Replies

1. 
   7Joel | Dec 16, 2008 12:28am | #1

   I believe the Academy Saw plane irons are HSS which is not easy to sharpen. I would email Terry (I think that's his name) at Gordon and discuss this before buying.

2. 
   derekcohen | Dec 16, 2008 07:54am | #2

   It depends on what yoiu want to spend.

   You could get Hock or HNT Gordon or Galoot Tools or Lee Valley.

   I have tools steel HNT Gordon (1/4" thick), and these are really excellent. I do not see a need for paying the premium for the HSS (unless you are working very hard woods all the time. And even then ..).

   The Galoot tools are laminated Chinese hand made blades of the highest order. I have a couple and they are terrific.

   I have heard excellent things about the new LV blades for woodies. Sounds like a good deal.

   I also have few Hocks, and they are also excellent.

   Regards from Perth

   Derek

1. 
   sleepydad | Dec 16, 2008 08:16pm | #3

   Yes I have a couple of hock blades and they are better than stock.<!----><!----><!---->

   I work with mostly q-sawn hardwood.  oak, ash, cherry, a couple of different mahoganies.  The hock blades do a good job in these types of woods.<!----><!---->

   I would like to try some ipe this next year.  It’s supposedly pretty hard and blunting. So I was thinking since I was going to make a couple of my own planes I would get something to handle really hard nasty tropical stuff.<!----><!---->

   I don’t really mind sharpening to much so I’m not so concerned if it’s a little harder to sharpen.  I use those ceramic on glass shapton stones – really nice way to sharpen.  Fast and flat.<!----><!---->

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3. 
   gdblake | Dec 19, 2008 12:39pm | #4

   Try http://www.highlandwoodworking.com.  They sell HNT Gordon planes and replacement irons for them.  They also have Hock irons & chipbreakers.

4. 
   7Joel | Dec 21, 2008 04:27am | #5

   craftsmanstudio in California has the Academy Saw HSS blades for Stanley planes as well as HSS irons for the Gordon planes. Take a look at their website. The HSS steel blades for the Gordon planes are listed with the planes -- I think it's $97 for a smoother iron in HSS.

1. 
   sleepydad | Dec 29, 2008 07:12pm | #6

   Thanks perfect.<!----><!----><!---->

   Exactly what I was looking for.  <!----><!---->

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5. 
   Metod | Dec 30, 2008 07:21pm | #7

   sleepydad,
   Making your own planes is a great project. If you are using existing designs, don't hesitate to experiment with suitable modifications till you come up with something that fits great in your hands. Post some pictures when you are done - or during the building process.
   Best wishes for a good progress,
   Metod

1. 
   sleepydad | Dec 30, 2008 07:53pm | #8

   I'm working on cabinet doors right now... and probably for a month or so...<!----><!----><!---->

   But once I get'er done... yes I'll start making some planes.  I think the first couple will just use old <!----><!----><!---->Stanley<!----><!----> irons I have laying around... maybe with modified bevel angles.  Just to get the hang of it.<!----><!---->

   I like the HNT Gordon stuff.  I tend to agree with him on the "when In doubt scrape it."<!----><!---->

   I like figured wood and when the grain goes this way and that and then back again I'm reaching for a scraper.  so I think I might get the most utility out of high angles and HSS blades that can be flipped around and used as scrapers.  Very practical point of view.<!----><!---->

   Planes are like golf clubs.  You can't have just one can you?<!----><!---->

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1. 
   Metod | Dec 30, 2008 11:23pm | #9

   "Planes are like golf clubs" This is actually true (also) on a 'deeper' principle: different cutting angles, lengths, and cambers for different situations.
   Enjoy them as well as the process of bringing them to life.
   Best wishes,
   Metod

2. 
   derekcohen | Dec 31, 2008 05:32am | #10

   The HNT Gordon planes make terrific scraper planes as well being used as high angles bench planes. However you are advised to keep a spare blade handy as the heat in scraping will destroy the edge and you will need to regrind. Use HSS for scraping.

   Regards from Perth

   Derek