Stanley Hand Tools 12-105 2" X 6" RB5 Plane

I almost didn't buy this after reading the reviews, but I only needed it for a small job and if it didn't work out it would probably be OK. Also, the bad reviews were about the tool just not working, which in my construction experience is often related to a guy's just not having the patience to figure out how it works. I have a lot of experience and patience :) so I figured I could give it a try. Turns out I needed neither. I put the blade in and curled up a large wood shaving at the first stroke. Made me wonder if other guys were trying to plane end grain? Anyway. Had no trouble with the tool. I am still learning to plane well as this is literally the first wood plane I have ever used. Just finished the two bookshelves I was working on and I have no complaints. I would buy it again. Oh, and I was using it as a block plane, not a bullnose.

This is a very cheap plane but once set right is a very useful tool. Fits in the hand like an extension of my fingers. It gives a fine surface to the wood and I wouldn't be without it! I have had this for around 10 years and despite it being used regularly, even with it being used for things i'm sure Stanley never expected it to be used for, I still have the spare blades unused.

As other reviewers I had a problem to get the blade low enough so that it would cut the wood. The instructions are too brief and doesn't explain properly. Following intuition I would push the blade in as much as possible and then tighten the screw. Then it's impossible to screw the adjustment screw down enough for the tool to start cutting. The solution is to let the blade rest against the small edge in the piece that is holding it, which allows it to protrude longer, and then to tighten the screw firmly. After that it is possible to adjust how deep it will cut. Having struggled with this for a while in the beginning, the tool is now working perfectly fine for me, and I was able to accomplish the result that I wanted. I recommend this tool!

I find the reviews quite interesting for this plane and I think it is more due to the use of the plane itself. The set up is incredibly annoying unless you're used to working with various planes (I am a collector so it was not bad). The front blade placement makes this a quick and dirty tool for me when doing corner work and I'm not afraid to toss it in the bottom of a toolbox. If you're a beginner, or looking for a precision plane I highly suggest taking some time to examine much better options. If you're an old hat with hand tools it's a compact, quick, dirty, and cheap addition to your existing box of baubles.

I agree with everything that's been said, and for those of you who are struggling with it, I recommend superglue. I realize this won't help when I go to switch the blade, but it's the only way I could get the blade to stay in the groove. Once you can play with the screw and the adjuster without worrying about losing the blade, you'll be OK.

I bought this item to work on a door. Half an hour after opening the package the blade still won't attach well. It probably couldn't even shave it's way through butter. I can't believe Stanley even sells this. So disappointing. I'm going to have to go back to the store. Certainly won't buy another Stanley item!

• The packaging is the first tip-off. 2 tiny blades just dropped in the blister pack to freely float around. I was convinced they were missing. • Zero instructions. Just an illustration showing the correct direction of the blade. • The blades are a hair too wide. It's very difficult to get them to fit without their being at an angle. • There is no design feature that insures that the blade is straight. You just have to fiddle with it and hope it's in straight. Not what you want when planing. • Blade installation takes forever. The blades are microscopic, sharp and difficult to handle. I remember when the Stanley name meant something. Now they apparently outsource not only the manufacturing to other countries, but the design and quality control as well. Won't be trusting the Stanley yellow package like I used to. •

Same complaint as the other reviews, I wish I'd read those first. I am not a master woodworker, just want to shave down a sticky door. This is a piece of garbage.

I want to give Stanley the benefit of a doubt but I doubt that it works. There are no instructions or on line info. So I don't think this is worth buying.

Majority of reviewers had a problem with this product simply because they newer saw the blades. Due to unfortunate blister package , it's very easy to throw away the plastic together with 2 blades since they usually slip somewhere inside the plastic. Ok I admit that's partly my fault, so I went next day to buy spare blades but there is none to buy...