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The Millers Falls 15 is a bit hard to find. It is supposed to be the same as a Stanley #5-1/2.
[attachment=2739]
Mine range from the #8, #9, #11 ( stanley 5-1/4) and a #14 ( Stanley #5) Block plane is a 1455 low angle.
[attachment=2740]
This #9 is from about the same time as your #15...aka Type 4.
[attachment=2741]
Rather a fancy handle...
Show me a picture, I'll build a project from that
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Yup, a #15 is the #5 1/2 size. I've seen 'em, but never found one in the wild. Its a fine plane, good for you.
Credo Elvem ipsum etiam vivere
Non impediti ratione cogitationis
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Congrats.
I will say: I've never figured out what niche the 5-1/2 and its cousins from other makers fits. There it sits, between the No. 5 and the No. 6, each of which is different enough from the other to fulfill different functions; but the 5-1/2 seems like a tweener.
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the #5 1/2 size was Stanley's response to the English "panel plane" and as such has a wider iron, heavier weight and mass. Shorter than the 6 and 7, it can be profitably used as a panel smoother. When preparing stock by hand, I scrub, then a #5, then either a 5 1/2 or 6, and if necessary, a 7 (if 6 is the choice, you might not need a 7). So, if you choose, you can use it to smooth larger stock as well. I like mine.
Credo Elvem ipsum etiam vivere
Non impediti ratione cogitationis
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Bill:
It's just a personal choice, I was using my 5 1/2 just today, it's my primary plane, after scrubbing and or hogging...
-- mos maiorum
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They can act as small jointers...
[attachment=2743]
Like when a board is too short for a #7 or #8
And..
[attachment=2744]
I use this Stanley #5-1/2, type 17 to flatten glued up panels. No camber. I have #5 sized ones for use with a camber...
Much lighter to use than a #6c I have....makes a difference when I plane a full afternoon. The #6 gets a bit heavy, after awhile....
Show me a picture, I'll build a project from that
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If I could post pictures,I'll post one that's pretty like yours Bandit. That's what caught my eye. I have a late model Record #05 1/2 . It's a heavy QualCast one. It was poorly made to boot, I had to remachine the frog beds. I can see it being pushed to the back of the shelf. A 2 1/4 " iron might be a better compromise.
A man of foolish pursuits
