Stanley 46 Review By: I.Ball
Category: Old Multi Planes
Manufacturer: Stanley
Plane Type: Multi
Model No: 46
The Stanley 46 plane is a multi-plane designed to carry out the function
of numerous different planes with just this one plane including being
able to use the plane left-handed or right-handed.
The Stanley 46 plane is very similar to the popular
Stanley 45 multi plane
with the main difference being the Stanley 46 is equipped with
a skewed mouth and a corresponding set of skewed blades.
The skewed cutters give a superb fine cut both with and against the grain.
The Stanley 46 plane was sold with the following skew cutters:
- Fillister
- Tonguing Tool
- Plough / Dado - 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 5/8", 7/8" and 1 1/4"
The Stanley 46 plane is made of three main sections:
- Body
- Sliding Section
- Fence / Guide
The body is the central part of the plane to which everything is connected including
the housing of the chosen plane blade. The body of the plane has an intricate floral
pattern and is fitted with a Rosewood rear handle and Rosewood front knob.
The sliding section which sits between the body and the fence, is used to support
the wider plane blades in order to help prevent chatter.
The sliding section can
be adjusted if required by sliding it along the arms and locking it in position
with the thumb screws. This may require moving the fence first if the fence is
positioned close to the sliding section.
The fence is used to guide the plane along at an equal distance from the edge of the piece
of wood being planed.
The fence can be adjusted by releasing the thumb screws and
sliding the fence along the arms / rods until at the required distance, the thumb
screws are then tightened to lock the fence in position.
The fence is held on two arms / rods which helps to keep the fence / plane stable
when planing. Towards each end of the fence the eye holes are set with one on top of
each other, this allows the fence to be positioned in a higher or lower position.
The metal parts of the plane were coated in a nickel plating which gave the plane
a bright finish as well as protecting the plane from rust.
This nickel plating is
prone to coming off the Stanley 46 planes after years of use so given the age of
these planes it is quite common to find these planes with some nickel plate loss.
The plane is also equipped with a depth stop to assist with setting the depth of
cut required as well as being fitted with spurs for cross grain work and a slitting
tool for slitting up work.
Note: it is important the skew cutters keep the correct profile when sharpened to
ensure the plane makes the best cut.
Body:
cast iron
Sliding Section:
cast iron
Fence:
cast iron
Blade:
best steel
Handle and knob:
rosewood
Plane finish:
black japanning
"Stanley Rule & Level Co, Pat MCH.11.84" - found on the skate.
Body:
cast iron
Sliding Section:
cast iron
Fence:
cast iron with a rosewood runner
Blade:
best steel
Handle and knob:
rosewood
Plane finish:
nickel plated
Length:
10 inch
Weight:
2.49 kg (5 1/2 lbs)
"No 46, Stanley" - found on the sliding section.
<1879 - 1934>
....
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