Stanley No. 22 Transitional Smoothing Plane

History, Identification, Features, Restoration & Collector Value

1. Introduction

The Stanley No. 22 Transitional Smoothing Plane is one of the most recognized and widely used transitional planes produced by the Stanley Rule & Level Company. Designed to perform fine smoothing operations, the No. 22 combines a traditional wooden plane body with Stanley’s proven Bailey-style depth and lateral adjustment system.

Positioned between smaller transitional smoothers and larger bench planes, the No. 22 offered cabinetmakers and furniture builders a familiar wooden-plane feel with the precision control of metal adjustments. Today, it remains a popular choice for collectors, restorers, and traditional woodworkers.

2. History of the Stanley No. 22 Transitional Plane

Stanley introduced transitional planes in the early 1870s, at a time when craftsmen were gradually moving away from fully wooden planes but had not yet fully embraced cast-iron tools. The No. 22 was developed as a dedicated smoothing plane that mirrored the size and function of traditional wooden smoothers.

Key historical highlights:

Introduced: Circa 1867
Production Period: Approximately 1867–1943
Purpose: Fine smoothing and surface preparation
Market Role: Transitional alternative to metal smoothing planes

The No. 22 proved especially popular due to its balance, manageable size, and excellent surface finish.

3. Manufacturer Background – Stanley Rule & Level Company

Founded in 1843, the Stanley Rule & Level Company transformed woodworking through mass production and innovation. After acquiring Leonard Bailey’s plane patents, Stanley standardized blade adjustment systems that remain in use today.

Transitional planes such as the No. 22 played a crucial role in Stanley’s dominance by easing woodworkers into modern mechanical designs without abandoning traditional woodworking techniques.

4. Design and Features of the Stanley No. 22 Transitional Smoothing Plane

The Stanley No. 22 is larger than the No. 21 but smaller and lighter than jack-sized transitional planes, making it ideal for smoothing duties.

Key Design Features

Beechwood body with flat, true sole
Bailey-pattern frog assembly secured to the wooden body
Steel cutter (iron) with chipbreaker
Brass depth-adjustment knob
Lateral adjustment lever
Rear tote-style handle (varies slightly by era)
Frame: Cast Iron
Beechwood Handle and Knob with lacquer finish
Finish: Japanned frame and lacquered wood handle and knob

The wooden body absorbs vibration and allows the plane to glide smoothly across difficult grain.

Typical Dimensions

Length: ~8 inches
Iron Width: ~1¾ inches
Weight: Lighter than cast-iron smoothing planes

5. Usage and Applications

The Stanley No. 22 Transitional Plane was intended for finish smoothing and fine stock preparation.

Common applications include:

Final smoothing before finishing
Removing plane tracks and milling marks
Preparing panels and tabletops
Fine cabinet and furniture work
General bench smoothing tasks

Many woodworkers still prefer transitional smoothing planes for their tactile feedback and reduced fatigue during extended use.

6. Identification Tips

Collectors can identify an authentic Stanley No. 22 Transitional Plane by the following traits:

“STANLEY” stamped cutter
Wooden body with mounted metal frog
Bailey-style depth and lateral adjusters
Proper size consistent with smoothing plane proportions
Original beechwood body and intact hardware

Earlier planes typically feature thicker irons and sharper machining, while later examples may show simplified fittings.

7. Restoration of the Stanley No. 22 Transitional Plane

The No. 22 is among the easiest Stanley planes to restore.

Typical Restoration Steps

Remove iron, chipbreaker, and adjustment hardware
Clean and de-rust metal components
Lightly flatten the wooden sole on a reference surface
Clean and lubricate adjustment mechanisms
Repair minor cracks or checks in the wood body if necessary
Sharpen the iron for fine smoothing cuts
Reassemble and test on hardwood

Restoration Tip: Avoid aggressive sanding of the wooden body to preserve original dimensions and patina.

8. Collectability and Value Today

The Stanley No. 22 Transitional Smoothing Plane is widely collected and remains very affordable.

Typical Value Ranges

User condition: $40–$70
Clean, original condition: $75–$150
Excellent examples: $175+

Value depends on:

Condition of the wood body
Original iron and chipbreaker
Completeness of adjustment hardware
Lack of cracks or structural repairs

Because of its usability and availability, the No. 22 is often recommended as a first transitional plane for new collectors.

9. Finding Parts, Documentation, and Resources

Recommended resources include:

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

Original parts are common, and most planes can be restored using period-correct components.

10. Final Thoughts

The Stanley No. 22 Transitional Smoothing Plane perfectly illustrates Stanley’s ability to blend tradition with innovation. Comfortable in the hand, precise in use, and rich in history, it remains both a practical woodworking tool and a meaningful collector’s piece.

For anyone interested in transitional planes or classic Stanley tools, the No. 22 is an essential and rewarding model to own.

Quick Reference Summary

Category	Details
Manufacturer	Stanley Rule & Level Company
Model	No. 22 Transitional Smoothing Plane
Production Era	c. 1872–1943
Body Material	Beechwood
Adjustment System	Bailey-style
Typical Length	~12 inches
Restoration Difficulty	Easy
Collectability	Moderate
Modern Usefulness	Excellent

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