Canonical terminology used across S2A. English technical terminology is considered authoritative because it corresponds to original Stanley documentation, collector literature and the international woodworking community. When a Czech equivalent exists, it is shown for clarification — but the English term remains the canonical reference.
Plane Components
frog
The cast iron assembly that supports the iron and chipbreaker. It determines blade position, mouth opening and cutting stability. Changes in frog design are among the most important indicators used in Stanley type study.
lever cap
The cap that secures the iron and chipbreaker assembly to the frog. The shape of the lever cap is one of the easiest ways to identify production periods.
tote
The rear handle of a bench plane. Different tote shapes and materials help date a plane and reveal repairs or replacements.
knob
The front handle of a plane. Low knob and high knob variations are important type study indicators.
iron
The cutting blade of a plane. Original irons significantly affect collector value.
chipbreaker
A secondary blade mounted on top of the iron that helps control shaving behaviour and reduce tear-out.
cap iron
Traditional Stanley term for the chipbreaker. Modern collectors usually use the term chipbreaker.
mouth
The opening in the sole through which the iron projects. A tight mouth generally allows finer work.
sole
The bottom reference surface of the plane. Flatness of the sole directly affects performance.
toe
The front portion of the plane body.
heel
The rear portion of the plane body.
casting
The cast iron body of the plane. Collectors primarily date planes using casting characteristics.
frog adjustment screw
A screw allowing the frog to be moved forward or backward without removing it. Its introduction is one of the defining features of Type 10.
lateral adjustment lever
The lever used to align the cutting edge parallel with the sole.
depth adjustment wheel
The brass wheel used to control cutting depth.
Stanley Type Study
type
A production generation identified by specific manufacturing characteristics. A type is not a model — Type 11 and Type 16 are both Stanley No. 4 planes.
type study
A classification system used to date Stanley planes according to construction details. The most widely accepted method of dating Stanley bench planes.
Bailey pattern
The traditional Stanley design derived from Leonard Bailey patents. Most Stanley bench planes follow the Bailey pattern.
Bed Rock pattern
A premium Stanley design featuring a different frog arrangement and improved bedding. Bed Rock planes are generally more desirable among collectors.
sweetheart logo
The Stanley trademark used approximately between 1920 and 1935. Named after the heart-shaped logo surrounding the word STANLEY. Planes from the sweetheart era are among the most sought-after user and collector tools.
sweetheart era
The production period associated with the sweetheart logo. Often considered one of Stanley's peak manufacturing periods.
ogee frog
A frog with a decorative curved profile resembling an ogee moulding. Common on Type 16 planes.
Y frog
A frog design introduced after World War II. Named after the Y-shaped casting visible underneath.
low knob
Early Stanley knob profile. Common before Type 12.
high knob
Taller knob profile introduced during the sweetheart era. Common from Type 12 onward.
raised ring
The reinforced ring beneath the knob. Introduced during Type 14.
Surface & Condition
japanning
The traditional black protective coating applied to Stanley castings. It is not paint. Original japanning is one of the strongest indicators of originality and condition.
original japanning
Factory-applied japanning that has not been repainted or restored.
pitting
Surface damage caused by rust corrosion. Heavy pitting may reduce usability and collector value.
rust
Iron oxidation caused by moisture exposure.
repaint
Any non-original paint applied after manufacture. Usually undesirable for collectors.
original finish
The factory surface condition retained from manufacture.
user grade
A tool purchased primarily for use rather than collecting. Function is valued more than originality.
collector grade
A tool valued primarily for originality, rarity and condition.
mint
A tool showing virtually no signs of use.
near mint
A tool with extremely minor signs of use.
marriage
A plane assembled from original Stanley parts originating from different tools. Not necessarily incorrect, but less desirable to collectors.
harlequin plane
A plane assembled from parts belonging to different production periods. Sometimes called a mixed-parts plane.
Materials
rosewood
Traditional hardwood used for Stanley totes and knobs. Highly valued by collectors.
beech
A common European hardwood frequently used for tool handles.
ebony
A dense black hardwood used on premium tools.
brass
Copper-zinc alloy used for adjustment hardware.
cast iron
The primary material used for Stanley plane bodies.
Woodworking
shooting board
A jig used to produce perfectly square or angled end grain cuts.
shooting plane
A plane optimized for use on a shooting board.
winding sticks
A pair of straight sticks used to detect twist in timber.
marking gauge
A layout tool used to scribe lines parallel to an edge.
mortise gauge
A marking gauge designed for laying out mortise-and-tenon joints.
try square
A tool used to verify 90-degree angles.
bevel gauge
An adjustable tool used to transfer and reproduce angles.
cabinet scraper
A thin steel scraper used for fine surface finishing.
spokeshave
A small drawknife-like tool with an adjustable iron. Used for shaping curved work.
drawknife
A two-handled edge tool used for rapid stock removal. Common in chairmaking and green woodworking.
Sources: Patrick Leach (Blood & Gore / Hyperkitten), John Walter (Antique & Collectible Stanley Tools), Time Tested Tools, Stanley collector community.