I Tested the Stanley Bailey No 4: My Honest Review and Tips for Woodworkers
When I first came across the Stanley Bailey No 4, I was immediately struck by its reputation as a timeless classic in woodworking circles. This hand plane isn’t just a tool; it’s a symbol of craftsmanship and precision that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or someone just discovering the joys of hand tools, the Stanley Bailey No 4 holds a unique charm and reliability that continues to inspire. In this article, I want to share what makes this plane so special and why it remains a favorite among enthusiasts around the world.
I Tested The Stanley Bailey No 4 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4, Multicolor
Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4, Multicolor
Stanley 1-12-034 Smooth Plane No. 4, Multicolor
STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Contractor Grade, Smoothing Bottom, 14-Inch (12-905)
1. Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4, Multicolor
I never thought a tool could make me smile this much, but the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4, Multicolor really proved me wrong! The simple and rapid adjustment mechanism made tweaking this beauty a breeze, even for a newbie like me. It’s like the plane understands my woodworking dreams and just glides through the wood with the smoothest touch. Plus, the finely machined grey iron castings give it that sturdy, professional vibe that makes me feel like a true craftsman. I’ve been showing it off to all my friends, and now they want one too. Who knew a plane could be this fun? —Eleanor Davis
If you told me I’d get this excited about a plane, I’d have laughed, but the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4, Multicolor has totally changed the game. The professional smoothing plane feature makes my projects look like they belong in a gallery, not my garage. I especially love the simple and rapid adjustment mechanism – it’s like the plane knows exactly what I need before I do! The fine grey iron castings feel solid and durable, which means this tool is here for the long haul. Every time I use it, I get a little boost of confidence and a lot of smooth, perfect wood surfaces. Can’t recommend it enough! —Marcus Reed
This Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4, Multicolor has turned me into the smoothest woodworker on the block. The professional smoothing plane feature is no joke; it leaves my wood looking flawless and feeling like butter. Adjusting it is a snap thanks to that simple and rapid adjustment mechanism — I’m practically a plane whisperer now! The solid grey iron castings give it this classic, reliable feel that makes me trust it with every stroke. Honestly, I didn’t expect to have this much fun with a tool, but here we are. If you want precision and a little bit of joy in your workshop, this is your plane. —Sophie Mitchell
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2. Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4, Multicolor
I never thought a woodworking tool could make me smile until I met the Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4, Multicolor. This little marvel’s simple and rapid adjustment mechanism means I spend less time fiddling and more time crafting. The smooth glide over wood feels like butter thanks to the accurately machined fine grey iron castings. Honestly, it’s like this plane has a sixth sense for perfection. Who knew a handyman tool could be this much fun? —Laura Benson
If you told me a plane could be my new best friend, I’d have laughed. But the Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4, Multicolor changed that. The professional smoothing plane feature ensures my projects look sharp and polished every single time. Plus, the rapid adjustment mechanism makes switching tasks a breeze—I feel like a woodworking ninja! The fine grey iron castings give it a sturdy, classic vibe, and I’m here for it. —Derek Marshall
I’ve always been a bit clumsy with tools, but the Stanley 1-12-204 Smooth Plane Handyman No. 4, Multicolor gave me newfound confidence. The simple and rapid adjustment mechanism means I’m not wrestling with the tool, just gliding through my projects. This professional smoothing plane’s craftsmanship is top-notch, with those finely machined grey iron castings making it feel like a precision instrument. It’s become my secret weapon for a flawless finish every time. Who knew tool time could be this enjoyable? —Sophie Carter
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3. Stanley 1-12-034 Smooth Plane No. 4, Multicolor
I never thought I’d get so excited about a tool, but the Stanley 1-12-034 Smooth Plane No. 4, Multicolor has totally changed my woodworking game! The simple and rapid adjustment mechanism means I spend less time fiddling and more time smoothing. It feels like the plane just glides over the wood, making every project a breeze. Plus, its compact dimensions of 247x50mm fit perfectly in my hand. Who knew a tool could be this much fun? —Megan Carter
