Stanley Tools introduced 2 variety of metal planes to cover the work of match planes. I have one example of each of these.
The Stanley Nos. 48 & 49 planes are specially designed to simultaneously cut both tongues and grooves, streamlining the process of crafting tongue and groove joints for woodworking tasks. These planes boast an adjustable fence, allowing for customization of tongue and groove widths. Typically equipped with two cutters—one for the tongue and another for the groove—the plane is constructed from durable cast iron to deliver precise and clean cuts.
The plane is optimized to handle stock ranging from 3/4″ to 1 1/4″ thick, with the groove centered on 7/8″ stock. It features two distinct lever caps situated on either side of the main casting, each secured by its own knurled screw. It’s important to inspect these lever caps for damage as they can be somewhat delicate. Common wear and tear often occurs where the cap exerts pressure on the cutter.
Usually, the Stanley No. 48 plane comes with two 5/16″ wide cutters. Adjacent to these cutters is a rotating fence that can be flipped end-to-end around its midpoint. A locking pin on the main casting, positioned just below the knob, engages with the fence to secure it in place.
With the fence locked in one orientation, both cutters are exposed to cut the tongue. When the fence is flipped and secured in its alternative position, only one cutter is revealed to cut the groove. To form the tongue, simply adjust the fence to the desired width. After shaping the tongue on the workpiece, rotate the fence to cover one of the cutters, transforming the plane into a grooving tool. This ensures the groove cutter is perfectly positioned to create a matching groove.
- No. 48 – designed to work stock from 3/4″ to 1 1/4″ thick and centres its groove on stock 7/8″ thick.
- No. 49 – designed to work stock from 3/8″ to 3/4″ thick and centres its groove on stock 1/2″ thick.
My example is a No. 48 from the period shortly after 1900.
The Stanley Nos. 146, 147, and 148 planes are categorized as ‘Match, Tongue And Groove’ planes, also known as ‘Double End Match’ planes. They’re sometimes whimsically referred to as ‘Push-Me, Pull-Me’ planes.
These planes instantly capture attention, often leaving newcomers to woodworking both puzzled and fascinated.
These iron versions pay homage to the earlier wooden double-ended tongue and groove planes. They feature two opposing handles, or totes, at each end of the plane, with the cutting blades positioned between them. Similar wooden planes, primarily crafted by upstate New York artisans, undoubtedly influenced the design of these later models. The unique design allows users to push the plane to make one cut and then flip it end-for-end to perform the other cut. Essentially, one plane accomplishes the work typically done by two, making it akin to having two planes in one.
A skate-like section on the casting serves as a fence that runs the length of the plane. Positioned to either side and above this fence are the cutting blades—one for the groove and one for the tongue. Each blade is secured by a captive, pivoting lever cap that is activated by a thumb screw.
- No. 146 – cuts a groove 1/8″ wide, and centres it on stock 3/8″ thick.
- No. 147 – cuts a groove 3/16″ wide, and centres it on stock 5/8″ thick.
- No. 148 – cuts a groove 1/4″ wide, and centres it on stock 7/8″ thick.
My example is a No. 148 with a lot of the nickel plating gone – based on the patent date on it, it comes from the period 1905-1920.
