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Block Plane Decision

8K views 148 replies 40 participants last post by  jmartel 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hello Fellow Jocks,

I have an itch to spend some money. A block plane specifically. Read a bunch of reviews here but nothing I've read has swayed me one way or the other.

1. Do I want a low angle or Standard? I know a low angle is better for end grain. But, will the low angle function OK for other things? Would I be better off with the standard angle for end grain? Most of the review titles I saw were for low-angle planes. Which tells me a lot of people thought the LA was what they needed.

2. Brands? LN, Stanley, Wood River… any Thoughts? Decision, Decisions.

I see lots of Jack, Smoothing, and Jointer planes at flea markets and Craig's List but I'm not seeing BP's. So I think I'll go new.

Discuss
 
#5 ·
Main ones I USE all the time….Millers Falls No.56B Low Angle Block, and a Stanley 60-1/2 Low Angle Block….but, then again….I have 10 block planes in the shop. Millers falls and Stanley made very good block planes. And, IF one tunes them up right, will keep up with the fancy-schmanzy new made ones,,,,,

A block plane is just that..a block plane. Learn to sharpen the irons, and then put them to use.
Wood Gas Composite material Hardwood Engineering


Use mine all the time…
 

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#8 ·
If i could only keep 2 block planes, they would probably be a Stanley #60 1/2 and a Sargent 206.

If I had to go new, I'd go with an LN or veritas Rabbet. All thinks equal, it would be LN, but I bought veritas seconds due to price.
 
#12 ·
I had a love hate relationship with my Stanley 60-1/2. I now have a love love relationship with LN 60-1/2. I'm not a fan of low angles on anything but endgrain though.

If new, you can't go wrong with a LN or veritas.
 
#19 · (Edited by Moderator)
I had a love hate relationship with my Stanley 60-1/2. I now have a love love relationship with LN 60-1/2. I m not a fan of low angles on anything but endgrain though.

- TheFridge
There is so much there I'd like to explore, Fridge! Don't want to hijack the block plane reco thread, though.
 
#20 · (Edited by Moderator)
First, I want to nominate Smitty for best signature.

Second, I don't get the reference to "other people's money." I'm not trying to start a fight, but it's my money, I earned it, and if I want to spend it on LN planes, I will.

I admire the guys who can take a garage sale plane and spend hours refurbishing it. That takes real skill. But, it's not how I want to spend my time. I base my budget for tools on how much having near perfection will benefit me, and planes are up at the top. I don't mind taking a few minutes to flatten the backs of my $100 set of Narex chisels, since I'm not Frank Klausz, and I don't need a $600 set. Planes are a different animal in my mind. There's more to it than just the flatness of the sole.
 
#21 ·
My most used block plane is a Brass LN 102 then a Veritas Apron plane with the PMV-11 iron then a Stanley 60 1/2 upgraded with a PMV-11 iron and if the need for a little shoulder work arises a LN 60 1/2 rabbit pops out. It all depends on what need to be done and of course which one is read with a sharp blade! The sharp blade will usually make a major difference in every planes performance.
 
#23 ·
I would also recommend LV or Veritas, both have great feel during use. I have a variety of planes from, no name up and the expense is worth it for no setup headaches and a tool that holds and edge and stays setup while working. My Stanley's come out of I'm working rougher wood that I have to get aggressive with and might have dirt or foreign matter in the surface but they are not my choice for detail or finish.
 
#25 ·
Then why this post, if you already made up your mind?

For all I care, you can go out and blow the entire check on one plane, or just walk into a "Menards" and buy a brand new in package Stanley. $32.

I was saying what I use for block planes. And mine do quite well, thank you very much. Shoulder plane? Yep, have one of those planes, too.

Now then, are you planning on having the seller drop by and sharpen the plane as needed? Or, just sending it back for a new one when the first gets dull?
 
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