Customer Reviews for Stanley Bailey No. 5, 14 in. Bench Plane

It took a lot of work to get the blade conditioned so it could be used, The back needed flattening and the bevel needed re-working. Once that was done, the plane works great. Don't expect it to be great right out the box

I have never owned or used a hand plane before, so bear that in mind, but I'm able to get some decent shavings with this plane. The mouth gets clogged up a bit, but it could be user error. When I first used it, I was getting some tearout. I would attribute that to user error as well. I'm still working on a workbench to properly hold the pieces I'm working on and that will undoubtedly help as well. I would say, for a brand new beginner, the price is right. I was able to hone the blade. I played around with flattening the sole, but it seemed like the sandpaper was cleaning off pretty evenly across the sole.

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

This smoothing bench plane was exactly what I was looking for. I am a woodworking hobbyist. With some fine tuning, the plane works great. It was a solid purchase and it fit within my budget. There are higher rated and more expensive smoothing planes, but this one works fine for my needs and didn’t break the bank.

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

For the price this item consider a good quality for a beginner.

My son was thrilled to receive as one of his requested Christmas gifts. It is of very high quality.

Cap iron had poor machining and was not formed correctly.

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

The plane was bought for a gift. I bought it because of the name “Stanley “. A well respected name in work tools.

Female side of Frog screw receptacle machined incorrectly thereby putting blade and assembly off-center.

This tool is a workhorse. Does just what it's designed to do. Didn't realize there are still companies out there still making this quality of tools. This will still be around for my grandson to pass on to his kids.

Out of the box this looks really nice. Casting seems perfect - nice and smooth. Checked with a straightedge and square and found the sole is flat and the sides are square. Took out the plane iron and it is a fairly rough grind but seemed good enough to try. So I put the iron back in, set the cutting depth and ran it over the edge of a crazy grained white oak board and I got really nice shavings blade edge to edge. After I've properly sharpened and polished the plane iron this thing is going to be sweet - I'm not sure I'll need to do any other tune-ups.

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

it is an excellent plane and quite affordable to boot ..... Stanley Bailey always hits the mark !

Poorly constructed, ill fitting parts, base not machined properly. The base is meant to be perfectly flat but had a distinct cup in the center

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

Yes its everything it was advertised , the blade was easily adjusted and very well made.

Excellent product. Excellent service.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] My big Bailey Bench Plane is older than I am - it's still razor sharp and does all the work I ask of it as did my Dad before me. When you buy Stanley, you're not just buying a tool - you're making an investment in your family's heirloom toolbox. Believe me, I have more than several Stanley tools that are as old or older than me - and I'm 64. I now search, carefully, at Vendor Malls for more. Every dollar spent on them is an investment in the future.

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

As many others have stated, it needs some TLC for an hour or two, but can result in a great plane. Get a thick piece of glass, 120 through 320 grit sandpaper, spray adhesive and flatten the sole until it is flat and smooth along all edges and the mouth. 3 in 1 oil helps too for regular care and smooth shavings.

Great plane. I have two.

Once sharpened and adjusted it works very nicely.

Overall good out of the box. As expected, the blade needed sharpening and the sole was not quite flat. All other fitment was good. Would recommend.

As good as the original!

This is an excellent plane. Just needed a little sharpening and it worked well.

Purchased at the store. Delivered to me at home. Was exactly what I wanted.

works great. adjusts easily.