Each of these Stanley bench planes feature a cast-iron body with a steel blade (iron) that protrudes from the sole (bottom) of the plane.
Most of those shown in the photo are made in the USA during the so-called Stanley Sweetheart period (circa 1930’s). Stanley planes from that period are highly regarded for their quality, durability, and precision, and they have been essential tools in woodworking shops for generations. Most consider them better quality than the Stanley planes currently available.
Each size is designed to serve specific purposes in woodworking, from fine detail work to flattening large surfaces.
Stanley No. 1: The smallest of the bench planes, suitable for fine detail work and small surfaces. Ideal for precise smoothing and shaping. (5 ½” L x 1 ¼”W)
Stanley No. 2: Another small smoothing plane, offering similar features to the No. 1 but slightly larger. Suited for fine detail work and small surfaces. (7” L x 1 5/8”W)
Stanley No. 3: A smaller smoothing plane, ideal for general smoothing tasks on smaller workpieces. (8” L x 1 ¾”W)
Stanley No. 4: One of the most common sizes, the No. 4 is a versatile smoothing plane suitable for general-purpose smoothing, flattening, and final surfacing. (9” L x 2”W)
Stanley No. 4 1/2: Slightly larger than the No. 4, offering a balance between the versatility of the No. 4 and the additional surface coverage of larger planes. (10” L x 2 3/8”W)
Stanley No. 5: Known as the jack plane, it’s larger than the smoothing planes and used for preliminary flattening and smoothing of rough surfaces. (14” L x 2”W)
Stanley No. 5 1/2: Known as the jack plane, it’s wider and heavier than the No. 5 and good for preparing broad areas such as truing panels (15” L x 2 ¼”W)
Stanley No. 6: The fore plane or try plane, longer than the jack plane, used for rapid material removal and initial flattening. (18” L x 2 3/8”W)
Stanley No. 7: A jointer plane, longer than the fore plane, used for long straight edges and flattening larger surfaces. (22” L x 2 3/8”W)
Stanley No. 8: The largest in the series, another jointer plane, used for jointing edges and flattening large panels or tabletops. (24” L x 2 5/8”W)
Missing from the list is the Stanley No. 5 1/4 (11 ½”L x 1 ¾”W), a smaller jack plane than the No. 5 and which is often called the “junior jack plane” as it was used for manual training in school and easier to handle. I have been looking for one at an affordable price.
I also have ignored the corrugated sole versions (of which I have just a couple of sizes).