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Stanley 5 1/2 jack plane

offered 1898 - 1962

15" long with  a 2 3/8" cutter.

There is an early version with a 2 1/4" cutter. That model requires a frog and lever cap for the smaller blade, they are usually marked 5 1/2.

This is a heavy jack plane with a wide cutter. Like the 4 1/2 this size must have been very popular down under. The jack size still is. I think a lot of wood shop teachers recommend it to their students.

Stanley 5 1/2 H

offered 1902 - 1924

same as No 5 1/2 but with an extra thick casting. For details see 4 1/2.  Some price guides list them at the same price as the 4 1/2H but I feel they are a lot harder to find. I've handled only two over the years.

looks identical to 5 1/2 with that little difference ....you can just make out the H after the model number on the heel.