10-14-2016, 08:55 AM
Just fixed up and sharpened an old Type 9 No. 6 Stanley that I picked up cheap a while back (I couldn't help myself). It cuts well. But what's a No. 6 good for? Has anyone here found it useful?
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No. 6 plane: What's it good for?
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10-14-2016, 09:32 AM
For a while, that was my go-to-size for jointing and flattening stuff that was less than case-sized but bigger than tiny box sized.
Also worked great on a shooting board, plenty of mass but not as big as a 7 or 8. I've since retired it to the traveling tool-kit where it serves as the jointer. Lighter weight than my 7 or 8 but still longer & wider than a 5. Did have a 5-1/2 for a while but never really got into that one.
Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things. -- G. Carlin
10-14-2016, 09:42 AM
It's just about my favorite plane. With that and a smoother and block plane I can do almost any planing that needs to be done around here.
10-14-2016, 09:51 AM
Quite useful. For smaller jointing tasks, as others have pointed out.
As noted, a smaller jointer and shooter; also very useful in flattening panels and rough stock. I start with a scrub, then #5, then #6 and if needed, not always needed, the #7. It got a bad rap from Blood and Gore.
P.S.: Because of Patrick's trashing of it on B&G, a #6 can be had for significantly less than a #7, and can do 80% of what a #7 can do.
Credo Elvem ipsum etiam vivere
Non impediti ratione cogitationis 
10-14-2016, 11:07 AM
My number six was the one that taught me just how good hand planes can be.
Because when I bought it, the PO had sharpened it correctly. Opened my eyes. I immediately made a shooting board. Have never looked back. Oh, and yes, I own a seven and eight too for larger stuff. 
Mark Singleton
Bene vivendo est optimum vindictae The Laws of Physics do not care about your Politics - Me
Having a #7 and a #8 I never missed a #6. In the opposite: I found this size rather needless. Then in 2015 I was lucky enough to win a #6 in a woodworker contest. What shall I say, I just love the plane and it's size! In fact it's one of my most used planes and one that I really enjoy to use. I call myself a moron for not trying this plane sooner.
Klaus 
10-14-2016, 01:13 PM
My #6 is my shooting plane. It's the perfect size and weight.
It's also good for handing to my daughter when she wants a long plane but is too tired to push the #7 around.
Steve S.
------------------------------------------------------ Tradition cannot be inherited, and if you want it you must obtain it by great labour. - T. S. Eliot Tutorials and Build-Alongs at The Literary Workshop
10-14-2016, 02:23 PM
Admiral sold me a #7, and it's a pleasure to use. I am joining (shooting in pairs) some plates for instruments, and it's a little awkward. I am probably going to get the #6 off the shelf and try shooting the plates with it. I remember doing this before with a #3 (probably), and the #7 made things a lot easier. Although I didn't have a special shooting board on the previous efforts, just built it this week.
It sounds like folks find a No. 6 useful for:
a. shooting (presumably with a straight iron). But I suppose the sides have to be pretty square for this. b. flattening and jointing on small-scale projects (with a slightly cambered iron?) c. travel kits Just fooling around with mine, making some shavings, this sounds about right. |
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