Stanley No. 31 Transitional Jointer Plane

History, Identification, Features, Restoration & Collector Value

1. Introduction

The Stanley No. 31 Transitional Jointer Plane is among the largest and most specialized planes in Stanley’s transitional lineup. Designed for precision edge jointing and truing very long stock, the No. 31 combines a traditional wooden plane body with Stanley’s dependable Bailey-style depth and lateral adjustment system.

Intended for professional cabinetmakers, joiners, and millwork shops, the No. 31 offered exceptional reference length while remaining lighter and more forgiving than massive cast-iron jointer planes. Today, it stands as a rare and impressive example of Stanley’s transitional-era engineering.

2. History of the Stanley No. 31 Transitional Plane

Stanley introduced transitional planes in the early 1870s to bridge the gap between centuries-old wooden planes and emerging cast-iron bench planes. The No. 31 was developed as an oversize jointer-plane equivalent, exceeding the No. 29 in length and intended for demanding jointing work.

Key historical highlights:

Introduced: Circa 1872
Production Period: Approximately 1872–1943
Purpose: Precision edge jointing and truing extra-long boards
Market Role: Transitional alternative to large metal jointer planes

Because of its size and specialized purpose, the No. 31 was produced in smaller numbers than most transitional planes.

3. Manufacturer Background – Stanley Rule & Level Company

Founded in 1843, the Stanley Rule & Level Company became the dominant American hand-tool manufacturer after acquiring Leonard Bailey’s plane patents. Stanley’s standardized adjustment mechanisms improved accuracy and ease of use across all plane sizes.

Large transitional planes like the No. 31 demonstrate Stanley’s willingness to apply modern mechanical precision even to the largest traditional wooden-plane formats.

4. Design and Features of the Stanley No. 31 Transitional Jointer Plane

The Stanley No. 31 is an extra-long transitional jointer, offering exceptional straight-edge reference for jointing operations.

Key Design Features

Beechwood body with very long, flat sole and square cheeks
Bailey-pattern frog assembly securely mounted to the wood body
Wide steel cutter (iron) with chipbreaker
Brass depth-adjustment knob
Lateral adjustment lever
Large rear tote-style handle for controlled two-handed use

The wooden body glides smoothly along board edges and absorbs vibration, improving control during extended jointing sessions.

Typical Dimensions

Length: ~22 inches
Iron Width: ~2 3/8 inches
Weight: Significantly lighter than comparable cast-iron jointer planes

5. Usage and Applications

The Stanley No. 31 Transitional Jointer Plane was designed for high-accuracy jointing and truing work.

Common applications include:

Jointing edges for wide panel glue-ups
Truing long boards, doors, and tabletops
Straightening stock after fore-planing
Preparing lumber for final smoothing
Traditional jointer-plane work in hand-tool shops

For woodworkers who rely on hand tools, the No. 31 offers exceptional straightness with reduced fatigue.

6. Identification Tips

Authentic Stanley No. 31 Transitional Jointer Planes can be identified by:

“STANLEY” stamped cutter
Exceptionally long wooden body with mounted metal frog
Bailey-style depth and lateral adjustment mechanisms
Jointer-plane proportions exceeding the No. 29 in length
Original beechwood body and intact adjustment hardware

Earlier examples typically feature heavier irons and higher-quality fittings, while later examples may reflect simplified production.

7. Restoration of the Stanley No. 31 Transitional Plane

Restoring a No. 31 requires care due to its length but is mechanically straightforward.

Typical Restoration Steps

Remove iron, chipbreaker, and adjustment hardware
Clean and de-rust metal components
Carefully flatten the full-length wooden sole on a verified flat reference surface
Clean and lubricate all adjustment mechanisms
Repair minor cracks or checks in the wood body if present
Sharpen the iron for fine jointing cuts
Reassemble and test on long boards

Restoration Tip: Always check for twist or bow along the entire sole before final flattening.

8. Collectability and Value Today

The Stanley No. 31 Transitional Jointer Plane is highly collectible due to its size, rarity, and specialized function.

Typical Value Ranges

User condition: $175–$275
Clean, original condition: $275–$450
Exceptional examples: $500+

Value is influenced by:

Straightness and condition of the wooden body
Original iron and chipbreaker
Completeness of adjustment hardware
Absence of cracks, warping, or major repairs

Because of its large size and limited production, the No. 31 is rarely encountered on the market.

9. Finding Parts, Documentation, and Resources

Recommended resources include:

Stanley transitional plane type studies
Original Stanley catalogs and advertisements
VintageMachinery.org archives
Stanley Tool Collector Club publications
Replacement parts suppliers:
- Hock Tools
- Lee Valley
- St. James Bay Tool Co.

Original parts are preferred, though sourcing replacements may require patience due to the plane’s size.

10. Final Thoughts

The Stanley No. 31 Transitional Jointer Plane represents one of the largest and most impressive tools of Stanley’s transitional era. Combining extraordinary length with precise Bailey-style adjustment, it delivers jointer-level accuracy with the warmth and balance of a wooden-bodied plane.

For collectors, historians, and serious hand-tool woodworkers, the No. 31 stands as a rare and highly desirable example of Stanley’s transitional ingenuity.

Quick Reference Summary

Category	Details
Manufacturer	Stanley Rule & Level Company
Model	No. 31 Transitional Jointer Plane
Production Era	c. 1872–1943
Body Material	Beechwood
Adjustment System	Bailey-style
Typical Length	~28–30 inches
Restoration Difficulty	Moderate
Collectability	High
Modern Usefulness	Excellent

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