#605 1/2 hand plane blade size

[RBohn]

I am finding conflicting information.
2 1/4 v 2 3/8 

Which is it. If it is 2 1/4 where can I buy one?

Thanks

[ilikewoodinsc]

RBohn,

From "Patrick's Blood & Gore" by Patrick Leach at: http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan15.htm#num605.5

It depends on when the plane was made. From 1898-1935 the blade was 2 1/4". After that the blade was 2 3/8". The same is true for the Bailey 5 1/2. Blades 2 3/8" wide are used on several other Bailey and Bedrock places so are more common.

If you have the vintage that requires a 2 1/4" finding an original blade is difficult. I know, because I have a Bailey 5 1/2 that has a 2 1/4" blade. When I was at HandWorks 2023, I asked Patrick if he has any 2 1/4" blades. He said they are hard to find and he is holding on to the few he has.

Hock (now owned by Lee Valley) makes 2 1/4 inch blades. They are a bit thicker than the original Stanley blade but may fit without needing to modify the mouth of the plane.

Lake Erie Toolworks also makes a 2 1/4" blade. It too is a bit thicker than the original Stanley blade and may require modifying the mouth of the plane as well. These blades are very hard and may take longer to sharpen.

I hope this helps.

TonyC

[bandit571]

Hmmm..while rehabbing a Millers Falls No. 15 ( same size as a No. 5-1/2 Stanley)  it also used a 2-1/4" iron....and no, I am keeping it, too...

I suppose, IF need be...one could grind each edge of the 2-3/8" wide iron down a 1/16"..which would give the OP an iron that is 2-1/4" wide iron...

[ilikewoodinsc]

bandit571,

Yep, that option has also crossed my mind. I have considered carefully draw file each edge 1/16". I suspect extreme precision isn't necessary and draw filing would insure that the blade doesn't get too hot.

TonyC

[C. in Indy]

Here, a Dremel cut-off wheel might be a good friend,  if you mind the temperature to avoid "losing the temper".

The hardened part of the blade near the cutting end will not draw-file.   For a vintage iron, that's the last inch or so.  For a Hock blade, the whole thing is hardened.

A fun project for you, hopefully!    If nothing else, I'd advise looking hard at the cap-iron before spending too much time on the project.  Some cap-irons are out there, such as Millers Falls, which aren't compatible with the Stanley frog, in terms of the slot vs. the end form distance.

[tablesawtom]

Hock makes one in at least A2 and 01. They are sold by Lee Valley and start at about $42 for 01 and $52 for A2 or you can get them with new chip breakers together. You can also get just chip breakers. I personally like the 01 blades. They take an edge quite quickly. I  can't testify as to how well the 01 holds an edge, When I think I am working to hard I just re-hone the edge and go back to work. 

Tom

[RBohn]

RBohn,

From "Patrick's Blood & Gore" by Patrick Leach at: http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan15.htm#num605.5

It depends on when the plane was made. From 1898-1935 the blade was 2 1/4". After that the blade was 2 3/8". The same is true for the Bailey 5 1/2. Blades 2 3/8" wide are used on several other Bailey and Bedrock places so are more common.


 Based on a type study from Virginia Toolworks, it appears as if mine is a Type 7. 
Definitely 2 1/4.  2 3/8 will not fit.
Where would I find the AA trademark, I haven't found it. Blade is bent and cracked.
Type 7
One patent date behind the frog – “U.S. PAT. APR. 19. 10.”
Lever caps marked “STANLEY” only in the notched rectangular logo
Irons stamped with “AA” Trademark (1923-1935)
Thanks to all....


If you have the vintage that requires a 2 1/4" finding an original blade is difficult. I know, because I have a Bailey 5 1/2 that has a 2 1/4" blade. When I was at HandWorks 2023, I asked Patrick if he has any 2 1/4" blades. He said they are hard to find and he is holding on to the few he has.

Hock (now owned by Lee Valley) makes 2 1/4 inch blades. They are a bit thicker than the original Stanley blade but may fit without needing to modify the mouth of the plane.

Lake Erie Toolworks also makes a 2 1/4" blade. It too is a bit thicker than the original Stanley blade and may require modifying the mouth of the plane as well. These blades are very hard and may take longer to sharpen.

I hope this helps.

TonyC

[tablesawtom]

If yo want an original. contact me I am sure I have one. And the Hock blades fit without modifying the throat.

Tom

[RBohn]

If yo want an original. contact me I am sure I have one. And the Hock blades fit without modifying the throat.

Tom

Tom thanks for the offer.
I finally ordered a Hock from Lee Valley. I also ordered a Hock for my #4

Both of which you milled square for me some time ago and are still working flawlessly with shooting boards. 
Thanks
Ray

[tablesawtom]

You are welcome. And just out of curiosity which blade did you order, -1 or A2?

Tom