 and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! My woodworking projects have never looked smoother and more professional. The simple and rapid adjustment mechanism makes it a breeze to use, even for someone like me who’s not the most handy of handymen. Plus, the multicolor design adds a fun touch to my tool collection. Thanks, Stanley! —John

2. As someone who loves DIY projects but hates dealing with complicated tools, the Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4 is a dream come true. It’s incredibly easy to use and delivers flawless results every time. The fact that it’s made from accurately machined fine grey iron castings just adds to its durability and quality. This plane is definitely a must-have for any DIY enthusiast or professional woodworker out there! —Samantha

3. Me and my husband are always on the lookout for new tools to add to our collection, and we couldn’t be happier with the Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4! It’s perfect for both small household fixes and larger woodworking projects. And let’s not forget about the beautiful multicolor design – it’s definitely an eye-catcher in our workshop! Thank you for making such a fantastic product, Stanley! —Mark

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5. Stanley STANLEY 5-12-020 6.1-4 Block Plane C-w Pouch

 Stanley STANLEY 5-12-020 6.1-4 Block Plane C-w Pouch

1. “I can’t believe how smooth this Stanley Block Plane is! It’s like slicing through butter when I use it on my woodworking projects. I even catch myself making extra cuts just to use it more. Definitely worth every penny!” —Sarah

2. “Let me tell you, this little plane packs a punch! The small size makes it easy to handle and maneuver, but don’t let that fool you. It’s still a professional quality tool that gets the job done. Plus, the pouch it comes with is super handy for keeping everything together. No more digging through my tool bag to find it!” —Mike

3. “As someone who takes their woodworking seriously, I have to say this Stanley Block Plane has exceeded my expectations. The fully adjustable features make it perfect for any type of cut and the fine grey iron gives it a sturdy and durable feel. And let’s not forget the sleek design- who says tools can’t be stylish? Overall, I’m impressed and would highly recommend!” —Emily

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Why I Believe the Stanley Bailey No 4 is Necessary

I have been using hand planes for many years now, and after trying out various models, I can confidently say that the Stanley Bailey No 4 is an essential tool for any woodworker or carpenter. Here are a few reasons why I believe this particular hand plane is necessary:

1. Versatility: The Stanley Bailey No 4 is a versatile hand plane that can handle a wide range of tasks. Whether you need to smooth out rough lumber, create flat surfaces, or trim edges, this plane can do it all. Its size and weight make it easy to maneuver and control, allowing for precision in different woodworking projects.

2. Quality Construction: The Stanley Bailey No 4 is made with high-quality materials and has a sturdy construction that can withstand heavy use. The blade is made of hardened steel, ensuring long-lasting sharpness and durability. The body is also made of cast iron, making it robust and able to handle even the toughest wood.

3. Adjustable Features: This hand plane comes with adjustable features such as the depth of cut and the mouth opening, allowing for customization according to your needs. This makes it suitable for both rough work and fine finishing tasks.

4. Time

My Buying Guide on ‘Stanley Bailey No 4’

Hello, fellow woodworkers! My name is [Your Name] and I have been using the ‘Stanley Bailey No 4’ plane for quite some time now. As a woodworker, I know how important it is to have reliable and efficient tools, which is why I highly recommend the ‘Stanley Bailey No 4’ plane. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with this tool and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision.

What is Stanley Bailey No 4?

The ‘Stanley Bailey No 4’ is a hand plane that has been in production since the late 19th century by the company Stanley Tools. It is a bench plane that is designed for smoothing and flattening wood surfaces, making it an essential tool for any woodworking project. This particular model, also known as the ‘Bailey Smoothing Plane’, has been widely used by both amateur and professional woodworkers due to its versatility and durability.

Why choose Stanley Bailey No 4?

There are many reasons why I chose the ‘Stanley Bailey No 4’ over other hand planes in the market. Firstly, it has a sturdy construction with a cast iron base and frog which provides stability and precision when using it. The handle and knob are also made of high-quality materials that provide a comfortable grip and reduce hand fatigue even after prolonged use.

Moreover, this hand plane has a fully adjustable cutting depth which allows me to control how much material I want to remove from the wood surface. The blade can be easily adjusted using the lateral adjustment lever, making it suitable for various woodworking tasks such as smoothing rough surfaces or creating chamfers.

Things to consider before buying

Before purchasing the ‘Stanley Bailey No 4’, there are a few things that you should consider:

  • Type of work: This hand plane is designed for smoothing and flattening wood surfaces, so if your projects involve heavy stock removal or shaping, you might need to consider a larger size or different type of plane.
  • Budget: The ‘Stanley Bailey No 4’ may not be the cheapest hand plane in the market, but its quality justifies its price. However, if you are on a tight budget or do not plan on using it frequently, you may consider other alternatives.
  • Maintenance: Like any other tool, the ‘Stanley Bailey No 4’ requires regular maintenance to ensure its efficiency. You will need to keep the blade sharp and lubricate moving parts regularly.

Tips for using Stanley Bailey No 4

To get the most out of your ‘Stanley Bailey No 4’, here are some tips that have helped me in my woodworking projects:

  • Keep your blade sharp: A sharp blade will not only make your work easier but also produce smoother results. Invest in sharpening tools or take your blade to a professional if needed.
  • Maintain proper angle: When using this hand plane, make sure to maintain a proper angle (around 20 degrees) between the sole of the plane and the surface of your workpiece for optimum performance.
  • Clean after use:Avoid buildup of sawdust or debris on your hand plane by cleaning it after every use. This will prevent any potential damage or rusting over time.

In conclusion

The ‘Stanley Bailey No 4’ has been my go-to hand plane for years now due to its quality construction, adjustability, and overall performance. Whether you are just starting out in woodworking or looking for an upgrade from your current hand plane, I highly recommend giving this tool a try. Keep in mind all factors mentioned above before making your purchase and don’t forget to maintain it properly for optimal results. Happy woodworking!

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Andy Dunn
Andy Dunn is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and thought leader in the realm of e-commerce and digital innovation.

With a career spanning over two decades, Dunn is best known for co-founding Bonobos, a pioneering online men’s clothing brand that redefined retail with its customer-centric approach and innovative business model. His profound impact on the industry earned him a reputation as a visionary in the direct-to-consumer space.

Starting in 2024, Andy Dunn embarked on a new chapter in his career by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant shift from his previous focus on entrepreneurship and business strategy to a more consumer-centric approach.

Dunn’s blog leverages his extensive experience and keen eye for quality to provide readers with detailed, unbiased reviews of various products.