Overview
The No. 3 is an 8-inch smoother with a 1¾-inch iron. It is a half-step down from the No. 4, and some woodworkers prefer it for the lighter weight and narrower iron.
Gallery
Click any photo to view it larger. Photographs courtesy of Jim Bode Tools.
Specifications & Variants
The #3 base size and its factory variants, with the sole length, cutter width, weight, and years of production for each.
The standard cast-iron version that the variants below are based on.
Corrugated sole version of the No. 3.
A modest premium over the smooth-soled No. 3.
Dimensions are nominal factory figures; casting tolerances vary slightly across types.
Identifying Features
- Iron width: The 1¾-inch iron is shared with the No. 5¼ junior jack.
- Frog cracks: Four frog designs were used; inspect the lateral lever attachment for cracks.
Dating is shared across all sizes. Use the identification guide and the quick-reference table to pin down your plane's type.
History & Design
History
Made from 1869 to 1984, one of the long-lived sizes. It went through four major frog designs over its life, and the frogs are prone to cracking at the lateral lever attachment, so check that area.
Design
At 8 inches and a little over 3 lbs it is easy to push for a full day. The 1¾-inch iron takes a narrower shaving than the No. 4, which some find easier to control on figured wood.
For Collectors
Common and affordable in user grades. Early and Sweetheart types in clean condition carry the usual premium.
Market Value
Based on 47 realized sales of the #3 (plus corrugated examples). Prices range from $69 to $195, with a median of $95.
| Condition / grade | Typical range |
|---|---|
| User grade | $69 – $89 |
| Good / Fine | $89 – $100 |
| Fine & better | $100 – $195 |
Common and inexpensive in user grades, with clean early and Sweetheart examples bringing more.
These are past sale prices gathered from Jim Bode Tools, not a current appraisal. What any given plane is worth depends mostly on its condition and type.
Sources & Credits
Patrick's Blood & Gore
Primary reference for plane history, dimensions, and collector notes.
supertool.com/StanleyBG