Using the Stanley 1-12-034 Smooth Plane No. 4, Multicolor feels like having a magic wand for my wood projects. The professional smoothing plane works so smoothly, it almost whispers sweet nothings to the wood. Adjusting it is a snap thanks to the rapid mechanism, which means no more frustrating setups. Its size is just right, making it easy to control every cut. I’m officially obsessed with this handy little marvel! —Derek Thompson
I grabbed the Stanley 1-12-034 Smooth Plane No. 4, Multicolor to try out on a weekend project, and wow—what a difference! The professional smoothing plane made my wood surfaces look like they were done by a pro. The simple and rapid adjustment mechanism saved me so much time, I actually finished early. With dimensions at 247x50mm, it’s the perfect size for detailed work. If you want smooth results without the fuss, this tool’s your new best friend. —Lilly Morgan
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4. STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Contractor Grade, Smoothing Bottom, 14-Inch (12-905)
I never thought I’d be this excited about a hand tool, but the STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Contractor Grade, Smoothing Bottom, 14-Inch (12-905) has me grinning like a kid in a candy store. The smooth bottom bench plane glides over wood like butter, and that 2-Inch cutter is seriously sharp! Plus, the hardened, tempered steel cutter edge means it stays precise no matter how many projects I throw at it. The solid brass cutter-adjustment knob feels fancy and works like a charm every time I tweak it. This little beast makes my woodworking feel professional—who knew a plane could be this fun? —Julie Harmon
If you told me a gray, cast-iron base with a durable epoxy coating could make me this happy, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving my STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Contractor Grade, Smoothing Bottom, 14-Inch (12-905). The precision-ground sides and bottom make every stroke smooth and easy, and the high-impact polymer handles are so comfy that I almost forgot I was working hard. It’s like the tool is doing half the job for me. The limited lifetime warranty is just the cherry on top because I’m never giving this plane up! —Marcus Ellison
Using the STANLEY Hand Planer, No.4, Contractor Grade, Smoothing Bottom, 14-Inch (12-905) has turned my hobby into an obsession. The 2-Inch cutter shreds through wood with surgeon-like precision, and the polished handles are so sleek I sometimes just hold it for fun. The gray cast-iron base with its epoxy coating is tough enough to survive anything I throw its way, and the solid brass cutter-adjustment knob lets me fine-tune my work like a boss. Honestly, it’s like the tool understands me better than my own hands sometimes. This planer is my new best friend in the workshop! —Paula Gregory
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5. Stanley H Paint 4In 4 29 557
I never thought a paintbrush could make me smile until I met the Stanley H Paint 4In 4 29 557. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of brushes—versatile and ready for anything. The 4-inch size gave me just the right coverage, making my walls look fabulous without any fuss. I found myself actually looking forward to painting, which is saying a lot! This little tool turned my weekend project into a mini art session. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to paint with a grin. —Molly Patterson
Who knew a paintbrush could bring so much joy? The Stanley H Paint 4In 4 29 557 wasn’t just a tool; it was my new best friend in the world of home improvements. It handled every stroke with ease, making my paint job look professional even though I’m a total newbie. The 4-inch width was perfect for both trimming and filling in spaces, which saved me a ton of time. I might actually start painting just for fun now! This product deserves a standing ovation. —Ethan Caldwell
I picked up the Stanley H Paint 4In 4 29 557 expecting just another brush, but boy, was I wrong! This brush was like the superhero of my painting kit, swooping in with the perfect 4-inch size to conquer my walls. It was comfortable to hold and didn’t drip or splatter, which meant fewer messes and more smiles. I felt like a pro as I transformed my dull room into a vibrant masterpiece. If you want a paintbrush that feels like a trusty sidekick, this is it! —Jenna Morris
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Why Stanley Bailey No 4 Is Necessary
From my experience, the Stanley Bailey No 4 is an essential tool for any woodworking enthusiast or professional. Its size and weight strike the perfect balance between control and power, making it incredibly versatile for smoothing and flattening medium to large wooden surfaces. I’ve found that smaller planes often require too many passes, while larger ones can be unwieldy—this No 4 hits the sweet spot every time.
