Overview of the Stanley No. 22 Transitional Plane
Vintage Stanley No. 22 Transitional Wood Plane 8-1/8″ Long for Sale on Ebay
Pictures Contributed by Steve Fiske on Ebay at: Fishtanke
The Stanley No. 22 Transitional Plane is one of the most iconic hybrid wood-and-iron planes produced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Designed as part of Stanley’s transitional line, the No. 22 offered woodworkers the familiar, smooth feel of a wooden sole paired with the precision of the Bailey-style iron adjustment system. This combination made it a favorite for general smoothing and flattening tasks in small shops, cabinetmaking, and early industrial woodworking.
Produced from the 1870s through the early 1900s, the No. 22 remains a historically significant tool in the evolution from traditional wooden planes to the all-iron bench planes that would dominate the 20th century.
Key Features of the Stanley No. 22
- Length: 9 inches
- Body Material: Beech (wooden sole and sides)
- Iron Width: 2 inches
- Adjustment Mechanism: Bailey-style brass nut and lateral adjuster
- Frog: Cast-iron frog bedded to the wooden body
- Tote & Knob: Shaped hardwood (varied slightly by production era)
- Weight: Lighter than comparable all-iron planes, allowing easier stroke control
The transitional design offered woodworkers the best of both worlds:
- The low-friction wooden sole glided easily across stock
- The metal frog and iron provided modern adjustability and stability
This made the No. 22 ideal for smoothing boards, trimming stock, or performing fine work where control and tactile feedback were essential.
Production Timeline & Variations
Several distinct variations appeared over the No. 22’s multi-decade production span:
- Type 1–4 (1870s–1880s): Early models with simple lever caps, less refined totes, and early “STANLEY RULE & LEVEL” marks
- Type 5–8 (1890s–1900s): Updated frogs, improved lateral adjustment, and more standardized markings
- Later Types: Refined knob shapes, better machining tolerances, and updated logos
Transitional planes were gradually phased out after about 1917, as all-iron planes became the industry standard.
Using the No. 22 Today
Although originally intended as a smoothing plane, the No. 22 still performs exceptionally well for:
- Final surface preparation
- Truing small to medium-sized boards
- Removing plane tracks from coarser bench planes
- Light cabinetry and joinery work
Collectors and hand-tool enthusiasts appreciate the No. 22 for its smooth action, large wooden sole, and tactile responsiveness on difficult grain.
Collector Value & Identification Tips
The Stanley No. 22 Transitional Plane remains popular among collectors due to its role in woodworking history. Factors that influence value include:
- Condition of the wooden body (cracks or checks reduce value)
- Originality of parts (frog, iron, tote, and lever cap)
- Markings and logo style (help date the plane and establish type)
- Overall completeness
Typical values range from $25–$100, with early types or exceptionally clean examples priced higher.
How to Identify a Stanley No. 22
- Look for the “No. 22” stamp on the toe of the plane
- Verify the 2″ wide iron marked “Stanley” or “Stanley Rule & Level Co.”
- Check for the Bailey-style frog and brass adjustment nut
- Confirm the approx. 14-inch length of the wooden body
Photos of the Stanley No. 22 Transitional Plane
Pictures Contributed by Steve Fiske on Ebay at: Fishtanke
See More about Stanley Transitional Planes
