Review By: I.Ball
Category: Old Bullnose Planes
Manufacturer: Stanley
Plane Type: Bullnose
Model No: 90
The Stanley 90 bullnose plane is a comfortable plane to use which fits nicely in to your hand with its moulded
thumb and finger recesses. The Stanley 90 plane has an easily adjustable mouth.
A popular alternative is the
Record no. 077A
which is of a similar price.
The Stanley 90 plane is a small bull-nose plane designed to trim in
tight spaces. The finely adjustable low angled blade is positioned
very close to the end of the plane with only a short sole / toe in
front of the blade.
The Stanley 90 plane blade is a 1 inch (25mm) wide, shouldered, bevel edge
cutter. The top of the blade has a series of grooves to allow the blade adjuster to
locate with the blade. The blade sits in the plane with the bevel edge
side facing upwards.
The top section and front end of the plane can be removed transforming
the plane into a chisel plane leaving just the blade exposed, this allows
trimming into the corner of a stop rebate.
The plane can be used left or right handed and can be laid perfectly
flat and used on either of its sides to trim rebates, shoulder lines
and tenons. The mouths opening can be adjusted by loosening the large
screw at the top of the plane, sliding the top section to create the
required sized mouth and resecuring the screw.
The plane has curved areas on top of the plane and finger grip indents on the
plane sides offering added comfort and control.
When using the Stanley number 90 ensure the plane blade is kept very sharp and
the blade depth is set to an acceptable level. If the blade is too blunt or the
blade depth is set to an ambitious level then the likely outcome will be a juddering
plane action or the plane being completely halted due to the blade digging-in.
When using the chisel plane function the tool should be used a bit like a chisel
and as such you would want a really sharp blade. Basically, as with most tools,
keep the blade sharp for good results.
A little caution is needed when tightening and setting this plane as these planes
can be susceptible to cast damage.
The Stanley 90 plane was coated in a nickel plating. This plating is prone to
coming off through years of use, as such these planes are often found today with
partial plating cover or even no plating cover.
The plane amazingly has been manufactured since Victorian times (19th century).
The design still has a contemporary look and feel to it. It must have been a
design which really stood out in Victorian times.
The Stanley 90 bullnose plane does appear to have a little bit of a Marmite
effect ("you either love it or hate it") from my experience of feedback relating
to this tool.
This Stanley bullnose plane is used for trimming in tight spaces up to stopped ends, joints and in to corners.
Body and frog:
cast iron
Blade:
best steel
Plane finish:
nickel plated
Length:
4 inch
Width:
1 inch
<1898 - 2005>
On second hand Stanley 90 planes always check the mouth for any cracks or chips to corners. It is also a good idea to check the lever cap inside the plane as these can sometimes have cracks through them due to their light weight design (it is advised if you purchase a Stanley no. 90 bullnose plane not to over tighten the lever cap screw). Also check there is good life / length left in the blade and no pitting to blade face.
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