Where to buy handle for Stanley Plane?

[Jason in Sudbury]

I have a #5 Stanley Jack plane and the rear handle on it is broken :(

I spent some time tuning it up today :D and there was some electrical tape on the handle :? , so I decided to remove it to see what was behind, and low and behold, I see that the handle is broken. Looks like the screw is holding it together, but I would like a replacement.

FWIW, I am a novice sharpener, but I gave it a try, and I must say that I am quite pleased with the results. I was planing some knotty pine and it was planing the knots without any problems!!!!

I would like to know where I can buy a replacement handle. I see Lee Valley sells some rosewood handles, but it looks like they only fit the Veritas line up.

Any help is appreciated!!!

[ArtMulder]

Try LVT.

The store in London had a bunch of handles on their clearance table the last time I was there. If the size is compatible, you're good.

I've also seen plans out there on the net, years ago now, for making your own. Lots of sanding/rasping, though.

hope this helps.

[Brent in Montreal]

Hi Jason,

Here is one place

http://www.thebestthings.com/newtools/bailey_totes.htm

There is another, I'll try to find it later today when I have more time.

[Jason in Sudbury]

Art,
I will try Lee Valley next time I'm at my sister's in Oakville. It's a short 10 min drive to LVT in Burlington. I will bring in my handle to make sure the replacement fits.

Brent,
Thanks for the link! Another option to consider.

If anyone else has other Canadian ideas, let me know!

[Darren in Ontario]

I know it's not in Canada, but I highly recommend going to Stanley in the USA, after all, that is probably where your plane was made. Also, they charge the same prices for both US and Canadian customers unlike a certain retailer ;-) . Here is the link:
http://stores.stanleytools.com/

(Hope this link works, if not, it is http://stores.stanleytools.com/ . )

[Jim in Burlington]

I've got quite a few that are epoxyed together and one that I used chair makers glue on.

[Mack C. in Brooklin ON]

Hi Jason; while I am not a plane user (if it doesn't have an electric cord on it, or a battery in it, I don't use it), wouldn't this be a great time to make a new handle yourself.

[Albertaal]

Here is a how to guide for making your own plane totes. I haven't tried it myself as I have been lucky so far in my search for used planes but one of these days I will have to make one.
http://www.shavingsandsawdust.com/projects/makingTotes/index.asp
Here is another site where there is lots of information on hand planes and other hand tool information, which includes the above site.
http://www.cianperez.com/Wood/WoodDocs/Wood_How_To/INDEX_How_To.htm

Hope this helps!!!
Cheers Al

[Bill in NL]

Wow, that's a really good article on making plane totes. Now I need something on handsaw handles, I have an old saw with a busted handle.

I'm going the route of:

Copy the pattern from another handle, bandsaw it out, shape it with files and sandpaper, and then finish it. I figure that should get the job done. Any suggestions for wood? I have some nice Cherry and Birch, but not much else in the shop, well maybe I have some scrap oak that would be big enough.

[Jason in Sudbury]

Thanks to all for the ideas!

I may actually try the route of making my own!

If my attempts do not yeild the results I am looking for, then I may look at purchasing one!

[Jim in Burlington]

Wow, that's a really good article on making plane totes. Now I need something on handsaw handles, I have an old saw with a busted handle.

I'm going the route of:

Copy the pattern from another handle, bandsaw it out, shape it with files and sandpaper, and then finish it. I figure that should get the job done. Any suggestions for wood? I have some nice Cherry and Birch, but not much else in the shop, well maybe I have some scrap oak that would be big enough.


Cherry works for saw handles you have to really pay attention to which way the grain is going.