Stanley 1-12-220 Plane Review By: I.Ball
Category: Block Planes
Extra Info: What is a Block Plane? Block Plane Videos
Manufacturer: Stanley
Plane Type: Block
Model No: 220 / 1-12-220
The new Stanley 220 Plane review covers the latest adjustable Stanley
220 Block Plane which Stanley also refers to and advertises as the new
Stanley 12-220 or 1-12-220 Block Plane.
If you are looking for info / review on the old versions of this plane,
see the
Old Stanley 220 Plane review.
The Stanley 220 block plane has a long uninterupted history with Stanley
making the first 220 plane over 125 years ago.
125+ years of feedback from woodworkers gives great confidence the tool design
does the job.
The 220 has received a modern revamp which has seen a wooden front knob change
to a fixed built-in metal knob, the lever cap change from a hollow hood to a solid
hood and the blade adjuster mechanism change.
The plane is comfortable in the hand with the curved lever cap and body curves.
The blade lays on top of the cutter adjuster which offers lateral blade adjustments
and depth of cut adjustments, this allows quick and easy blade positioning.
The lateral blade adjustment feature is an advantage and additional feature over
older, earlier Stanley 220 block planes which only had depth of cut adjustment.
Spare / replacement blades for the 220 are readily available and no doubt will be
for many years to come.
I am aware of reports on the internet of some Stanley planes needing some fine tuning
however once tuned they are good solid planes. The plane I looked at was flat and
sharp.
The plane finish is a little cruder than older versions but for the price this can
maybe overlooked.
The new Stanley 220 is a good value for money block plane that is great if you are on
a budget, looking for an entry level block plane, if you are a DIY'er or carpenter
looking for a workhorse.
If you know you will be using a block plane a lot and you can afford the extra, I personally would pay the relatively small amount extra for the Stanley 9 1/2 / 1-12-020 or if you can afford the steeper price then one of the Veritas block planes.
* Important: please refer to the 'disclaimer' at the foot of this review.
* Wearing safety clothing and eye protection is usually a good idea to help protect against injury.
- The blade(s)/cutter(s) is very sharp, take suitable precautions when using/handling/storing
the plane/cutter(s) to prevent injury.
- Failure to loosen parts when making adjustments to the plane can result in damage
to the plane such as cross-threading screw threads. Never force a part to move.
- Overtightening parts can cause damage to the plane and the plane threads.
Body:
fine grey cast iron
Lever cap:
fine grey cast iron
Blade adjuster knob:
brass
Knob:
built-in metal
Plane finish:
black
Construction Origin:
?
The new Stanley 220 block plane is similar to the
new Stanley 9 1/2 / 5-12-020 block plane
with the core differences being the Stanley 9 1/2 / 5-12-020 has an ajustable mouth whereas
the Stanley 220 has a fixed mouth.
There is a difference in the front knobs with the 220 having a fixed moulded front knob and
the 9 1/2 / 5-12-020 having a metal front knob.
The final difference is the Stanley 9 1/2 / 5-12-020 has side wall depressions, originally
called the "Hand-Y" feature, whereas the 220 has flat sides.
<1999 - Today
For info on older 220 block plane versions see the Old Stanley 220 Plane review.
....
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- Stanley Tools Inc.
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safety notices / cautions and similar notices as the manufacturer's instructions
may contain important information on safety, personal safety and the good health of your tool,
something to which this review's scope does not guarantee to extend to.
(ii) This review may give warning(s) / advisory notes / cautions / guidelines given
in good faith however any such information should not be solely relied upon and should not be seen
as the exhaustive list of warnings / advisory notes / cautions / guidelines.
Refer to disclaimer note (i) for information on safety, as well as the
good health of your tool.
In addition refer to good safety practices for the safety of you and others. Refer to good practices
for the good health of your tool and property.
(iii) The details here are given in good faith, there is scope for error and shouldn't
be fully relied upon, please be aware the details may also become out of date due to manufacturer
changes to the product, please confirm any details for yourself by performing additional
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