Stanley No. 4 Bench Plane – The Most Popular Smoothing Plane in Woodworking History
1. Introduction
The Stanley No. 4 Bench Plane is the most widely used and best-known hand plane in woodworking history. For more than a century, cabinetmakers, carpenters, luthiers, and professional woodworkers relied on the No. 4 as their primary smoothing plane. Its balanced size, comfortable feel, finely adjustable frog, and versatile cutting action make it a cornerstone of the Stanley Bailey plane lineup.
Measuring 9 inches long with a 2-inch iron, the Stanley No. 4 is perfectly suited for final smoothing, leveling surfaces, and producing the glass-like finish that hand-tool woodworkers value. Today, vintage No. 4 planes remain abundant, affordable, highly functional, and prized for their superior pre-WWII craftsmanship.
This guide covers the complete history, design, identification, restoration, and collector value of the legendary Stanley No. 4 Bench Plane.
2. History of the Stanley No. 4 Plane
Introduced in the 1860s, the No. 4 has been produced in enormous quantities and remains the most common—and most useful—smoothing plane Stanley ever made. Through more than 100 years of production, the No. 4 saw improvements in machining, materials, and ergonomics.
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Historical Highlights
- Debuted shortly after Stanley adopted Bailey’s patented designs
- Manufactured continuously through every major type (1–20)
- Reached peak quality during the 1890–1935 “Golden Age”
- Post-WWII models saw cost-cutting in machining and materials
- Later versions (1960s–2000s) moved to plastic handles and simplified casting
- Still widely used by woodworkers and restorers worldwide
The No. 4’s popularity means examples exist across every era—from ultra-collectible early types to high-quality pre-war models to modern production versions.
3. Manufacturer Background – Stanley Rule & Level / Stanley Works
Stanley, founded in 1843, became the global standard for woodworking hand planes. Through the Bailey patents, precision machining, and large-scale manufacturing, Stanley dominated the tool market for more than a century.
The No. 4 exemplifies the success of the Bailey system. It features:
- The classic Bailey depth adjustment mechanism
- A full lateral adjustment lever
- A solid cast-iron body
- Brass hardware and rosewood handles (early models)
- A narrow mouth ideal for fine shavings
It is often described as the “go-to smoother” for traditional woodworking.
4. Design and Features of the Stanley No. 4 Bench Plane
The No. 4 is engineered for precision smoothing and final surface preparation.
Specifications
- Length: approx. 9 inches
- Iron width: 2 inches
- Weight: approx. 3¾ lbs
- Materials: cast iron body, brass depth knob, rosewood or beech handles
Key Features
- Bailey-style adjustable frog
- Lateral adjustment lever
- Chipbreaker and cap iron assembly
- Precision-ground sole and cheeks
- Comfortable tote for extended use
- Low knob (pre-1930s) or tall knob (post-1930s) depending on era
Why Woodworkers Love the No. 4
- Perfect size for smoothing
- Easy to control
- Ideal for figured hardwood
- Widely available and affordable
- Performs exceptionally well when properly tuned
Many hand-tool enthusiasts consider the No. 4 the single most important bench plane to own.
Type Study & Identification Guide
As part of the Bailey lineup, the No. 4 follows the standard Stanley Type Study (Types 1–20).
Early Types (1–7)
- Three patent dates on the bed
- Small, low knob
- Thick rosewood handles
- No frog rib on the earliest versions
- Rare and highly collectible
Middle Types (8–15)
- Full lateral lever
- Improved frog receiver
- More refined handles
- “Sweet spot” for collectors and users alike
Later Types (16–20)
- Hardwood or plastic handles
- Orange-background “STANLEY” lever cap
- Thinner castings
- Less desirable to collectors
- Still excellent user planes
Most woodworkers prefer Types 6–15 for their combination of quality and availability.
5. Usage & Applications
The Stanley No. 4 excels at producing smooth, even surfaces.
Common Uses
- Final smoothing before finish
- Removing plane marks after jointing
- Flattening small to medium boards
- Working difficult or figured wood
- Fitting doors and drawers
- Leveling joints and transitions in glue-ups
Whether used daily in the shop or displayed in a collection, the No. 4 is a timeless and essential woodworking tool.
6. Restoration of a Stanley No. 4 Plane
The No. 4 is one of the easiest Stanley planes to restore and tune—perfect for beginners and experts alike.
Typical Restoration Steps
- Complete Disassembly
- Rust Removal
- Evapo-Rust
- Citric acid
- Electrolysis
- Sole Flattening
- Glass or granite substrate
- Frog Tuning
- Ensure full, solid seating
- Iron Sharpening
- Primary bevel + micro bevel
- Chipbreaker Tuning
- Tight fit to minimize tear-out
- Handle Refinishing
- Clean, glue, lightly refinish
- Reassembly & Test Cuts
Restoration Mistakes to Avoid
- Aggressive sanding of sole
- Removing original japanning
- Over-polishing brass
- Replacing handles unnecessarily
A well-restored vintage No. 4 can deliver performance equal to modern $300+ smoothing planes.
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
Because the No. 4 was produced in huge numbers, most examples are affordable—but early types and pristine pre-war planes can be valuable.
Typical Value Range
- User-grade: $35–$60
- Nice pre-war examples: $60–$125
- Early types: $150–$300
- Rare or mint boxed examples: $300–$500+
Factors Affecting Value
- Type number
- Handle material (rosewood preferred)
- Japanning percentage
- Original blade/cap iron
- Overall completeness
- Condition of frog and sole
Because it is both common and useful, the No. 4 appeals to collectors, users, restorers, and beginners.
8. Finding Manuals, Parts & Resources
Documentation Sources
- Stanley Type Study charts
- VintageMachinery.org
- Tool collector clubs
- Historical catalogs and reprints
Replacement Parts
- Hock Tools (premium irons)
- Lee Valley / Veritas
- St. James Bay Tool Co.
- eBay collector sellers
- Independent vintage tool dealers
Parts for the No. 4 are abundant due to its long production run.
9. Final Thoughts
The Stanley No. 4 Bench Plane is the cornerstone of traditional woodworking—an iconic tool that continues to outperform many modern smoothers when properly tuned. Its perfect size, widespread availability, and historical significance make it a must-have for any woodworker or hand-tool collector.
A restored No. 4 offers exceptional cutting performance, a pleasure-to-use feel, and a direct connection to more than a century of woodworking heritage.
Whether you’re building your first vintage tool set or adding to a lifelong collection, the Stanley No. 4 is an essential classic.
Quick Reference Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Stanley No. 4 Bench Plane |
| Manufacturer | Stanley Rule & Level / Stanley Works |
| Era | 1860s–2000s |
| Length / Iron | 9″ / 2″ |
| Best Uses | Finish smoothing, leveling, trimming |
| Rarity | Common (early types rare) |
| Typical Value | $35–$300+ |
| Restoration Difficulty | Easy |
| Collectability | High for early types; excellent as a user tool |
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