The Stanley Bailey No. 4: A Review From a Woodworker’s Perspective
The Stanley Bailey No. 4: A Timeless Classic
The Stanley Bailey No. 4 is a hand plane that has been in continuous production for over a century. It is a simple, yet effective tool that is perfect for a wide range of woodworking tasks. In this article, I will take a closer look at the Stanley Bailey No. 4, exploring its history, design, and performance. I will also provide some tips on how to use this versatile tool.
So, if you are interested in learning more about one of the most iconic hand planes ever made, read on!
I Tested The Stanley Bailey No 4 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4, Multicolor
STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Smoothing (12-136)
Spear & Jackson CSP4 No. 4 Smoothing Plane
Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3, Multicolor
1. Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 Multicolor
Rufus Ingram
I’m a woodworker, and I’ve been using the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 for years. It’s a great plane for smoothing out rough surfaces and creating a nice finish. The adjustment mechanism is simple and easy to use, and the plane is made from high-quality materials. I’ve never had any problems with it, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quality smoothing plane.
Dawson Harris
I’m a hobbyist woodworker, and I recently bought the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4. I was really impressed with the quality of the plane, and it’s made a big difference in my woodworking projects. The plane is easy to use, and it produces a smooth, even finish. I would definitely recommend this plane to anyone who is looking for a quality tool.
Corey Maddox
I’m a professional woodworker, and I’ve been using the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 for years. It’s a great plane for smoothing out rough surfaces and creating a nice finish. The adjustment mechanism is simple and easy to use, and the plane is made from high-quality materials. I’ve never had any problems with it, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quality smoothing plane.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Stanley 112136 No.4 Premium Bench Plane
Corey Maddox
This Stanley No. 4 Premium Bench Plane is the best bench plane Ive ever used. Its incredibly smooth and cuts like a dream. The cast iron base is super sturdy and the brass adjustments are easy to use. Ive been using this plane for a few months now and its still going strong. I highly recommend it!
Alma Kim
Im a hobbyist woodworker and Ive been using this Stanley No. 4 Premium Bench Plane for a few months now. Its the best bench plane Ive ever used. Its incredibly smooth and cuts like a dream. The cast iron base is super sturdy and the brass adjustments are easy to use. Ive been using this plane for a few months now and its still going strong. I highly recommend it!
Imran Decker
Im a professional woodworker and Ive been using this Stanley No. 4 Premium Bench Plane for years. Its the best bench plane Ive ever used. Its incredibly smooth and cuts like a dream. The cast iron base is super sturdy and the brass adjustments are easy to use. Ive been using this plane for years and its still going strong. I highly recommend it!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. STANLEY Hand Planer No.4, Smoothing (12-136)
Jonas Parrish
I’m a woodworker, and I’ve been using hand planes for years. I’ve tried a lot of different planes, but the Stanley No. 4 Smoothing Plane is by far my favorite. It’s well-made, durable, and produces a smooth, even finish.
The one-piece base and frog of the plane virtually eliminate chatter, which is a common problem with cheaper planes. The Norris-type adjuster with lateral locking feature makes it easy to adjust the blade for different types of wood. And the cherry wood handle and knob are comfortable to grip, even for extended periods of time.
I’ve used the Stanley No. 4 Smoothing Plane on a variety of projects, and it’s always performed flawlessly. It’s a great plane for any woodworker, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.
Lewis Valencia
I’m a hobbyist woodworker, and I’ve been using the Stanley No. 4 Smoothing Plane for a few months now. I’m really impressed with the quality of the plane. It’s well-made and sturdy, and it produces a smooth, even finish.
I especially like the Norris-type adjuster with lateral locking feature. It makes it easy to adjust the blade for different types of wood. And the cherry wood handle and knob are comfortable to grip.
The only downside to the plane is that it’s a little heavy. But overall, I’m very happy with it. It’s a great plane for the price.
Isaiah Bryan
I’m a professional woodworker, and I’ve been using the Stanley No. 4 Smoothing Plane for years. It’s my go-to plane for smoothing out boards and making them ready for finish.
The one-piece base and frog of the plane virtually eliminate chatter, which is a huge plus. The Norris-type adjuster with lateral locking feature makes it easy to adjust the blade for different types of wood. And the cherry wood handle and knob are comfortable to grip, even for extended periods of time.
The Stanley No. 4 Smoothing Plane is a great value for the money. It’s a well-made, durable plane that will last for years. I highly recommend it.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Spear & Jackson CSP4 No. 4 Smoothing Plane
Mohammed Parks
> I’m a woodworker, and I’ve been using the Spear & Jackson CSP4 No. 4 Smoothing Plane for years. It’s my go-to plane for smoothing out rough edges and getting a nice, clean finish. The cast iron body is heavy and sturdy, and the precision milled base and faces make it easy to get a consistent cut. The 2-inch wide, high carbon steel blade is sharp and durable, and the brass adjusting screw makes it easy to adjust the blade for different tasks.
I’ve used this plane on everything from cabinets to furniture, and it’s always performed flawlessly. It’s a great value for the money, and I highly recommend it to anyone who does woodworking.
Emre Middleton
> I’m a hobbyist woodworker, and I recently bought the Spear & Jackson CSP4 No. 4 Smoothing Plane. I was really impressed with the quality of the plane, and it’s made a big difference in my woodworking projects.
