Stanley No. 28 Transitional Short Jointer Plane

History, Identification, Features, Restoration & Collector Value

1. Introduction

The Stanley No. 28 Transitional Short Jointer Plane is the of Stanley’s commonly encountered transitional planes, designed specifically for edge jointing and truing long boards. Featuring a traditional wooden plane body combined with Stanley’s reliable Bailey-style depth and lateral adjustment system, the No. 28 represents the culmination of Stanley’s transitional plane development.

Often referred to as a short jointer rather than a full jointer, the No. 28 provided excellent straightening capability while remaining lighter and easier to handle than full cast-iron jointer planes. Today, it is highly regarded for both its performance and its place at the top of the transitional hierarchy.

2. History of the Stanley No. 28 Transitional Plane

Stanley introduced transitional planes in the early 1870s to bridge the gap between traditional wooden planes and emerging cast-iron bench planes. The No. 28 was developed to fill the role of a jointer-style plane, closely matching the length and function of wooden jointer planes long used by cabinetmakers and joiners.

Key historical highlights:

Introduced: Circa 1869
Production Period: Approximately 1869–1942
Purpose: Edge jointing and truing long stock
Market Role: Transitional alternative to metal jointer planes

The No. 28 appealed to craftsmen who wanted precise blade adjustment for jointing tasks without the fatigue associated with heavy cast-iron planes.

3. Manufacturer Background – Stanley Rule & Level Company

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

Transitional planes such as the No. 28 were critical to Stanley’s long-term success, offering a familiar wooden-plane experience enhanced by modern mechanical control.

4. Design and Features of the Stanley No. 28 Transitional Short Jointer Plane

The Stanley No. 28 is the longest transitional plane commonly produced by Stanley, offering excellent reference length 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, making it well suited for precise jointing work.

Typical Dimensions

Length: ~18 inches
Iron Width: ~2-3/8 inches
Weight: Substantially lighter than cast-iron jointer planes

5. Usage and Applications

The Stanley No. 28 Transitional Short Jointer Plane was designed for precision edge work and stock truing.

Common applications include:

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

Many modern hand-tool woodworkers prefer long transitional planes for jointing due to their excellent balance and reduced fatigue.

6. Identification Tips

Authentic Stanley No. 28 Transitional Short Jointer Planes can be identified by:

“STANLEY” stamped cutter
Very long wooden body with mounted metal frog
Bailey-style depth and lateral adjusters
Proportions consistent with a jointer-style plane
Original beechwood body and intact adjustment hardware

Earlier examples typically feature heavier irons and higher-quality fittings, while later models may show simplified construction.

7. Restoration of the Stanley No. 28 Transitional Plane

Due to its length, restoring a No. 28 requires care but is very achievable.

Typical Restoration Steps

Remove iron, chipbreaker, and adjustment hardware
Clean and de-rust metal components
Carefully flatten the long wooden sole using 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 precise jointing cuts
Reassemble and test on long boards

Restoration Tip: Check for twist or bow along the full length of the sole before final flattening.

8. Collectability and Value Today

The Stanley No. 28 Transitional Short Jointer Plane is moderately collectible and sought after due to its size and usefulness.

Typical Value Ranges

User condition: $90–$150
Clean, original condition: $150–$275
Excellent examples: $300+

Value is influenced by:

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

Because of its size and lower production volume, the No. 28 is less commonly encountered than smaller transitional planes.

9. Finding Parts, Documentation, and Resources

Helpful 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.

Most No. 28 planes can be restored using original or period-correct components.

10. Final Thoughts

The Stanley No. 28 Transitional Short Jointer Plane represents the pinnacle of Stanley’s transitional plane design. Long, stable, and precise, it delivers excellent jointing performance with the comfort and balance of a wooden-bodied plane.

For collectors, traditional woodworkers, and historians, the No. 28 stands as a fitting conclusion to Stanley’s transitional era — a tool that perfectly blends tradition, innovation, and practical performance.

Quick Reference Summary

Category	Details
Manufacturer	Stanley Rule & Level Company
Model	No. 28 Transitional Short Jointer Plane
Production Era	c. 1872–1943
Body Material	Beechwood
Adjustment System	Bailey-style
Typical Length	~24 inches
Restoration Difficulty	Moderate
Collectability	Moderate to High
Modern Usefulness	Excellent

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