Stanley Bedrock Bench Planes:
At some point between 1898 and 1900, Stanley started manufacturing a premium line of bench planes called “Bedrocks.” They were offered in just about every size as one could find in the standard series of bench planes, #1 - #8, with the exception of the #1 size. By 1935, Stanley had dropped most Bedrock models from its product line, however a few lasted until 1943. At a quick glance, most Bedrock bench planes can be identified by their flat top sides, however, earlier versions, made prior to 1911, had rounded sides just like the standard Stanley bench planes that we're all familiar with. Bedrocks can also be identified by their model numbers. Where standard bench planes were numbered 1 – 8, Bedrocks were numbered 602 – 608. The very earliest Bedrocks retained the standard 2 – 8 numbering system (1898 – 1899). By 1900, they were numbered in the 600 series. Like the standard bench planes, the Bedrocks could also be had in ¼ and ½ sizes (ie. #604 ½, etc.) In terms of being collectable Bedrocks are no different than any other series of planes. Some are more valuable than others, and now, decades later, some are highly prized by collectors for their rarity. Two of the more desirable examples are the #602C (1900 – 1918) and the #605 ¼ (1925 – 1943). It should be noted that Stanley also made versions of the Bedrock planes for Keen Kutter, marked with a K and plane size (ie. K2 – K8) and Winchester, marked with a W and plane size (ie. W2 – W8). As always, condition plays a big part in the tool’s ultimate value.
What makes the Bedrock bench plane different from its standard counter part, is the unique way in which the frog and bed are designed, milled, and mated together within extremely close tolerances. The frog and bed on most standard bench planes contact each other on the front and back of both parts. The area in between does not touch, leaving significant air space between the parts, which are connected together via two slotted head screws passing through the frog into the bed. The bearing surfaces are very small in comparison to the full contact surfaces of the Bedrock models. The Bedrock frog and bed are in full contact with each other across their entire length and width as a result of carefully milling both parts. To accomplish the union, the two parts are connected via two pins that pass through the frog into the bed. Then screws with tapered ends, running at a perpendicular angle through the back of the bed, go into tapered dimples in the pins. The pins are drawn downward by the tapered ends of the screws going into the pin dimples, pulling the frog and the bed together to form a solid union, hence their name, Bedrock.
In theory, it would seem that the Bedrocks would produce significantly better results because of their precise construction and close tolerances. With the exception of their frog and bed construction/connection, Bedrocks were equipped with the same cutting iron, chip breaker, lever cap, knob and tote, and hardware that were found on the standard bench planes of their time. They may have been slightly heavier too, but not appreciably so as to produce better results than a standard bench plane outfitted with a sharp iron and proper tuning. I guess it will be up to you to decide for sure. I have a few Bedrocks, and I must say that I’m drawn to their hype, real or perceived. Today because of their reputation, they are highly sought after by users and collectors alike. Of all my bench planes, my most favorite to use is my #605 ½. For some reason, everything about that plane is perfect, and the results prove it. We’ll talk more about that particular plane in a future post.
Below, I have included a few pictures of a Stanley #604 Bedrock, Type 8, manufactured between 1927 and 1930. (See pictures 1 - 6) For comparison purposes to a standard bench plane from the same era, I have also included a few pictures of the frog and bed design of a Stanley #4 ½, Type 14, manufactured between 1929 and 1930. (See pictures 7 - 10) Both planes are of the same vintage, yet notice the differences between their frog and bed designs, as well as the manner in which they fit together. As you can see, their construction is very different from each other. Did that construction translate to the Bedrock out performing the standard bench plane? ????? Some say yes, some say no.
Jim C.