Stanley 78 or 289 DIY “Fugly” Fence

Stanley 78 “Fugly” Fence Fixture

The Stanley 78 is one of the best little rabbet planes ever made — but most of them are missing the fence. This is the solution I built instead. It locks in solid, stays put, and gets your 78 back in the shop where it belongs.

I personally love this tool for rabbeting picture frames — quick setup, clean results, and a ton of control once you’re dialed in. One customer said it reminded him of using a stanley 45. I agree.

What You’re Getting

• Includes the threaded post
• Rock-solid fence fixture — stable, strong, user-tested
• Pre-assembled and ready to install
• Wood pre-installed.

Wood this batch (Mahogany)

This batch is Mahogany — Hand rubbed multiple coats with Glancy #1.

Each piece is unique. Small variation is normal — it’s real wood, made for real shop work. You will love it. It has been compared to the same feel of a Stanley 45 fence.

Optional Add-Ons (Save a Little)

These are the parts most 78 owners are missing anyway, so I bundle them as add-ons:

• 2-pack of 10-28 screws — the commonly missing “cursed” thread
• Replacement spur & spur screw
• Second fence fixture for left/right centering setups

It’s one of those “why didn’t Stanley do this?” upgrades. Once it clicks, people love it.