Stanley No. 130 Block Plane – The Reversible “Double End” Block Plane for Versatile Woodworking
1. Introduction
The Stanley No. 130 Block Plane is known as the “double-end” or “reversible” block plane. It is one of the most innovative designs in Stanley’s entire block plane lineup. Unlike standard block planes, the No. 130 can be used from either end of the body. This design allows the user to choose between a wide mouth (coarse cuts) or a tight mouth (fine cuts). The user can simply reverse the cutter and cap assembly to make the change.
Compact, clever, and surprisingly versatile, the No. 130 was popular with carpenters, patternmakers, and general woodworkers. They appreciated a single tool that could serve both coarse-cutting and fine-finishing purposes. Its simplicity and dual-purpose nature make it a distinctive and collectible block plane today.
This article covers the full history, design, use, restoration, and collector value of the Stanley No. 130 Block Plane.
Stanley No. 130 Planes for Sale on Ebay
2. History of the Stanley No. 130 Plane
Introduced near the turn of the 20th century, the No. 130 offered a unique solution to the limitations of fixed-mouth block planes. By designing a reversible plane body, Stanley gave users both a wide and a fine mouth without adding mechanical complexity.
Historical Highlights
- Debuted around 1898–1905
- Designed as a dual-purpose block plane with reversible orientation
- Extensively marketed to carpenters and general trades
- Manufactured through the mid-20th century
- Early versions featured more detailed machining and thicker castings
- Later versions appeared in Stanley’s lower-cost lines
The No. 130 stands out as one of Stanley’s most unusual but practical block plane designs.
3. Manufacturer Background – Stanley Rule & Level / Stanley Works
Founded in 1843, Stanley became the leader in woodworking tools. They produced high-end specialty planes. They also made simple, practical planes for jobsite work. The No. 130 falls into the latter category—but with a twist:
- No complex adjusters
- No fragile mechanisms
- Reversible layout for two cutting behaviors
- Durable one-piece cast body
- Affordable price point
Its design highlights Stanley’s willingness to innovate for working tradespeople who needed reliable, multi-purpose tools.
4. Design and Features of the Stanley No. 130 Block Plane
The No. 130 is defined by its reversible cutter and lever cap assembly, which allows use from either end.
Specifications
- Length: approx. 7 inches
- Iron width: approx. 1⅝ inches
- Weight: approx. 1¼ lbs
- Body: cast iron
- Adjustment: none (manual blade setting)
Core Features
- Reversible body design with two different mouth openings
- Wide mouth for coarse, heavy cuts
- Tight mouth for fine finishing cuts
- Bevel-down cutter held by a pivoting lever cap
- Finger grip recesses on the sides (on many models)
- Simple manual depth adjustment
- Two functional cutting positions (coarse and fine)
- No moving mechanical mouth mechanism
Advantages of the No. 130
- One plane performs the role of two block planes
- Very durable and jobsite-friendly
- Great for workers needing quick, simple adjustments
- Works well for both rough shaping and light smoothing
- No delicate adjusters to break
The 130 is a clever, purpose-built block plane for practical woodworking.
5. Usage & Applications
The No. 130 is valued for its versatility, especially in situations requiring rapid changes between coarse and fine work.
Ideal Uses
- Trimming and chamfering
- Smoothing small surfaces
- Fitting doors, drawers, and trim
- Light end-grain trimming
- General carpentry
- On-site “punch list” work
- Hobby and craft woodworking
By flipping the cutter assembly, the user immediately switches between a coarse-cutting wide mouth and a fine-trimming tight mouth. No screws or adjusters are required.
6. Restoration of a Stanley No. 130 Plane
Restoring a No. 130 is straightforward due to its simple, dual-end design.
Typical Restoration Steps
- Remove lever cap and cutter assembly
- Soak metal parts in Evapo-Rust or citric acid
- Clean or lightly lap the sole (minimal flattening needed)
- Sharpen the bevel-down iron to a fine, polished edge
- Oil or lubricate the lever-cap pivot
- Preserve the japanning whenever possible
- Reassemble and test both cutting orientations
Optional Upgrades
- Replacement iron from Hock or Veritas
- Polished sole for smoother operation
- Finger recess cleanup for improved grip
Restoration Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-flattening either mouth end
- Grinding away too much metal on the short iron
- Removing japanning unnecessarily
- Over-polishing and losing early casting marks
Properly restored, the No. 130 becomes a smooth, reliable “two-planes-in-one” shop tool.
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. 130 is popular among collectors due to its unique design and long manufacturing history.
Typical Value Range
- User-grade: $15–$30
- Good condition: $30–$55
- Early types: $55–$90
- Near-mint or boxed examples: $90–$150+
Value Factors
- Early casting details
- Lever-cap style and finish
- Japanning condition
- Blade logo (Sweetheart logos most desirable)
- Overall completeness and originality
Although common, early or pristine No. 130 planes are sought after by collectors.
8. Finding Manuals, Parts & Additional Resources
Documentation Sources
- Stanley type studies
- Blood & Gore reference pages
- Stanley collector groups
- Early Stanley catalogs
Replacement Parts
- Hock Tools, Veritas, St. James Bay replacement irons
- eBay and vintage sellers for original parts
- Collector forums for hard-to-find variations
Most parts are easy to source due to the plane’s long production span.
More Stanley Block Planes on Old Woodworking Tools
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- Stanley No. 101 Block Plane
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- 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. 130 Block Plane stands out as one of Stanley’s most practical and innovative block plane designs. Its reversible double-end configuration delivers both coarse and fine cutting capabilities without the complexity of adjustable mechanisms. The 130 is durable, clever, and surprisingly versatile. It remains a favorite among collectors and woodworkers. They appreciate simplicity paired with functional ingenuity.
A properly restored No. 130 serves as a useful addition to any workshop—and a fascinating piece of plane-making history.
Quick Reference Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Stanley No. 130 Block Plane |
| Type | Reversible “double-end” block plane |
| Manufacturer | Stanley Rule & Level / Stanley Works |
| Era | 1898–1960s |
| Length / Iron | ~7″ / ~1⅝″ |
| Best Uses | Coarse & fine trimming, carpentry, general woodworking |
| Rarity | Common (early types more collectible) |
| Typical Value | $15–$150+ |
| Restoration Difficulty | Very Easy |
| Collectability | Moderate–High for early examples |
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