Stanley No. 140 Block Plane – The Premium Skew-Cut, Removable-Side Block & Rabbet Plane
1. Introduction
The Stanley No. 140 Block Plane is widely considered one of the most unique and capable specialty block planes Stanley ever produced. Featuring a skewed blade and a removable side plate, the No. 140 functions as both a block plane and a rabbet plane. It is exceptionally versatile for trimming and fitting. It is also useful for working into corners.
This combination of features allowed woodworkers to plane right up against vertical surfaces—something impossible with a standard block plane. Instrument makers, cabinetmakers, patternmakers, and fine joiners have long appreciated the 140 for its precision and flexibility.
This is a definitive guide to the Stanley No. 140 Block Plane, one of the most sophisticated block planes ever made.
2. History of the Stanley No. 140 Plane
Introduced around the turn of the 20th century, the No. 140 was Stanley’s most advanced block-plane design, targeted toward professional woodworkers who needed a tool capable of multiple tasks.
Historical Highlights
- Introduced circa 1898–1905
- Built with a skewed cutter for easier end-grain cutting
- Removable side plate enabled rabbet-plane functionality
- Manufactured until the mid–20th century
- More complex and expensive than standard block planes
- Favored by patternmakers, luthiers, and cabinetmakers
- Much rarer than the 9½, 60½, or 220
Its dual-purpose design inspired later premium tools, including Lie-Nielsen’s highly regarded 140 reproduction.
3. Manufacturer Background – Stanley Rule & Level / Stanley Works
Stanley’s block planes set the standard for woodworking tools in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While most block planes emphasized simplicity, the No. 140 showcased Stanley’s engineering capabilities by combining:
- A skewed cutting iron
- A removable side plate
- A wider body for stability
- Adjustable cutting depth
- Block-plane ergonomics
This made the No. 140 one of Stanley’s most refined and innovative tools—a standout in their premium specialty plane lineup.
4. Design and Features of the Stanley No. 140 Block Plane
The No. 140 is an advanced block plane with unique structural and functional elements.
Specifications
- Length: approx. 6 inches
- Iron width: approx. 1½ inches
- Body: cast iron with removable side plate
- Blade orientation: bevel-up
- Cutter style: skewed (~20°)
- Mouth: adjustable
- Weight: approx. 1½ lbs
Core Features
- Skewed cutting iron for smoother end-grain cutting
- Removable side plate, turning the plane into a rabbet plane
- Adjustable mouth for coarse-to-fine shavings
- Bevel-up cutter for easy sharpening
- Precision-machined sole and cheeks
- Combination block + rabbet plane capability
Advantages of the No. 140
- Perfect for trimming rabbets and shoulders
- Excellent for shooting small parts
- Ideal for cleaning up inside corners
- Cuts end grain smoothly due to skewed blade
- Much more versatile than standard block planes
Its hybrid design makes it a favorite among serious woodworkers and tool collectors.
5. Usage & Applications
The No. 140 excels in tasks requiring precision near edges and inside corners.
Ideal Uses
- Trimming and tuning rabbets
- Shooting end grain
- Fitting tenons, shoulders, and joints
- Smoothing into corners where standard planes cannot reach
- Precision tuning in cabinetry, joinery, and instrument making
- Patternmaking and shaping detailed curves
Woodworkers still value the No. 140 for tasks that normally require multiple specialized planes.
6. Restoration of a Stanley No. 140 Plane
Restoring a No. 140 requires care due to its removable side plate and skewed iron.
Typical Restoration Steps
- Disassemble the removable side plate, lever cap, iron, and adjusters
- Remove rust using Evapo-Rust or citric acid
- Lap the sole lightly (avoid removing too much material near the mouth)
- Sharpen the skewed iron at correct angle
- Clean and lubricate the mouth adjuster
- Preserve japanning and nickel plating whenever possible
- Ensure the side plate seats flush after cleaning
- Reassemble and test on end grain and edge grain
Optional Upgrades
- Replacement skewed irons from Hock, Veritas, or St. James Bay
- Polished removable side plate for smoother rabbet work
Restoration Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-flattening the removable side surface
- Losing the precise fit of the side plate
- Grinding the skewed blade at incorrect angle
- Over-tightening screws holding removable side
A finely restored No. 140 performs at a level few block planes can match.
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
The No. 140 is one of the most collectible block planes due to its rarity, complexity, and unique features.
Typical Value Range
- User-grade: $80–$150
- Good condition: $150–$250
- Sweetheart-era examples: $250–$350
- Excellent or boxed examples: $350–$600+
Value Factors
- Presence and condition of the removable side plate
- Skewed iron originality
- Japanning and plating condition
- Mouth-adjuster mechanism
- Early logos (e.g., SW logo)
- Completeness and lack of damage
Planes missing the removable side plate lose significant collector value.
8. Finding Manuals, Parts & Additional Resources
Documentation Sources
- Stanley type-study references
- VintageMachinery.org
- Blood & Gore block-plane listings
- Stanley catalog archives
- Stanley Collectors Club publications
Replacement Parts
- Hock Tools (skew irons)
- Veritas replacement skew irons
- St. James Bay Tool Co.
- Vintage plane part dealers
- Online collector forums
Finding an original removable side plate can be difficult—many were lost over time.
More Stanley Block Planes on Old Woodworking Tools
All Stanley Block Planes
- Stanley No. 9-1/4 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 9-1/2 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 9 3/4 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 15 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 15 1/2 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 16 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 17 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 18 Knuckle-Joint Block Plane
- Stanley No. 19 Block Plane
- Stanley No. S18 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 60-1/2 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 65-1/2 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 60 Low-Angle Block Plane
- Stanley No. 118 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 65 Low-Angle Block Plane
- Stanley No. 100 Squirrel-Tail Block Plane
- Stanley No. 100-1/2 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 101 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 102 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 110 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 103 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 120 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 130 Double End Block Plane
- Stanley No. 140 Skew Block Plane
- Stanley No. 203 Block Plane
- Stanley No. 220 Block Plane
9. Final Thoughts
The Stanley No. 140 Block Plane is one of Stanley’s most brilliant and advanced block plane designs. Its removable side plate and skewed cutter provide unmatched versatility. They excel in trimming rabbets, fitting joints, and working into tight corners. Equal parts precision tool and collector’s gem, the No. 140 remains sought after more than a century after its introduction.
For woodworkers, it offers unique capabilities not found in standard block planes. For collectors, it represents a pinnacle of Stanley’s engineering creativity.
A properly restored No. 140 is a joy to use—and a standout in any hand tool collection.
Quick Reference Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Stanley No. 140 Block Plane |
| Type | Skewed-blade, removable-side, rabbet/block plane hybrid |
| Manufacturer | Stanley Rule & Level / Stanley Works |
| Era | 1898–1960s |
| Length / Iron | ~6″ / ~1½″ (skewed) |
| Best Uses | Rabbets, shoulders, end grain, corners |
| Rarity | High (especially complete examples) |
| Typical Value | $80–$600+ |
| Restoration Difficulty | Moderate |
| Collectability | Very High |
SEO Keywords
Stanley 140, No. 140 block plane, skew cutter plane, rabbet block plane, removable side plate plane, Stanley woodworking tools, plane restoration, antique block planes