"low angle" block plane

they generally handle end grain better. Block planes are not usually used for finishing as much as they are for fitting.

-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net

ChicoWoodnut pretty much said it all in 1 sentence. Both LN and LV have the specs listed on their web sites, a simple search yields countless info/technique sources on line. Planes in general seem to be the most collected and discussed tool I can think of. Anyway, I think they are very versatile and amongst my most often used tools. For small or hard to reach areas they can serve as a smoother, perfect for the fine adjustments joinery and assembly may require. I have several, but my favorites are a LN only for shop use the new Stanley for job site work, great for trimming doors, trim and molding, etc. With minor honing the stanley preforms just as well as the LN, just slightly lighter. Required equipment for every shop or tool box.

-- Ciao, gth.

I’ve got both (LN’s) and the low angle comes out of the drawer the vast majority of the time. But if the wood is partiularly hard or figured, the standard angle often makes the difference between getting a bit of tearout or not. End grain generally comes out better with the LA. Get both – if you’re sticking them in an apron pocket you’ll need to balance them or you’ll develop a big lean to one side:-))

-- Use the fence Luke

what does LN stand for, and what do you mean by “end grain”?

LN = Lie Nielsen maker of fine hand pplanes.

End grain is what you see on the end of a board. The grain is far different to plane or tool.

HTH

-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net