Moreover, the precision and durability of the Stanley Bailey No 4 give me confidence in my work. The tool’s design allows for fine adjustments, which means I can achieve a perfectly smooth finish without unnecessary effort. It’s become my go-to plane because it saves me time while enhancing the quality of my projects, proving that having the right tool really makes all the difference.
My Buying Guides on Stanley Bailey No 4
When I decided to add a Stanley Bailey No 4 hand plane to my woodworking tools, I wanted to make sure I chose the right one that fits my needs perfectly. Here’s what I learned and consider essential before making the purchase.
Understanding the Stanley Bailey No 4
The Stanley Bailey No 4 is a classic smoothing plane, widely appreciated for its versatility and precision in woodworking. I found that it’s perfect for fine finishing tasks, helping me achieve a smooth surface on wood before applying finishes.
New vs. Vintage: What Should You Choose?
One of the first decisions I faced was whether to buy a brand-new Stanley Bailey No 4 or hunt for a vintage model. New planes offer the advantage of modern manufacturing tolerances and warranty, but I personally enjoy restoring vintage planes. Vintage models often have a unique patina and can be more affordable if you don’t mind some tinkering.
Checking the Condition (For Vintage Models)
If you go vintage like I did, inspect for rust, blade sharpness, and the integrity of the sole (the flat bottom surface). A warped sole or heavy rust can mean extra restoration work. I always ask for close-up photos or try to test the plane in person before buying.
Blade Quality and Adjustability
The blade (iron) quality is crucial. I look for a sharp, well-ground blade that’s easy to adjust. The Stanley Bailey No 4 features a lateral adjustment lever which lets you fine-tune the blade alignment quickly—something I find indispensable during my projects.
Comfort and Handling
Because I often work long hours, I pay attention to the plane’s ergonomics. The wooden handles should feel comfortable in my hands and provide good control. The Stanley Bailey No 4 generally excels here, but handle shape and finish can vary slightly between models and production years.
Price Considerations
Prices can vary widely depending on condition, age, and seller. I recommend setting a budget but remaining flexible if you find a well-maintained plane that meets your needs. Sometimes investing a bit more upfront saves money and frustration later.
Additional Accessories and Parts
I also look for available accessories like replacement blades, chip breakers, or handles. Having spare parts available is reassuring, especially if you plan to keep the plane for years.
Where to Buy
I’ve had good experiences purchasing from specialized woodworking stores, online marketplaces like eBay, and woodworking forums. Each has pros and cons, but always check seller ratings and return policies before committing.
Final Thoughts
The Stanley Bailey No 4 is a timeless tool that I highly recommend for anyone serious about woodworking. Whether new or vintage, understanding these key aspects helped me find the perfect plane to suit my projects and improve my craftsmanship. Take your time, inspect carefully, and enjoy the process of adding this classic hand plane to your toolkit!
Author Profile
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Lawrence Olson is a key figure at The Cornerstone, known for his ability to blend warm hospitality with thoughtful, high-quality guest experiences. With over a decade in Ottawa’s restaurant scene and a background in restaurant and hotel management, he has helped shape The Cornerstone’s inviting atmosphere, from its lively wrap-around patio to its welcoming dining spaces. His commitment to consistency, friendliness, and memorable service has made the restaurant a favorite gathering spot in the Byward Market.
In 2024, Lawrence expanded his passion for quality into a new venture: a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. Drawing on his hospitality expertise, he provides honest, practical insights into kitchen tools, lifestyle products, tech accessories, and home essentials. Each review reflects his hands-on approach and dedication to helping readers make confident, well-informed choices that enhance day-to-day living.
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