Stanley #2

[Ray Newman]

Colleagues: for some reason I am looking for a Stanley #2. Or other manufacturers' equivalent. But I really do not know much about older planes.

Have any idea where I might find one? I looked on Ebay and could not discern one #2 from the others. Ball park  price range these days? Realize that some rust/corrosion can becleaned up and knick in blade can be ground/sharpened out. But a flat sole, no corroions/rust on body, blade no deep knicks, rust, etc. are what I first look for.

Thanks for any information.

[OneStaple]

Are you looking for one to collect or use? Stanley #2 is somewhat of a collectors item (although not nearly as much as a #1), so prices will likely be higher than other sizes. I don't know enough to suggest an approximate range on prices.

If you're looking for one to use, I would guess that one from another manufacturer or a modern equivalent might be easier to find and/or cheaper.

Tyler

[Admiral]

They are in the collector territory, and examples in good condition are north of $250, and even the ones with issues are north of $200. It might be wise to consider the LN at $315.

[Ray Newman]

Colleagues: thanks for the respones. Never thought that the #2 plane is somehwat of a collector's item. 

What you said mirrors what three handtool woodworkers told me a few days ago. No need for a collector's piece, a "user" would do. Am "at that age" where medical maladies have me looking for ways of doing things easier. Sometimes swinging a #3 is very tiring. 

I checked the Lie-Nielssen web page and I am still one list to be notified when production resumes. I think a Lie-Nielsen #2 is the answer. Just need to be patient.

Again, thanks for your input. Appreciate you comments. Cheers and all the best in 2025

[Ridgeway]

Have you thought about a block plane with a turned knob?  That might function a lot like a #2 for a much better cost.  I have never used a #1 or #2, but my understanding is that the most people do not grip them like a standard smoother, because the tote is so small.

[ajkoontz]

Sounds like you're not that familiar with old planes so I'd steer clear of those. I believe you said you were going to wait on a LN #2, which is probably what I'd recommend. Just to give you another option that you can get right now, how about this one:

   

I don't own this one, but I own other LV planes and they are pretty sweet. I own a couple #2's but I don't use them. I'd go to a block plane if I wanted to go lower than a #3. This option will give you the feel of a hand plane in the size of a block plane.

[Ray Newman]

Ridgeway and AJKoontz: many thanks for the suggestions. Looked on line and Lee Valley has a low angle block plane and an add-on ball tail and front knob set for a very reasonable price. Thanks again for the ideas and information.

[EatenByLimestone]

What is it about the #3 that is tiring? Could a woodie or transitional remove the weight or pushing resistance if that is the issue?

[Ray Newman]

EatenByLimestone: possibly. But like many things now, medical issues interfere with what I am doing and how long I can do it.