Stanley No 60 1/2 Low Angle Block Plane Sweetheart Tuned

Description

P
icked this one up at an “Antique” mall back in the spring. I put Antique in quotes for a reason, it’s one of those that about 90% of the stuff in there isn’t antique at all, it’s arts and crafts and new pine furniture that some took a torch and a chain to to make it look distressed kind of store, with about 50 “Farmhouse” signs, and smell good candles. So imagine my surprise when all alone on a shelf I spied the silhouette of a block plane from about 20 feet away. Upon inspection I realized it was a really good block plane, a Sweetheart era Stanley 60 1/2. If you are looking at it, then you probably already know how handy these little boogers are. It’s in about the shape I found it. This one isn’t all shined up and restored; its original. 90 % plus original black japanning. There were a few small silver paint splatters on it and I might have missed a few. There are no breaks cracks chips or repairs to the body or lever cap. Very well taken care of. It has been tuned, as of course it should be. After all it has a purpose and it should be able to preform that purpose when asked. The sole has been lightly lapped and checked at the toe mouth and heel. The mouth is good with no chips cracks or alterations. This is one of the good ones with the larger iron seat. I believe they stopped making the large seats in the late 1940’s or early 1950’s, and went to the smaller “U” shaped seat. The near full length SW iron has been lapped flat on the back and then honed with a 10,000 grit Ohishi Water Stone, Scary Sharp and makes nice whispy shavings in black cherry with a finish as smooth as glass. The eccentric mouth moves freely. All the screws have been lightly oiled. The brass was not cleaned just oiled down. I tried to leave as much of it alone as I could, and only used 0000 steel wool and my linseed oil and bees wax potion to clean it. So if you like the original look but want one that works great here you go. If you have any questions feel free to ask.