R-5 plane

[Branson]

Not too long ago, we had a discussion of my 4 1/2 plane.  Stanley blade, Stanley style lateral adjust lever,  but it was marked M 4 1/2, and nothing else.   After a bunch of searching, it turned out to be a Marsh 4 1/2.  That same searching also showed that Rockford made identical planes to Marsh, which is nearly indistinguishable from Stanley.   I ran across an R 5 on ebay and put it on my watch list.  It didn't sell, so the seller lowered the price, and it still didn't sell.  Well, the price finally reached $12.75.  I couldn't stand it any more and bought it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171881313010?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I don't know if it will be as close to Stanley quality as the Marsh, but I had to take the chance to find out.  Stanley bought out both Marsh and Rockford, and I know Marsh produced quality tools.  The Rockford Tool Co. was a sister company to the H.C. Marsh Co. and both companies occupied the same building in Rockford Illinois.  It seems that the Rockford planes were furnished with Lakeside blades, though my 4 1/2 Marsh has a Stanley V logo blade.  Maybe I'll keep an eye out for a Lakeside blade and cap iron, as these are missing from the R 5 I just bought.  But for now, I'll just put in one of my #5 blade and cap irons.

[mikeswrenches]

You are correct, it should have a Lakeside iron...at least mine does.  I like the design better than the standard Stanley/Bailey setup.  They are kind of like a less finished Bedrock.

Mike

[Branson]

You are correct, it should have a Lakeside iron...at least mine does.  I like the design better than the standard Stanley/Bailey setup.  They are kind of like a less finished Bedrock.

Mike

Thank you, Mike.  Can you tell me more about the differences between the Rockwell and a Stanley?  Since I'm waiting for the R 5 to arrive there's no way for me to compare.