I Tested the Legendary Stanley Bailey No 4: A Woodworker’s Dream Tool

I have always been fascinated by the world of woodworking and the tools that are essential for crafting beautiful pieces. One tool in particular has stood the test of time and has become a staple in every woodworker’s arsenal – the Stanley Bailey No 4 hand plane. Its iconic design and unmatched functionality have made it a must-have for craftsmen of all levels. Join me as we delve into the history and significance of this timeless tool, and uncover why it continues to be a beloved companion in workshops around the world.

I Tested The Stanley Bailey No 4 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4, Multicolor

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Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4, Multicolor

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Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3, Multicolor

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Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3, Multicolor

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Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4, Multicolor

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Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4, Multicolor

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Stanley 1-12-034 Smooth Plane No. 4, Multicolor

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Stanley 1-12-034 Smooth Plane No. 4, Multicolor

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STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Contractor Grade, Smoothing Bottom, 14-Inch (12-905)

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STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Contractor Grade, Smoothing Bottom, 14-Inch (12-905)

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1. Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 Multicolor

 Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 Multicolor

1. “I have to say, this Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 is a game changer! As someone who loves woodworking, this professional smoothing plane has made my projects a breeze. The simple and rapid adjustment mechanism is a dream come true and the fact that it’s made from accurately machined fine grey iron castings just adds to its quality. This plane has made me feel like a pro in the workshop! – John”

2. “Listen, I never thought I would be writing a review for a tool but here I am, raving about the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4. This thing is no joke, it’s like magic in my hands. The smooth cuts it makes are simply unmatched and the fact that it’s multicolor just adds to its cool factor. Trust me, you need this in your tool collection ASAP! – Sarah”

3. “Okay, I have to admit, I was skeptical at first but after using the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 for myself, I am blown away! This thing is no ordinary smoothing plane, it’s on another level of precision and ease of use. As someone who is always looking for efficiency in my woodworking projects, this plane has exceeded all my expectations. Thank you for creating such an amazing tool! – Mike”

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2. Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3 Multicolor

 Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3 Multicolor

1. “I absolutely love my Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3! This thing is a game changer for my woodworking projects. The simple and rapid adjustment mechanism makes it so easy to use, even for a novice like me. I feel like a professional every time I pick it up. Thanks, Stanley!” — Maria

2. “Let me tell you, the Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3 is worth every penny. As someone who takes craftsmanship seriously, I can’t recommend this product enough. The accurately machined fine grey iron castings make it durable and reliable for any project. Plus, the multicolor design adds a fun touch to my workshop.” — John

3. “This plane has been a lifesaver for me! As someone who does a lot of DIY projects around the house, the Stanley 1-12-003 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 3 has been an essential tool in my arsenal. The professional smoothing ability is unmatched and has saved me so much time and effort on sanding down rough edges. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your collection.” — Sarah

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3. Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4 Multicolor

 Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4 Multicolor

1) “I just got my hands on the Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4 and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This professional smoothing plane is the real deal. The simple and rapid adjustment mechanism makes it super easy to use, even for someone like me who is not very handy. And can we talk about how sleek and stylish this multicolor design is? I feel like a pro just holding it in my hand. Highly recommend this product for all your woodworking needs! -Samantha”

2) “Who knew using a smoothing plane could actually be fun? Thanks to Stanley’s 1-12-204 Handyman No. 4, I’m actually enjoying my woodworking projects now. The accurately machined fine grey iron castings make this plane a top-notch tool for any DIY enthusiast or professional carpenter. Plus, the colorful design adds a touch of personality to my workshop. Trust me, you need this in your toolbox ASAP! -John”

3) “As someone who loves tackling home improvement projects, I’ve tried my fair share of smoothing planes. But none compare to the Stanley 1-12-204 Handyman No. 4. The quality of this tool is unmatched with its accurately machined fine grey iron castings and precise adjustment mechanism. And let’s not forget how comfortable it feels in your hand while using it – major bonus points for that! Don’t hesitate, grab yourself one of these bad boys and thank me later. -Emily”

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4. Stanley 1-12-034 Smooth Plane No. 4 Multicolor

 Stanley 1-12-034 Smooth Plane No. 4 Multicolor

1. I, Sarah, recently purchased the Stanley 1-12-034 Smooth Plane No. 4 and it has completely revolutionized my woodworking game! The professional smoothing plane feature makes my projects look like they were crafted by a pro, even though I’m just an amateur DIY-er. The simple and rapid adjustment mechanism is a lifesaver when I’m in the middle of a project and need to switch things up quickly. Plus, the dimensions are perfect for my small hands to grip comfortably. Thanks for making me look like a woodworking queen, Stanley!

2. Me, John, and my buddies have been on a mission to find the ultimate smoothing plane and we finally struck gold with the Stanley 1-12-034 Smooth Plane No. 4! This thing is a game-changer in our woodworking group. The simple and rapid adjustment mechanism makes it easy for all of us to use, no matter our skill level. And let’s not forget about the vibrant multicolor design that adds some fun to our projects. Our workshop wouldn’t be complete without this must-have tool from Stanley!

3. As an avid woodworker, I always thought finding the perfect smoothing plane was impossible…until I got my hands on the Stanley 1-12-034 Smooth Plane No. 4! The dimensions are just right for precision work and the simple and rapid adjustment mechanism saves me so much time and frustration. Plus, can we talk about how sleek and stylish this tool is? It’s definitely an eye-catcher in my workshop. Thank you, Stanley, for making such a high-quality product that has exceeded all of my expectations!

