Stanley 78 DIY “Fugly” Fence

It ain’t pretty—but it works perfectly.

Let’s be real: original Stanley 78 fences are tough to find, pricey when you do, and not exactly flawless. So I built my own—what I call the Fugly Fence. It’s simple, rugged, and born out of necessity.

I wanted to have it professionally manufactured, but every design I tested cost over $60 to produce. So instead of shelving the idea, I got creative—and that’s how this fence came to life. It’s industrial, honest, and made to get your plane back to work.

Extra hole for other fence positions.

Want to paint it? Go for it. The look is old-school by design, because so was the original. It’s not exact—and that’s exactly the point. A few went out with black rubber on them. In the future if there is a little paint left we know it was well used!

Why you’ll like it:

• Designed to fit your Stanley 78 (and similar rebate planes)
• Great hardwood.
• Simple DIY-style construction—strong and reliable
• Affordable and functional alternative to originals
• Rugged, vintage-inspired look—meant to be used
• Includes the screw to secure the fence
• Comes pre-assembled.

This fence was made for users, not collectors. But collectors usually latch onto stuff like this.

It’s “fugly” in name—but perfect in purpose.

FOR THE 289 if you have the thicker than 7mm post then you need to addon the rod.

This kit NEVER includes the rod. But ADD-ON THREADED ROD AVAILABLE.

ADD-ON AN ANTIQUE DOORKNOB FOR STABILITY. they are the old glass ones! I choose one that i have and throw it in the box. they are cool and work great to keep pressure and a place to put your hand. I didn't clean them. Just have fun. They aren't perfect but you will shrug your shoulders and say. "It works damn good."