Vintage Stanley No 45 Combination Plane Sweetheart Era Woodworking Tool with 5/8 Inch Cutter

Vintage Stanley No. 45 combination plane from the Sweetheart era, approximately 1920–1935. Carefully disassembled, cleaned, lubricated, waxed, and returned to working condition while preserving its original nickel plating, rosewood components, and aged patina. Includes one 5/8-inch grooving cutter and has been successfully tested cutting wood. This is an incomplete original outfit, with missing accessories and adjustment hardware as detailed below.

Detailed Description

A classic example of Stanley’s versatile No. 45 combination plane, produced during the company’s Sweetheart era, approximately 1920–1935. Originally designed to perform a variety of woodworking operations using interchangeable cutters and adjustable components, the No. 45 was one of Stanley’s most adaptable hand planes. This example retains its distinctive nickel-plated castings, wooden handles, adjustable fence, and two long guide rods. It has been carefully restored with an emphasis on preserving its original character rather than making it look new.

Tool Details

Manufacturer: Stanley Rule & Level Company
Model: No. 45 Combination Plane
Era: Sweetheart, approximately 1920–1935
Construction: Nickel-plated metal castings with wooden components
Cutter included: One 5/8-inch grooving cutter
Fence: Adjustable, with original wooden facing
Guide rods: Two long rods included
Original Stanley markings remain visible

Restoration

The plane was carefully disassembled, inspected, cleaned, and reassembled. Restoration work included:

Removal of accumulated dirt, oxidation, and surface rust
Selective rust treatment of removable steel components
Conservative cleaning of metal surfaces using WD-40 and 3M abrasive pads
Preservation of surviving original nickel plating and markings
Cleaning and oil treatment of the wooden components
Lubrication of adjustment mechanisms and exposed metal
Protective waxing of appropriate metal and wooden surfaces
Installation and preparation of a 5/8-inch grooving cutter
Reassembly, adjustment, and functional testing

Original surface wear, plating loss, discoloration, and other evidence of age have intentionally been retained.

Condition

The plane is in restored vintage working condition. The main castings, wooden components, guide rods, and included cutter are present as shown in the photographs. The fence slides freely along its guide rods, and the upper fence adjustment locks into position. The plane was successfully tested cutting a groove in wood, producing curled shavings. Some chatter occurred depending on adjustment settings during testing. Please note: This is an incomplete Stanley No. 45 outfit. It does not include the original full cutter assortment or all original accessories. Known missing components, identified using Stanley’s original parts terminology, include:

Additional cutters (No. 1) — only one 5/8-inch cutter is included
Short arms (No. 61)
Cam stop (No. 80)
Left fence adjusting screw (No. 53)
Adjustable beading stop (No. 73)
Spurs with screws (No. 85)
Fence arm set screw (No. 86)

The lower fence adjustment is missing its locking hardware and does not lock as originally intended. The included cutter has been function-tested for grooving. Other specialized cutting operations have not been tested. Please examine all photographs carefully. They form part of the condition description and show the exact tool and components included.

Ideal For

Traditional woodworking
Vintage hand-tool enthusiasts
Stanley plane collectors
Woodworkers interested in combination planes
Restorers seeking a usable No. 45 with the option to add accessories
Display in a traditional woodworking shop

Shipping & Care

The plane will be carefully packaged to protect its castings, wooden components, and cutting edge during shipping. Some components may be loosened or separated for safe transport. A printed Vintage Tool Care Guide is included, with recommendations for cleaning, lubrication, rust prevention, and ongoing care. Only the plane and components shown in the listing photographs are included.

Highlights

Genuine vintage Stanley No. 45 combination plane
Sweetheart-era production, approximately 1920–1935
Original nickel-plated castings
Original wooden tote, knob, and fence facing
Includes one 5/8-inch grooving cutter
Two long guide rods included
Fully disassembled and conservatively restored
Original patina and markings preserved
Successfully function-tested cutting wood
Incomplete original outfit; missing parts disclosed
Printed vintage tool care guide included
Carefully packaged for shipping