Merging Functionality with Quirky Design

While running errands for a job, I often pass by a local antique mall that once thrived as a Hills department store. Nowadays, it's repurposed into a vast collection of unique vendor booths, each reflecting the owner's distinct style—some meticulously themed, others like a time capsule of bygone eras. I really enjoy taking a stole down memory lane. These visits often evoke nostalgia, as I happily encounter toys from my youth or chuckle at the flamboyant decor that once adorned my childhood home. However, enjoyable as it is, my primary motivation isn't nostalgia; I'm on a continuous quest for vintage or unique tools to enrich my collection.

A few booths specialize in antique tools, but their proprietors are typically well-versed in their inventory, often pricing items at a premium, especially considering their condition. The real treasures are hidden in the messy hodgepodge booths, where vendors may not fully recognize the value of their items, leading to more reasonable pricing. On one such visit, amidst a diverse assortment of goods, I discovered an intriguing hand plane—the Stanley #148.

An Overview

Right away, my brain started spinning. Two handles, each facing the other? What in the world? It looked counterintuitive. I had no idea what it was used for or how you were even supposed to use it, but I had to have it.

Back in my shop, I examined it more closely. It had two different irons. That’s when it hit me—it was designed for making tongue-and-groove joints.

Timeline

I don’t know if our boy, Justus Traut, invented it, but it’s nicknamed the “push-me, pull-me” plane. That’s a terrible name and a bit misleading because you can’t actually pull it. You push the plane in one direction to cut a groove, then flip it around and push it again to cut the matching tongue. Made by Stanley from 1905 to 1958, it wasn’t the first plane of its kind. The more well-known Stanley #48 (produced from 1876 to 1942) preceded it, and before that, countless wooden hand planes were dedicated to cutting just one or the other profile. What made the #48 and #148 unique was that a single plane could cut both the tongue and the groove, eliminating the need for two separate planes.

Versatile

The #148 was specifically designed for use with ⅞” thick stock. It can be used on wood ranging from ¾” to 1¼” thick, but unless you're working with ⅞” stock, the tongue and groove will be offset. I love this plane because it’s virtually goofproof—it cuts a groove exactly ¼” deep, ¼” wide, and ¼” from the edge, and the tongue is spaced the same way. While it was likely used most often for flooring, this would not be the desired plane. It’s uncomfortable for extended periods of use. However, with that being said, I find it incredibly useful for making box bottoms, cabinet backs and sides, and grooves for panel doors.

The Power of Hand Tools

In a professional shop, power tools are the go-to for efficiency. They’re fast at machining, but the real-time spent is in setup. When you only need to make one or two joints, this hand plane is ready to go with no setup required. It may not be the most comfortable tool for all-day use, but for small jobs, it’s a gem.

Incorporating the Stanley #148 into your woodworking repertoire offers a glimpse into the ingenuity of early 20th-century tool design. Its ability to efficiently produce accurate tongue and groove joints makes it a worthy addition to any craftsman's collection. Embracing such tools not only connects us to the rich history of woodworking but also enhances our appreciation for the craftsmanship of yesteryears.

Thank you for reading and sharing this newsletter, and helping it grow. I look forward to sharing more about this wonderful craft we all love.