Description
Stanley No.90J Rebate Plane with Craftsman-Made Depth Adjustment Conversion
An unusual and skilfully modified Stanley rebate plane | A fascinating workshop adaptation of a classic Stanley No.90J
The Stanley No.90J Rebate Plane is one of Stanley’s most practical specialist woodworking tools. Designed for trimming rebates, cleaning shoulders and working directly into corners, the No.90J became a favourite amongst joiners, cabinetmakers and site carpenters who appreciated its simplicity and effectiveness.
This example, however, is anything but ordinary.
Origins
At some point during its working life, a previous owner undertook a remarkably well-executed modification to add a mechanical depth adjustment mechanism to the plane. Interestingly, Stanley themselves later produced a No.90J style plane incorporating an adjustment mechanism (the 90A), however this particular conversion does not appear to be factory work.
The strongest evidence lies in the iron. The cutter remains clearly marked “90J”, however the adjustment slot has been carefully cut through the area where the original Stanley trademark appears. It seems highly unlikely that Stanley would modify and stamp a blade in this way, strongly suggesting a workshop-built adaptation rather than a factory variant.
Had it been by Stanley 90A it should have had the nut stamped “No. 90A”. The cutter would have been stamped “90A” and the body would be stamped “MADE IN USA”. With such markings it is worth over $1000. As it is, it’s a fantastic, functionally-similar copy of such a plane.
What makes this example particularly appealing is the quality of the work. The conversion has been carried out with considerable skill and care, resulting in a plane that remains visually attractive, functional and genuinely practical in use. Rather than detracting from the tool, the modification tells the story of a craftsman improving a favourite workshop companion to better suit their needs. The threaded rod that the adjuster runs on is perfectly centered and parallel to the iron.
The plane is accompanied by its original Stanley carton, adding further interest and confirming its origins as a No.90J. Today it occupies an unusual position somewhere between a user tool, a copy of a highly collectable plane, a collector’s curiosity and an example of traditional workshop ingenuity.
For collectors of unusual Stanley tools, user modifications and workshop adaptations, this is a fascinating and very difficult piece to duplicate.
Key Features:
- Includes original Stanley carton.
- Workshop-modified with a mechanical depth adjustment mechanism.
- Original No.90J iron retained.
- Adjustment slot professionally added to the blade.
- Excellent overall condition.
- Unusual and highly functional user modification.
- Suitable for rebates, shoulders and fine joinery work.
- Appeals to both users and collectors of unusual Stanley tools.
- A genuine one-off workshop adaptation.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition overall. The body presents particularly well with only minor evidence of age and use. The craftsman-made adjustment mechanism operates as intended and appears to have been fitted to a really high standard – we did initially suspect it was original Stanley workmanship. The original No.90J cutter remains present and serviceable. The original Stanley carton accompanies the plane and shows expected wear consistent with age and storage. Overall, this is a highly usable and unusually interesting Stanley rebate plane that combines practical workshop functionality with genuine collector appeal.