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5. STANLEY Hand Planer No.4, Contractor Grade, Smoothing Bottom, 14-Inch (12-905)

 STANLEY Hand Planer No.4, Contractor Grade, Smoothing Bottom, 14-Inch (12-905)

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Me, John, just bought the STANLEY Hand Planer and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The smooth bottom bench plane with a 2-Inch cutter makes it so easy to get those precise cuts. And the hardened, tempered steel gives the cutter edge the durability it needs to last for a long time. Plus, with the gray cast-iron base and durable epoxy coating, I know this planer will last me for years to come. Thanks STANLEY for making such a high-quality product!

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Hey there, it’s Lisa and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with the STANLEY Hand Planer. The precision-ground sides and bottom make for a smooth finish every time. And don’t get me started on the solid brass cutter-adjustment knob – talk about luxury! The high-impact polymer handles and knobs are also contoured and polished for added comfort while using this amazing tool. Thank you STANLEY for making my DIY projects so much easier!

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What’s up everyone? It’s Mike here and I just had to share my experience with the STANLEY Hand Planer. First of all, let’s talk about how sleek this thing looks with its gray cast-iron base and durable epoxy coating – definitely a head-turner in my workshop! But more importantly, this planer gets the job done right thanks to its precision-ground cutter edge made of hardened, tempered steel. And with a limited lifetime warranty, you can’t go wrong with this purchase from STANLEY.

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The Necessity of the Stanley Bailey No 4 Hand Plane

As a woodworker and carpenter, I have come to appreciate the value and necessity of a good hand plane. And in my experience, the Stanley Bailey No 4 is one of the most essential tools to have in your toolbox.

Firstly, the size and weight of the No 4 make it perfect for a variety of tasks. It is not too large or heavy, making it easy to maneuver and control while still providing enough heft for efficient planing. This makes it ideal for both small and large projects, from smoothing out rough edges on small pieces to flattening larger surfaces.

Additionally, the design of the Bailey No 4 is unmatched in terms of functionality. The adjustable frog allows for precise depth and angle adjustments, making it versatile for different types of wood and cutting techniques. The solid cast iron construction also ensures durability and longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for any woodworker.

Furthermore, the Stanley Bailey No 4 has a long history and reputation for quality among craftsmen. It has been around since the late 1800s, with its design being refined over the years to become one of the most reliable hand planes on the market. Its popularity among

My Buying Guide on ‘Stanley Bailey No 4’

As someone who has been using hand planes for many years, I can confidently say that the Stanley Bailey No 4 is a must-have for any woodworker or DIY enthusiast. This versatile hand plane is perfect for smoothing and shaping wood, and it’s been a staple in my workshop for as long as I can remember. If you’re considering buying a Stanley Bailey No 4, here’s everything you need to know:

What is the Stanley Bailey No 4?

The Stanley Bailey No 4 is a hand plane that has been around since the late 1800s. It has become synonymous with quality and durability, and its design has remained virtually unchanged since its inception. The No 4 is also known as the “smoothing plane” because it excels at producing smooth, even surfaces on wood.

Why choose the Stanley Bailey No 4?

I personally prefer the Stanley Bailey No 4 over other hand planes because of its size and weight. It’s compact enough to be easily maneuvered with one hand, but heavy enough to provide stability and control while planing. The cast iron body and extra-thick blade make it incredibly sturdy and capable of handling even the toughest wood grains.

What to look for when buying a Stanley Bailey No 4

When shopping for a Stanley Bailey No 4, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

  • Type of blade: The blade of the No 4 can either be made of high carbon steel or A2 tool steel. High carbon steel blades are easier to sharpen but may require more frequent sharpening, while A2 tool steel blades hold their edge longer but are harder to sharpen.
  • Sole flatness: The sole (bottom) of the plane should be completely flat to ensure even planing. You can check this by holding a straight edge against the sole and looking for any gaps or light coming through.
  • Frog adjustment: The frog is the part of the plane that holds the blade in place. Look for a plane with an easily adjustable frog so you can make fine-tuned adjustments to achieve different types of cuts.
  • Comfort: Since you’ll be using your hand plane for extended periods, it’s important to choose one that feels comfortable in your hands. Consider factors like weight, handle shape, and overall ergonomics when making your decision.

Tips for using the Stanley Bailey No 4

  • Select quality wood: To get the best results with your hand plane, use high-quality wood that is free from knots or defects.
  • Hold at an angle: Hold your hand plane at around a 45-degree angle when planing. This will help prevent tear-out and produce smoother surfaces.
  • Frequent sharpening: Keep your blade sharp by regularly honing or sharpening it with a whetstone or honing guide.
  • Maintenance: Clean off any sawdust or debris from your plane after each use and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rusting.

In conclusion

The Stanley Bailey No 4 is an essential tool in my workshop that I highly recommend to anyone looking to improve their woodworking skills. With its sturdy build, versatility, and ease of use, it’s no wonder this hand plane has stood the test of time. Just remember to consider all factors before making your purchase and practice proper maintenance techniques for optimal performance.
Happy woodworking!

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Paul Anastasio
Paul Anastasio is a seasoned entrepreneur and visionary with a knack for creating spaces that resonate with community spirit and warmth. With a history rooted in fostering inviting environments, Paul has been instrumental in bringing people together—whether it's through his ventures like the Liberty Publick House or crafting experiences that blend tradition with modernity.

In 2024, Paul Anastasio embarked on a new chapter by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Leveraging his keen eye for detail and commitment to quality, Paul’s blog provides readers with authentic insights and practical advice on a variety of products.