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STANLEY 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing Bench Plane

Stanley

STANLEY 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing Bench Plane

  • One-piece base and frog
  • Norris-type adjuster
  • Adjustable throat plate
  • 10-45/64 inch sole
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On this page

Is the STANLEY 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing Bench Plane worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The STANLEY 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing Bench Plane ranks #4 in our Best Hand Plane for Beginners 2026 list (best stanley). Its biggest strength: one-piece base and frog design improves rigidity over standard three-piece Bailey planes. The main caveat: higher price than basic Bailey-pattern planes.

Overview

What the STANLEY 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing Bench Plane does well

Best mid-tier smoothing plane. What earns it a place here: one-piece base and frog design improves rigidity over standard three-piece Bailey planes and norris-type adjuster with lateral locking simplifies fine depth adjustment. Keep in mind that higher price than basic Bailey-pattern planes.

Specs that matter

Key features

  • One-piece base and frog
  • Norris-type adjuster
  • Adjustable throat plate
  • 10-45/64 inch sole
The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • One-piece base and frog design improves rigidity over standard three-piece Bailey planes
  • Norris-type adjuster with lateral locking simplifies fine depth adjustment
  • Adjustable throat plate handles different wood types and grain conditions
  • Build quality exceeds standard Stanley Bailey-line planes at a moderate price step up

Cons

  • Higher price than basic Bailey-pattern planes
  • Still requires initial sharpening for best results, like most production planes
Fit check

Should you buy the STANLEY 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing?

Buy it if you're…

  • Shopping for beginners 2026

Think twice if this matters to you

  • Higher price than basic Bailey-pattern planes
  • Still requires initial sharpening for best results, like most production planes
Where it ranks

Featured in 2 best-of lists

ListRank
Best Hand Plane for Beginners 2026· Best Stanley#4 / 8
Best Wood Hand Planes 2026· Best Import#7 / 8
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the STANLEY 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing Bench Plane

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 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing Bench Plane: common questions

Is the STANLEY 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing Bench Plane worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The STANLEY 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing Bench Plane ranks #4 in our Best Hand Plane for Beginners 2026 list (best stanley). Its biggest strength: one-piece base and frog design improves rigidity over standard three-piece Bailey planes. The main caveat: higher price than basic Bailey-pattern planes.

Who is the STANLEY 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing Bench Plane best for?

Based on our research it suits beginners 2026. It's ranked #4 of 8 in our Best Hand Plane for Beginners 2026 list.

What are the downsides of the STANLEY 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing Bench Plane?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: higher price than basic Bailey-pattern planes; still requires initial sharpening for best results, like most production planes.

What are the key features of the STANLEY 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing Bench Plane?

One-piece base and frog, Norris-type adjuster, Adjustable throat plate and 10-45/64 inch sole.

What are the best alternatives to the STANLEY 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing Bench Plane?

Worth comparing: Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane, Kunz Plus Smoothing Plane No. 4 and Amazon Basics Woodworking Hand Planer No. 4 Adjustable Bench Plane. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the STANLEY 12-136 No. 4 Sweetheart Smoothing Bench Plane?

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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