Masterpiece or Mistake - The Stanley #55 Hand Plane

In my last newsletter, I shared my excitement about adding a Stanley #45 hand plane to my collection. (To read that issue, click here.) While I was happy to own one, my curiosity wasn’t satisfied. Soon after, I learned about the Stanley #55—a plane boldly advertised as “A planing mill within itself!” I didn’t entirely believe the claim, but I still felt the need to own one. However, these planes are not easy to come by.

He’s Back!!!!!

The Patent King, Justus Traut, was at it again. After the success of the #45, he teamed up with Eppie McCulloch to push the limits further. Their vision led to the Stanley #55, which initially came with 52 different blades and eventually expanded to 55. It was meant to revolutionize woodworking, but things didn’t go as planned.

The 3 Reasons

Second, its market was unclear. Homeowners likely found it frustrating due to its steep learning curve, much like the Shopsmith multi-tool system, which required constant setup changes. Tradesmen, on the other hand, already had dedicated planes for specific tasks and had no need for an all-in-one tool.

Finally, technology was advancing. The first electric woodworking router was patented in 1906, and by the 1930s, Stanley was marketing an 18,000 RPM electric hand router. As power tools became faster, easier, and more affordable, the Stanley #55 was left behind.

For whatever reason, the Stanley #55 was a commercial failure. Yet today, if you search for one on eBay—if you can even find one—the average price is around $500. I bought mine decades ago for just $50, though it’s missing some parts. I don’t plan on hunting them down; I wanted one because they are rare. Since they didn’t sell well back then, few remain today.

My Final Thoughts

To me, the Stanley #55 represents more than just a failed product—it’s a lesson in business and craftsmanship. Stanley likely assumed they could release anything and people would buy it, without considering whether woodworkers actually needed such a complex tool. Yet, beyond its commercial failure, the #55 remains a work of art. Its intricate design, innovative adjustability, and ability to perform dozens of functions make it an engineering marvel. However, its complexity also made it impractical for everyday use. It serves as a reminder that even the most ambitious ideas don’t always translate into success. As Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

I hope you are enjoying these newsletters about the past, the tools that shaped our craft, and allowing me to express my thoughts and opinions. Feel free to share your own experiences with me at [email protected].