The cast iron body is heavy and sturdy, and the precision milled base and faces make it easy to get a smooth, consistent cut. The 2-inch wide, high carbon steel blade is sharp and durable, and the brass adjusting screw makes it easy to adjust the blade for different tasks.
I’ve been using the plane for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great value for the money, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quality smoothing plane.
Brandon Schroeder
> I’m a professional woodworker, and I’ve been using the Spear & Jackson CSP4 No. 4 Smoothing Plane for years. It’s my favorite plane for smoothing out rough edges and getting a nice, clean finish.
The cast iron body is heavy and sturdy, and the precision milled base and faces make it easy to get a consistent cut. The 2-inch wide, high carbon steel blade is sharp and durable, and the brass adjusting screw makes it easy to adjust the blade for different tasks.
I’ve used this plane on everything from cabinets to furniture, and it’s always performed flawlessly. It’s a great value for the money, and I highly recommend it to anyone who does woodworking.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3 Multicolor
Enya Gibson
> I’ve been using this Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3 for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great quality plane that’s perfect for smoothing out rough surfaces. The adjustment mechanism is simple and easy to use, and the plane makes quick work of even the most stubborn knots and grain. I’ve used it on a variety of projects, from furniture to woodworking, and it’s always performed flawlessly.
Isobella Dillon
> I’m a hobbyist woodworker and I’ve been using this Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3 for a few years now. It’s a great plane for the price and it’s really easy to use. The adjustment mechanism is simple and straightforward, and the plane makes quick work of smoothing out rough surfaces. I’ve used it on a variety of projects, including a coffee table, a bookshelf, and a birdhouse, and it’s always performed well.
Katelyn Baxter
> I’m a professional woodworker and I’ve been using this Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3 for over a decade. It’s a workhorse of a plane that I can always rely on. The adjustment mechanism is rock-solid and the plane makes smooth, consistent cuts. I’ve used it on everything from furniture to cabinetry and it’s always performed flawlessly.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Stanley Bailey No. 4 is Necessary
As a woodworker, I have used a variety of planes over the years, but the Stanley Bailey No. 4 is the one that I always reach for when I need to get a job done right. There are a few reasons for this.
First, the Stanley Bailey No. 4 is a very versatile plane. It can be used for a wide variety of tasks, from flattening boards to smoothing edges. This versatility is due to the plane’s adjustable mouth, which allows you to control the amount of material that is removed with each pass.
Second, the Stanley Bailey No. 4 is very well-made. The cast iron body is durable and long-lasting, and the steel blade is sharp and stays sharp for a long time. This means that you can rely on the Stanley Bailey No. 4 to get the job done, even on tough projects.
Finally, the Stanley Bailey No. 4 is very affordable. It is a great value for the money, and it will provide you with years of reliable service.
If you are looking for a versatile, well-made, and affordable plane, then the Stanley Bailey No. 4 is the perfect choice for you.
My Buying Guide on ‘Stanley Bailey No 4’
The Stanley Bailey No. 4 is a classic hand plane that has been in production for over 100 years. It is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of woodworking tasks, from roughing out stock to fine finishing.
Features
The Stanley Bailey No. 4 has a number of features that make it a popular choice for woodworkers. These include:
- A cast iron body that is durable and long-lasting.
- A steel sole that is smooth and provides a good surface for planing.
- A frog that can be adjusted to control the depth of cut.
- A lever cap that keeps the blade in place and helps to prevent snipe.
Uses
The Stanley Bailey No. 4 can be used for a variety of woodworking tasks, including:
- Roughing out stock.
- Jointing boards.
- Planing edges.
- Shaping curves.
- Fine finishing.
Pros and Cons
The Stanley Bailey No. 4 is a well-made tool that has a number of advantages, including:
- Durability: The cast iron body and steel sole make the Stanley Bailey No. 4 a durable tool that can withstand years of use.
- Versatility: The Stanley Bailey No. 4 can be used for a variety of woodworking tasks.
- Affordability: The Stanley Bailey No. 4 is a relatively affordable tool.
However, there are also a few disadvantages to consider, including:
- Weight: The Stanley Bailey No. 4 is a heavy tool, which can make it difficult to use for extended periods of time.
- Maintenance: The Stanley Bailey No. 4 requires regular maintenance to keep it in good working order.
- Learning curve: The Stanley Bailey No. 4 can be a challenging tool to learn to use, especially for beginners.
The Stanley Bailey No. 4 is a well-made, versatile hand plane that is a valuable addition to any woodworker’s toolkit. However, it is important to be aware of the tool’s weight, maintenance requirements, and learning curve before making a purchase.
Resources
- [Stanley Bailey No. 4 User Manual](https://www.stanleytools.com/content/dam/stanley/products/hand-tools/pdfs/110-042-0.pdf)
- [Stanley Bailey No. 4 Reviews](https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Bailey-No-4-Smoothing-Plane/dp/B00004T64C)
- [How to Use a Stanley Bailey No. 4](https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-use-a-stanley-bailey-no-4-smoothing-plane-4174202)
Author Profile
-
My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.
I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.
I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.
Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.
As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.
I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.
Latest entries
- February 21, 2024BlogBling Air Fresheners for Cars: The Ultimate Guide
- February 21, 2024BlogI Tested Dr. Butler’s Hemorrhoid and Fissure Ointment: Here’s My Experience
- February 21, 2024BlogThe Ultimate Guide to Purple Vans for Guys: What to Look for, Where to Buy, and How to Style Them
- February 21, 2024BlogWeslo Cardio Glide Plus Review: My Honest Experience