Stanley No. 5 Bench Plane – The Legendary Jack Plane for Every Woodworking Shop
1. Introduction
The Stanley No. 5 Bench Plane, commonly known as the Jack Plane, is one of the most essential and versatile hand tools ever made. Positioned between the smoothing planes (No. 3, No. 4) and jointer planes (No. 7, No. 8), the No. 5 excels at stock removal, flattening, edge-jointing, and even finish smoothing when finely tuned.
At 14 inches long with a 2-inch iron, the No. 5 is the all-purpose workhorse of the Stanley Bailey line. It is the most widely used bench plane in both vintage and modern workshops—and a favorite among woodworkers, restorers, and collectors.
2. History of the Stanley No. 5 Plane
Introduced in the 1860s, the Stanley No. 5 was one of the earliest Bailey-pattern planes produced after Stanley acquired Leonard Bailey’s patents. It quickly became the standard jack plane for carpenters and cabinetmakers.
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Historical Highlights
- Produced continuously from the Bailey era (1869+) through the 2000s
- Quality peaked in the 1900–1935 Golden Age
- Early models have thick rosewood totes and knobs
- Post-WWII versions used beech, then plastic handles
- Later 20th-century planes received simplified machining
Because the No. 5 was a staple of nearly every workshop, production numbers were extremely high—making it abundant today, but still highly valued in early or pristine condition.
3. Manufacturer Background – Stanley Rule & Level / Stanley Works
Stanley, founded in 1843, became the global leader in hand-plane manufacturing. The No. 5 embodies the success of the Bailey system, featuring:
- Adjustable frog
- Lateral adjustment lever
- Depth adjustment wheel
- Chipbreaker + cap iron assembly
- Cast-iron body
- Brass hardware
- Hardwood tote and knob
The No. 5’s reputation for reliability and versatility made it the standard jack plane for more than 100 years.
4. Design and Features of the Stanley No. 5 Bench Plane
The No. 5 is engineered as a multi-purpose plane capable of rough work, truing, and smoothing.
Specifications
- Length: 14 inches
- Iron width: 2 inches
- Weight: approx. 4¾ lbs
- Materials: cast iron, brass, rosewood/beech handles
Key Features
- Robust Bailey frog adjustment system
- Wide stance for stability
- Comfortable full-size tote
- Lateral adjustment lever
- Precision-machined sole and cheeks
- Low or tall knob depending on era
- Chipbreaker and cap iron for tear-out control
Why the No. 5 Is So Popular
- Excellent stock-removal capabilities
- Long enough for edge jointing small to medium boards
- Short enough for practicality and control
- Works as a fore plane, truing plane, or smoother
- Ideal size for beginners and professionals
Many woodworkers call the No. 5 the single best plane to own.
Type Study & Identification Guide
The No. 5 follows Stanley’s standard Type 1–20 Bailey Type Study.
Early Types (1–7)
- Three-line patent dates
- No frog adjustment screw on earliest models
- “Bailey” cast in toe
- Thick rosewood handles
- Highly collectible
Middle Types (8–15)
- Improved frog receiver
- Lateral lever refinements
- Low knob → tall knob transition
- Classic pre-war machining
Later Types (16–20)
- Beech or plastic handles
- Orange-background lever caps
- Post-WWII cost-reduced machining
- Still excellent user tools
The best balance of usability and collector interest typically lies in Types 6–15.
5. Usage & Applications
The Stanley No. 5 is the most versatile bench plane ever created.
Common Uses
- General stock removal
- Flattening and truing boards
- Preparing rough lumber
- Jointing smaller boards
- Smoothing when set with a fine mouth
- Shooting board work
- Hogging off material with a cambered iron
Because the No. 5 can be tuned for rough, medium, or fine work, many woodworkers keep multiple No. 5 planes sharpened differently.
6. Restoration of a Stanley No. 5 Plane
The No. 5 is one of the easiest planes to restore, making it a perfect starting point for vintage tool enthusiasts.
Typical Restoration Steps
- Complete disassembly
- Rust removal (Evapo-Rust, citric acid, electrolysis)
- Sole flattening using granite or plate glass
- Frog tuning for solid contact
- Sharpening the iron (often with a cambered edge)
- Chipbreaker tuning for tear-out reduction
- Handle repair and refinishing
- Lubrication and reassembly
Restoration Mistakes to Avoid
- Removing original japanning
- Over-lapping the sole
- Excessive polishing
- Replacing rosewood handles without cause
A properly restored No. 5 is capable of performance equal to premium modern planes.
Tools & Supplies for Old Plane Restoration
These are some of the most used tools for restoring old woodworking tools.
Rust Remover
Abrasive Pads
Brass Brushes
WD-40
Paste Wax
Steel wool
Equivalent Supplies on Amazon
7. Collectability & Value
Because the Stanley No. 5 was produced in large numbers, most examples are affordable. However, early types and pristine pre-war planes are collectible.
Typical Value Range
- User-grade: $35–$60
- Good pre-war examples: $60–$120
- Early types: $125–$250
- Rare or boxed versions: $250–$400+
Value Factors
- Type number
- Handle material (rosewood preferred)
- Japanning percentage
- Condition of iron and cap iron
- Completeness and originality
The No. 5 remains one of the best values in vintage woodworking tools.
8. Finding Manuals, Parts & Resources
Documentation Sources
- Stanley Type Study charts
- VintageMachinery.org
- Stanley collectors’ publications
- Original Stanley catalogs
Replacement Parts
- Hock Tools
- Lee Valley / Veritas
- St. James Bay Tool Co.
- eBay & collector forums
Because the No. 5 was so common, parts are extremely easy to source.
9. Final Thoughts
The Stanley No. 5 Bench Plane is the definitive jack plane in woodworking history. Its perfect balance of length, weight, and versatility makes it indispensable for flattening, truing, jointing, and smoothing. Whether you are a collector, restorer, or active woodworker, the Stanley No. 5 is an essential plane that belongs in every workshop.
A well-restored vintage No. 5 delivers exceptional performance and represents more than a century of hand-tool craftsmanship and engineering excellence.
Quick Reference Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Stanley No. 5 Jack Plane |
| Manufacturer | Stanley Rule & Level / Stanley Works |
| Era | 1860s–2000s |
| Length / Iron | 14″ / 2″ |
| Best Uses | Stock removal, truing, jointing, smoothing |
| Rarity | Common (early types rare) |
| Typical Value | $35–$250+ |
| Restoration Difficulty | Easy |
| Collectability | High for early types; excellent user tool |
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