Character
The Stanley No. 5¼ is a scaled-down version of the standard No. 5 jack plane, produced primarily for junior workshops and younger users. The reduced dimensions retain the full Bailey-pattern adjustment mechanism within a more manageable body.
Within the Stanley range the No. 5¼ occupies an unusual position — its proportions place it between a smoothing plane and a standard jack plane. The shorter production run makes it one of the less common models in the Bailey family.
Construction
Cast iron body with the standard Bailey adjustment system. The cutter width and overall length are reduced compared to the No. 5. Production ran for a limited period within Stanley's standard manufacturing programme.
Use
The No. 5¼ was intended for jack plane work — roughing out surfaces ahead of final smoothing. The proportions suit junior use or workshops where the full-size No. 5 is impractical.
Notes
This page documents the Stanley No. 5¼ as held in the collection. Exact type attribution for the owned example has not yet been confirmed.