Finally got this Stanley Bailey No. 5 back in working order. These old planes are worth restoring when you can find them, but they take some work to get right. Flatten the sole, lap the back of the blade, sort out the chipbreaker, dial in the frog position. Once everything is set up properly they’re a pleasure to use.
The proof is in the shavings. Cuts wood like it should now and I’m looking forward to putting it up against my low angle jack to see how they compare for different tasks.