Hand plane designed for smooth, accurate planing on fresh, resinous wood. The STANLEY Irwin Plane lets woodworkers produce fine, controlled shavings for cleaner finishes. Is this plane the right addition to a workshop focused on hand-finishing and precision?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Cutting Quality: Polished sole and long Bailey suit steady finishing passes
- • Best for: Woodworkers flattening and smoothing fresh, resinous timber
- • Not ideal for: Rapid bulk stock removal where power planing is preferred
Long Bailey design combined with a smooth, black lacquered cast-iron sole suits work on fresh, resinous wood. Jaw width can be adjusted using the adjustment to tailor handling for different planing tasks.
Fine, almost transparent shavings - with polished sole
Polished sole and exterior reduce surface friction during each stroke while a factory-sharp blade slices wood fibres cleanly. Smooth plane-to-wood contact helps maintain an even shaving thickness across the pass.
Cleaner finishing passes with minimal tear-out, ideal when preparing stock for glue-ups or varnish. Produces the near-transparent shavings mentioned in user feedback, useful for final smoothing.
Stable planing and truer passes - with Bailey in long design
Bailey in long design increases the length of sole contact along the board, promoting steadier alignment during long strokes. That geometry helps keep the cutter tracking consistently over wider surfaces.
Straighter, more even surfaces when flattening boards or setting edges for joinery. Longer, truer passes reduce the need for repeated corrective strokes.
Ready to use with adjustable control - with factory-sharp blade and adjustable jaw width
A sharp blade straight from the box begins cutting cleanly without heavy initial honing, while the jaw width can be adjusted using the adjustment to influence how the wood chips clear the mouth area. Those elements let users adapt the plane quickly to resinous timbers.
Less time spent on setup, and easier tailoring of performance for sticky or resinous wood. Practical for hobbyists and tradespeople who need reliable, immediate results.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for STANLEY Irwin Plane
- Fine Shavings - Produces almost transparent, glassy shavings for superior finish
- Robust Construction - Black lacquered cast iron body resists wear and distortion
- Adjustable Jaw Width - Simple adjustment tailors performance for resinous timber finishing
- Factory Sharp Blade - Ready to use straight from the box, reduces setup time
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Hand plane
- Type/Design: Bailey in long design
- Sole: Polished, smooth cast iron
- Body finish: Black lacquered cast iron exterior
- Blade: Factory-sharp blade (user reported)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the blade sharp out of the box?
A: User feedback indicates a sharp blade arrives ready for use, producing fine shavings immediately.
Q: What timber is this plane best suited for?
A: Product descriptions specify suitability for working with fresh, resinous wood, making it a good choice for sappy or resin-rich species.
Q: Can the mouth/jaw be adjusted?
A: Yes, jaw width can be adjusted using the adjustment, allowing users to alter how the plane handles different shaving sizes.
🏆 Our Verdict
The STANLEY Irwin Plane suits woodworkers and hobbyists who prioritise smooth finishing and controlled shavings on fresh, resinous timber. Polished cast-iron sole, long Bailey layout and an adjustable jaw width combine to deliver stable planing and quick setup. Robust construction and a factory-sharp blade suggest good long-term value for a busy workshop.
