Stanley Router - No. 71 1/2
The Verdict
Stanley 71 1/2 Review By: I.Ball
Category: Old Routers
Extra Info: What is a Router? How to use a Router?
Manufacturer: Stanley
Plane Type: Router
Model No: 71 1/2
The Stanley router number 71 1/2 is a two-handled hand tool used for cutting,
cleaning and smoothing grooves / depressed surfaces parallel with the
surface of the work.
The Stanley 71 1/2 is referred to as a closed throat router due to the
router body being flat with a closed face, this is in contrast to the open
mouth routers which have a raised hollow arch (bridge) at the front of the router.
The advantage of the Stanley 71 1/2 router over the Stanley 71 router
is it is better suited to very narrow work such as on the edge of a
piece of timber.
The 71 1/2 routers do not have a depth stop.
The 71 1/2 router was supplied with three cutters as standard: 1/4", 1/2" and 'V' (splayed smoothing cutter).
Note: the 'V' cutter is not the same profile as a 'V' chisel or carving tool.
The blades on the router can be set facing to the front for regular
work or they can be set towards the rear for bull-nose work. The
blades can be set to rear facing by removing the collar clamp and turning
around. The cutters can also be adjusted upwards and downwards to the
required depth by a screw adjustment.
The Stanley routers at the time of first creation were designed as a modern
development on the previous common wooden routers known as 'granny tooth routers'
or 'old woman's tooth routers'.
How To Sharpen A Router Cutter For A Stanley No. 71 1/2
Sharpen the router cutter on the bevelled side of the cutter using a slip stone / sharpening
stone. Once sharp, remove any burrs / wirey pieces of metal with a flat swipe or two
of the slip stone underneath the cutter.
The router cutter shouldn't be sharpened from underneath; the underneath should be
flat with no bevel.
Stanley No. 71 1/2 Wooden Bases
Some Stanley number 71 1/2 routers come with an additional wooden base applied to
the sole of the router. These routers aren't a completely different router but a
router where a user has applied their own wooden base.
A wooden base can be applied by securing the base to the sole with the use of two
screws being screwed through the two screw holes running through the body of the
router and then into the base.
The reason for this feature is to allow the user to be able to use the router on
very large openings by creating a large base.
If you are looking to make your own base, obviously care should be taken to ensure
sufficient space is left in the base for the cutter to operate.
Router Construction
Body:
Cast Iron
Handles/Knobs:
Maple (1920's - 1930's)
Beech?
Finish:
Nickel Plated
Length:
7 1/2 inches
Weight:
2 1/8 lb
Router Markings
"Stanley No 71 1/2" - found on the top face of the router
"Made In USA" - found on the top face of the router
Manufactured Dates
<1898 - 1934>
Router Also Known As
Stanley Hand Router 71 1/2
Stanley Closed Mouth Router 71 1/2
Stanley Closed Throat Router 71 1/2
Stanley Router Number 71 1/2
Old Stanley Router 71 1/2
Old Stanley Grooving Tool
Secondhand Stanley Router 71 1/2
Disclaimer
(i) This review may give warning(s) / advisory notes / cautions / guidelines given
in good faith however any such information should not be solely relied upon and
should not be seen as the exhaustive list of warnings / advisory notes / cautions / guidelines. Refer
to good safety practices for the safety of you and others. Refer to good practices
for the good health of your tool and property.
(ii) The details here are given in good faith, the details are constantly growing
and evolving including corrections, there is scope for error and shouldn't be fully relied upon,
please confirm any details for yourself by performing additional research from
reliable sources.
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