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Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4

Stanley

Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4

  • Cast iron body
  • High carbon steel blade
  • Standard Bailey-pattern body
  • Standard Stanley blade compatibility
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On this page

Is the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 ranks #4 in our Best Wood Hand Planes 2026 list (best entry). Its biggest strength: lowest price for a functional full-size No. 4 plane from a recognized brand. The main caveat: sole may need light lapping before producing consistent shavings.

Overview

What the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 does well

Pros Lowest price for a functional full-size No. What earns it a place here: lowest price for a functional full-size No. 4 plane from a recognized brand and standard Bailey pattern accepts widely available replacement blades for easy upgrade.

Specs that matter

Key features

  • Cast iron body
  • High carbon steel blade
  • Standard Bailey-pattern body
  • Standard Stanley blade compatibility
The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Lowest price for a functional full-size No. 4 plane from a recognized brand
  • Standard Bailey pattern accepts widely available replacement blades for easy upgrade
  • Simple, well-understood design with decades of aftermarket parts support

Cons

  • Sole may need light lapping before producing consistent shavings
  • Blade steel quality is basic -- dulls faster than O1 or A2 alternatives
  • Adjustment mechanism has more play than premium planes
Fit check

Should you buy the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No.?

Think twice if this matters to you

  • Sole may need light lapping before producing consistent shavings
  • Blade steel quality is basic -- dulls faster than O1 or A2 alternatives
  • Adjustment mechanism has more play than premium planes
Where it ranks

Featured in 1 best-of list

ListRank
Best Wood Hand Planes 2026· Best Entry#4 / 8
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Buying advice: woodworking

  1. Clamps, a combination square, a good saw and a drill cover most beginner projects.
  2. You can never have too many. Bar clamps handle wide glue-ups; quick-grip clamps are fast for smaller work.
  3. Standard wood glue suits indoor projects. Water-resistant glue suits outdoor work and cutting boards.
  4. Oils are easy to apply and repair. Polyurethane and varnish protect tabletops and floors better.
  5. Eye and hearing protection and dust collection matter from the first project. Lay oily rags flat to dry to prevent fires.

Read the full guides

Answers

Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4: common questions

Is the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4 ranks #4 in our Best Wood Hand Planes 2026 list (best entry). Its biggest strength: lowest price for a functional full-size No. 4 plane from a recognized brand. The main caveat: sole may need light lapping before producing consistent shavings.

What are the downsides of the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: sole may need light lapping before producing consistent shavings; blade steel quality is basic -- dulls faster than O1 or A2 alternatives; adjustment mechanism has more play than premium planes.

What are the key features of the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4?

Cast iron body, High carbon steel blade, Standard Bailey-pattern body and Standard Stanley blade compatibility.

What are the best alternatives to the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4?

Worth comparing: Stanley 12-905 No. 4 Contractor Grade Smoothing Bench Plane, 14-Inch, STANLEY No. 4 Sweetheart Premium Bench Plane with A2 Steel and Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the Stanley 1-12-004 Smooth Plane Bailey No. 4?

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

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