I currently have a Stanley #4 and a low-angle block plane that I use for general materials preparation, as well as a japanese style hardwood plane that I keep very sharp for trimming boards that come off my jointer.
I am starting to do a little more hand jointing and shooting board work, and I’m thinking about getting a plane with a longer sole for this purpose.
Would I be better served with a #6 jack plane (approx. 18 inches long), or a #7 jointer smoothing plane (approx. 22 inches long)?
Replies
The #6 would be preferred to the #7 on the shooting board. A shorter #5 1/2 would be better still.
Regards from Perth
Derek
I don't think that length is the #1 feature for a plane to be designated as a shooting plane. The shooting board is what keeps the plane on target and square. My favorite attributes for my designated shooting plane in order are weight, shape, grip-ability and angle. A longer plane does help weight and stability, but the length isn't necessary.
I've used the L-N LA Jack as a good shooting and general purpose plane. It's not very heavy, but all-in-all, I think it would make a nice addition to your collection.
I use the LV LA Jack as well. Works fine- #9 is also a good choice but probably will not have much use outside of shooting, whereas the LV LA jack will.Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
I shoot cross grain with a #9. You can use any of the planes you mentioned with long grain.
Jeff
Mmmmm Jeff, that #9 looks very nice!
My current preference (lacking a #9) is a Veritas LA Jack.
View Image
Discussion of shooting board planes ...
http://www.wkfinetools.com/contrib/dCohen/z_art/whatPlane/whatPlan.asp
I am in the process of restoring a Stanley #51/52.
Pre-restoration...
View Image
Couldn't resist that - been fixing it on-and-off for 12 months and now making headway.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Derek
The low angle jack will certainly do a great job. It's what I used before I got the #9. My wife needed a gift idea for me, and the #9 was one of the few planes I did not have, so.......voilla!
It's great having a wife who knows enough about woodworking and hand planes to go out to the shop, and see what's missing!! And, I must say, that shooting with the #9 is much easier on the wrists, as it's what the plane was designed for.
Jeff
Let me say this Jeff. A wife such as yours is worth a lot more than a Stanley #51/52! Now THAT is a gloat!
Regards from Perth
Derek
I used a LN LA jack for shooting for several years and pulled the trigger for a #9 last fall. #9 much easier on the hand, although if I would have waited a week or two longer, I could've just purchased a "hot dog" handle for the LA jack and saved a couple of bucks.
Few visitors to my basement shop can't believe the accuracy and how quick it is achieved using a shooting board: simply cut close to knifed line with hand saw and shoot the rest. No power miter saw can come anywhere close!
T.Z.
My experience mirrors yours. Does LV sell a hot dog for the LA jack?Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
LV do not have plans for a hotdog at this time (or so I was told). I think that they are interested, but have too many other projects on the go (which is great for us).
Make your own. Here is one way. I'd do it differently now, but at least the concept is clear.
http://www.wkfinetools.com/contrib/dCohen/z_art/Hotdog-LV/hDog-LV-1.asp
Regards from Perth
Derek
Thanks Derek- very nice. Unfortunately, I do not have a lathe... so I'll pop 'round for a beer with some Appalachian cherry...Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
Hi Derek,
Is there some reason why it would be a poorer idea to just drill the side and attach a spare front knob?
Looks like that would be easier, and would seem to give you a better grip. What am I missing?
Just learning about handplanes in Louisville....
Mike D
P.S. Based on your excellent review, I bought the BUS and am really enjoying using it.
Mike,
OK, how excited are you about drilling a hole in the side of a new plane? Are you prepared to tap is as well to hold the screw for the knob? Introducing a hole provides an easy mechanism for foreign matter to enter it, not the least of which is rust!
I believe that Derek came up with a method of attaching a knob/handle on one that required no hole to be drilled.
Just my 2¢,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Well, he DID say that he'd do it differently next time. ???
Neverless, I'm hanging my head in shame (not) :)
Mike D
Hi Mike,
Sometimes I tend to come on a bit strong, not intended. I guess I was thinking purely from my own perspective and I just couldn't see myself drilling a hole into the side of a new plane.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Hi Bob, I was NOT offended. I'm sorry, my own self, for causing you to think that I was. As my children like to tell me (often), my sense of humor isn't obvious to others.
I thought that your reply was wry (I think that that is a word - maybe I'd better Google that - yep "Dryly humorous, often with a trace of irony.")
Best Regards,
Mike D
Mike,
Yup that's it. You hit it right on the noggin!
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
It's great having a wife who knows enough about woodworking and hand planes to go out to the shop, and see what's missing!! I would bet it gets a 'bit' expensive buying HIS AND HERS!
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled