I have a couple of unrelated questions.
What advantage does a standard bench plane have over a low angle plane? It seems to me that the low angle plane is more versatile because you can adjust the effective angle of the plane by grinding a different bevel angle on the blade. In addition, when the effective angle of a low angle plane is set at 45 degrees, similar to typical bench planes, there is a lot more steel behind the cutting edge. I would assume there must be some advantages to the standard bench plane because there are not nearly as many sizes of low angle planes available. I currently only own a block plane. Would you recommend getting a low angle smoothing plane or a #4 bench plane next?
I have been researching ideas for building a router table and recently read the “Rock-Solid Router Table” by J. Peter Schlebecker in FWW #195. The article indicates laminating both the top and bottom of the router table top with plastic laminate. Is it necessary to laminate the under side of the top to maintain stability? I know it is important when veneering a surface to veneer both sides, but I was not sure how critical it is in this case. All of the kitchen cabinets I have seen do not have laminate on the underside of the top.
Thanks for your time.
AJ
Replies
I prefer to use my low angle tools for low angle work: cutting end grain or on smaller pieces when using my block planes. Changing angles on the irons, for me is too much trouble. I want to go to work and build things and not spend a lot of time reworking iron angles. So I grab a bench plane. I have two I use constantly. One an old Stanley #5 with a Hock iron and cap iron. It's great. I also use a #4 L-Nielsen for final smoothing passes. But if you like the tuning aspect of the work, then go get a low angle smoother or jack plane. They're sweet tools as well.
Bench planes were developed for a variety of uses and lengths/ widths of boards. They were also designed, I believe, for efficiency in use. So rather than reworking the angle of my iron when faced with some nasty grain, I can grab my #5 and go to work. Low angle tools without reshaping angles will experience more tear-out ahead of the cut, no matter the mouth opening.
And now for something completely different. Router tables. Yes, laminate both sides to keep the table flat. Use backer laminate for the underside. It will balance the panel. Best quality laminate work uses this technique. Or just go get a piece of two sided melamine. It works great. Good luck.
Gary
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