Review By: I.Ball
Category: Old Block Planes
Extra Info: What is a Block Plane? Block Plane Videos
Manufacturer: Stanley
Plane Type: Block
Model No: 220a
The Stanley block plane number 220a is a weighty, compact plane with
a pierced lever cap with a hooded half dome top. The lever cap locks with
the use of a flat-head screw.
The 220a plane blade rests on a lateral adjuster and a depth adjuster
which all rest on the bed.
The lateral adjuster functions with the user moving the adjuster side-to-side.
The adjuster is moved by gripping the two folded-over metal grips
protruding above the blade and then sliding it sideways.
This in-turn moves the blade laterally (sideways).
This movement is possible due to the base of the adjuster locating just
inside the slot of the blade.
There is a brass depth adjuster wheel nut located above the top of the
blade and lateral adjuster. This when turned moves the blade forwards
or backwards to allow the user to tune the blade to the depth of cut
required.
The body and overall weight feel quite heavy and sturdy.
When broken down the lever cap and lateral adjuster feel quite light-weight
compared to the plane body and compared to similar parts of earlier
versions. This said, they perform their function perfectly fine.
Width: 51mm (2 inch)
Length Of Sole: 180mm (7 1/16 inch)
Front knob: plastic
Weight: 782g
Plane finish: black
Stanley 220a Plane Blade / Cutter
Width: 41mm (1 5/8 inch)
Blade Thickness: 2mm
Top Of Blade Shape: Oval, Rounded Corners
Blade Markings: Stanley, No 9 1/2 / 220A
"Stanley" - found on the top face at the very rear of the plane.
"England" - found on the top face in the middle of the plane.
"Stanley" - found on the bottom of the lever cap face.
"Pats Pend" - found on the face of the lateral lever adjuster.
1980/1981 - <1985
The Stanley 220A took over from the long running
Stanley 220 block plane.
The Stanley 220A appears to have had a short life span having been replaced with
the Stanley 220G block plane in about 1985, only about 5 years after the 220A first
went into production.
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