In a previous thread (here) I posted about using my Stanley 112 scraper plane to smooth a veneered surface. Seems Stanley had a lengthy fascination with how to improve the humble scraper. Prior to the 112 they had a line of veneer scrapers, beginning with the Stanley 12 (guessing they saw the 112 as a continuation of this line and updated the number). This line begins with the Stanley 12 (circa 1869), then came the 12 1/2 (1905), the 12 1/4 (1912) and last the 12 3/4 (1928). These continued in production until around WWII. You can read more about them here.
In addition to the 112 I happen to also own a 12 1/2. I picked it up a few years ago at the State Flea Market here in Raleigh. It was in fairly rough shape, but cleaned up nicely. It has a beautiful Rosewood handle and sole. The main difference between the 12 and 12 1/2 is the latter has a wooden sole. I'm sure this is to reduce the chance of scratching the surface. It can also be replaced if it wears out.
Building on my prior success with the 112 at cleaning up a veneered surface, I decided to give the 12 1/2 a try since it's billed specifically as a veneer scraper. I have to say it lives up to the name. I found it to be easier to manage for this activity, especially when pulled versus pushed.
In addition to the 112 I happen to also own a 12 1/2. I picked it up a few years ago at the State Flea Market here in Raleigh. It was in fairly rough shape, but cleaned up nicely. It has a beautiful Rosewood handle and sole. The main difference between the 12 and 12 1/2 is the latter has a wooden sole. I'm sure this is to reduce the chance of scratching the surface. It can also be replaced if it wears out.
Building on my prior success with the 112 at cleaning up a veneered surface, I decided to give the 12 1/2 a try since it's billed specifically as a veneer scraper. I have to say it lives up to the name. I found it to be easier to manage for this activity, especially when pulled versus pushed.
