Character
The Stanley No.4 became one of the defining Bailey-pattern bench planes. Its proportions sit between compact smoothing planes and longer workshop bench planes, which made it a common general-purpose plane in many workshops.
The form changed gradually over decades of production, but the overall silhouette remained remarkably consistent.
Types
| Era | Types | Years | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early production | Early Bailey production | c. 1869–1890 | Early adjustment details, lower production volumes |
| Transitional production | Middle production period | c. 1890–1930 | Standardized Bailey layout and widespread production |
| Later production | Later Stanley production | c. 1930 onward | Simplified manufacturing details and later finishes |
Dates are approximate. Variations may overlap.
Construction
Cast iron body, rear tote and front knob remained the defining structure throughout most production periods. The Bailey adjustment system became the standard configuration associated with the model.
Use
The No.4 is primarily associated with smoothing work and general bench use. It became one of the most recognizable sizes in the Bailey family.
Notes
This page currently documents the canonical Stanley No.4 model family. Individual type attribution for owned examples may be added later.
