Character
Stanley's Bed Rock line was the premium bench plane series produced roughly 1898–1943. The defining difference from the standard Bailey line: the frog seats across its full width on a fully machined surface in the body casting — not just on two feet as in the Bailey design. The result is better blade support, reduced chatter, and more precise adjustment.
The No. 602 is the smallest member of the Bed Rock series — equivalent to the Bailey No. 2 in the premium line. This makes it exceptionally rare: small planes were produced in smaller runs, and fewer survived in good condition. The combination of Bed Rock quality and No. 2 size places the 602 among the most sought-after bench planes for collectors.
The Bed Rock family
The Bed Rock series runs 601–608, corresponding to Bailey No. 1–8. Bodies are heavier and less refined on exterior surfaces than standard Bailey — Stanley saved on cosmetics but not on functional surfaces. The frog seat is machined across its full width, not just in the area of frog-foot contact.
The "Bed Rock" name appears in relief cast on the sides of the body. On some types the name also appears on the blade or tote.
Dating — Type 5
Type 5 (ca. 1909–1912) is identified by specific frog, adjuster, and casting characteristics. Systematic type analysis for Bed Rock planes is less thoroughly documented than for the Bailey line — the standard reference (Roger Smith, Patented Transitional & Metallic Planes) provides a basic framework, but individual transition years are approximate.
Collection notes
Purchased on eBay in May 2026 from seller gespitz111. An exceptional piece — a No. 602 in good condition rarely surfaces on the market. Condition upon arrival and detailed documentation will be added once the plane has been physically received and examined.