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I needed a jack plane, so I headed to my old haunt, Ebay. As I looked through the choices of jack planes, I ran across another older Craftsman jack plane. It looks as through it's never been used. I picked it up for $30, inc. shipping.

It's a Craftsman Vanadium #5 jack plane, so the congregated plate is 14" long.

Great Diane. Should do all you need it to.

Diane

It was made by Sargent for Craftsman 1960 or so. Good quality plane. The only improvement might be the feel of some finely sanded and oiled wood to replace the plastic, but that is a fine distinction.

Good job

Ed

Ed might that be wood? Sure looks like it is. Diane?

I think I bought an identical plane a year ago, same way. Box for mine had no illustrations, and the only model indication was 'Craftsman 9_37055. No date that I can find. Mine has wooden handles. Also shiny new-in-box-and-unused.

Might it be the same plane?

I'm hoping that the advice offered to Diane applies tg my plane, too.

Get it scary sharp and it should work great!

Kevin Sjostrand wrote:Ed might that be wood? Sure looks like it is. Diane?

The handle and knob are wood.

I just got the plane. Wow, it's in really great shape. I am going to make sure the sole is true. The iron is wicked sharp! Apparently, whomever owned it, liked to sharpen the plane. I noticed the chip breaker is absolutely flat to the iron, so someone trued it. It was very nice of them to do all of this for me ;)

The japaning is almost perfect. Check out my other new tool that came today, in another thread.

Diane

You're right - that is wood. I have 2 versions of that plane with the big Phillips screw on the knob that both have plastic. Looks like a great plane.

Ed

It's been my experience that steel with vanadium stays sharp. My Irwin Blue Chip chisels, as well as my craftsman smooth plane, all contain vanadium. This should be a good plane.