Stanley No. 113 Circular Plane – The Essential Flexible-Sole Plane for Curved Work, Patternmaking & Fine Furniture Building

1. Introduction

The Stanley No. 113 Circular Plane—often called the Compass Plane—is one of Stanley’s most ingenious specialty planes. It is designed specifically for shaping concave and convex curves. Its defining feature is a flexible, adjustable steel sole. A handwheel mechanism controls it. This allows the plane to conform to a wide range of radii.

Cabinetmakers, patternmakers, instrument builders, and furniture makers relied on the No. 113 for tasks impossible with standard bench planes. These tasks include shaping curved panels, circular moldings, chair parts, boat interiors, and ornate architectural work.

This article is a complete guide to the Stanley No. 113 Circular Plane, including history, design features, restoration, and collector value.

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2. History of the Stanley No. 113 Plane

The No. 113 was introduced during a period when Stanley was aggressively innovating specialty planes for professional trades. It replaced a previous version, the Stanley No. 13 Compass Plane, that was designed by a Stanley Rule & Level Co. employee, Leonard Bailey.

Historical Highlights

• First produced around 1877–1880
• Manufactured from 1877 to 1942
• Designed as Stanley’s flagship flexible-sole compass plane
• Revised through several generations with improved mechanisms
• A favorite among patternmakers, boat builders, and furniture craftsmen
• Produced well into the 20th century
• Later versions included redesigned adjuster wheels and reinforced soles

The 113 became one of Stanley’s most enduring specialty tools. It solved a universal woodworking problem. This tool allowed woodworkers to make smooth curves accurately and efficiently. This tool allowed woodworkers to make smooth curves accurately and efficiently.

More information about the history of the Stanley 113 can be found in this booklet by Jeff Warner. Unfortunately, it seems that the vendor in England doesn’t ship to the U.S.
Stanley Rule & Level Co. No.113, History and Study of the Compass Plane by Jeff Warner

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3. Manufacturer Background – Stanley Rule & Level / Stanley Works

Founded in 1843, Stanley became the world’s leading manufacturer of woodworking planes. The No. 113 exemplifies Stanley’s commitment to specialized, trade-specific tools.

Stanley Engineering Qualities Seen in the No. 113

• Complex but durable flexible-sole mechanism
• Precision machining on the steel sole
• Adjustable radius system for shaping curves
• Strong cast-iron frame
• Compatibility with Bailey-style irons

The No. 113 remains one of the most mechanically interesting planes in Stanley’s entire catalog.

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4. Design and Features of the Stanley No. 113 Circular Plane

The 113 is engineered specifically for shaping curved surfaces, both concave and convex.

Specifications

• Length: approx. 10 inches long prior to 1936. 10¼ inches long from 1936 forward.
• Iron width: approx. 1¾ inches
• Blade orientation: bevel-down
• Body: cast iron frame with flexible steel sole
• Adjustment: front and rear flexing mechanisms
• Finish: japanned with some nickel plated parts

Core Features

• Flexible steel sole that forms concave or convex shapes
• Front & rear adjustment wheels to change radius
• Early types had a had a side wheel for cutter adjustment.
• Curved front knob for precise control of the sole curvature adjustment
• Bailey-style depth-adjustment mechanism
• Cast-iron frame with steel ribs for durability
• Bevel-down cutter, same as many bench planes

Why the No. 113 Is Special

• Can smooth or shape curved forms with accuracy
• Ideal for radiused work that cannot be done with flat planes
• Adjustable for a wide range of curve tightness
• Far more efficient than rasps, spokeshaves, or sanding alone
  

Its flexible-sole mechanism is a mechanical masterpiece.

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5. Usage & Applications

The No. 113 is indispensable for curved woodworking tasks.

Ideal Uses

• Shaping concave or convex surfaces
• Refining curved furniture components
• Sculpting architectural moldings
• Patternmaking
• Boat building and curved interior panels
• Musical instrument creation
• Chair and rockers construction

Because the sole conforms to the work, the plane leaves a smooth, controlled surface that matches the desired radius.

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6. Restoration of a Stanley No. 113 Circular Plane

Due to its complex mechanism, the 113 requires careful restoration.

Typical Restoration Steps

1. Disassemble sole adjusters, knobs, lever cap, and iron
2. Remove rust using Evapo-Rust or a mild citric acid bath
3. Clean flexible sole segments—ensure smooth movement
4. Sharpen the iron to a polished edge
5. Lubricate front and rear radius adjusters
6. Preserve japanning on the frame whenever possible
7. Reassemble and adjust the sole to ensure even curvature

Optional Upgrades

• Hock or Veritas blades
• Polished edges on the flexible sole for smoother travel
• New brass adjuster wheels (collector-approved replacements)

Restoration Mistakes to Avoid

• Do NOT over-clean or bend the flexible sole
• Never grind the sole sections—they must remain tension-balanced
• Avoid stripping japanning unless absolutely necessary
• Do not force radius adjusters while rusted

When fully restored, the 113 is remarkably effective—even by modern standards.

Enjoy this Michael Jenks Video About the Stanley 113 Compass Plane

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7. Collectability & Value

Because of its complexity and mechanical charm, the No. 113 is extremely popular among collectors.

Typical Value Range

• User-grade: $75–$140
• Good condition: $140–$225
• Sweetheart-era: $225–$325
• Excellent examples: $325–$450+

Value Factors

• Smooth functioning of flexible sole
• Japanning condition
• Iron logo and originality
• Early winding-shaft variations
• Cracks or repairs to cast frame (major value drop)

Early models and Sweetheart-marked irons are the most sought after.

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8. Finding Manuals, Parts & Additional Resources

Stanley No. 133 Compass Plane Parts for Sale on Ebay

Documentation Sources

• Stanley type studies
• VintageMachinery.org
• Blood & Gore “Circular & Compass Planes” section
• Early Stanley catalogs
• Stanley Collectors Club publications

Replacement Parts

• Hock Plane Blades at Woodcraft
• Lee Valley Tools sells Veritas Blades for Stanley/Record Planes
• eBay and collector forums for adjuster hardware
• Reproduction flexible soles available from niche toolmakers
• Stanley No. 133 Compass Plane Parts for Sale on Ebay

Because of its complexity, original parts remain in high demand.

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9. Additional Information

• Stanley Rule & Level Co. No.113, History and Study of the Compass Plane by Jeff Warner

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10. Final Thoughts

The Stanley No. 113 Circular Plane stands as one of Stanley’s greatest inventions—a tool purpose-built for shaping curves with precision and efficiency. It is indispensable due to its flexible sole. The curved sole settings enhance its versatility. The adjustable mechanism makes it valuable for patternmakers, boat builders, fine furniture makers, and instrument builders.

For collectors, the No. 113 is a mechanical showpiece. For woodworkers, it remains a highly capable tool that modern manufacturers continue to emulate.

A properly restored No. 113 is both a pleasure to use and a beautiful example of Stanley’s engineering genius.

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Quick Reference Summary

Category	Details
Model	Stanley No. 113 Circular Plane
Manufacturer	Stanley Rule & Level / Stanley Works
Era	1877–Mid 20th Century
Length / Iron	~10″ / ~1¾″
Key Feature	Adjustable flexible sole for curved work
Best Uses	Concave & convex shaping, patternmaking
Rarity	Moderate–High
Typical Value	$75–$450+
Restoration Difficulty	Moderate–High
Collectability	Very High among specialty plane collectors

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Stanley No. 113 Compass Plane Photos

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