Need help with low-angle block plane

stillfigurinitout | Posted in Hand Tools on March 17, 2009 06:59am

I’d like to buy a low angle block plane. I can’t afford a LN or other high end brand at this time, and I don’t want to buy new from a borg. I would prefer to buy an older Stanley from a well known auction site, and clean it up. The problem is there seems to be so many Stanley models numbers to choose from, I’m having a hard time knowing which one to bid on. I don’t know the good from the not so good, or even which is low angle. I have looked at a Stanley Model Number Reference Site http://www.sover.net/~nichael/nlc-wood/stanref-num.html but they don’t seem to happy with most models. I’d appreciate any tips on which models you consider worthy of consideration, and which to stay away from.

Replies

derekcohen | Mar 17, 2009 07:29am | #1
The best Stanley block plane in my opinion is the #65 knucklejoint. These can be 50% more expensive than my second choice, the #60 1/2.

The #65 is a widish block plane and willl suit especially if you have a large hand, but it is a light plane and easily managed with average size hands (like mine). It may just be because mine is well tuned, but its performance is as good as it gets. The 60 1/2 is a excellent size. It is the model upon which the LN is based. These should be fairly plentiful.

Note that there are Millers Falls versions of these planes that should also be worthy of your attention.

Try only to buy pre-WW2 planes. Later versions were not finished as well.

Regards from Perth

Derek
hammer1 | Mar 17, 2009 04:28pm | #2
I own a lot of block planes from Irish chariot styles to bronze LN. They are a very important tool for finish carpenters and installers. I've worn out a few blades over the years. My favorite is a fairly new Stanley 60 1/2. It has a lateral blade adjustment which none of the others have. The weight and feel are perfect for my hand. No more prying blades around with a screwdriver, hit or miss.

Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Napie | Mar 17, 2009 06:01pm | #3
I have far more block planes than I really need but the “go to” one is a later 1980’s Stanley 60 ½ that just keeps going. I bought it new and tuned it up back when I had no money. I have built a couple of stitch-n-glue plywood boats and that 60 ½ fitted all of the ¼” ply on them, not to mention all the trim in my house. I love my L-N’s but the Stanley is a real workhorse.
SteveSchoene | Mar 17, 2009 09:40pm | #4
I'm with Derek on this. The 65's I have (both Sweetheart models) just feel "right", and I have small hands. I am rather fond of a 60 1/2, though part of my attraction is that I accquired it for $0.25. It's a little narrower, which in a block plane isn't a handicap.
roc | Mar 18, 2009 10:22am | #5
Still,

I will be the "Maverick" here and say save your money and get a modern plane with a thick blade. I have LNs also and like them but this

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=47881cat=1,41182,48942

then find Veritas¯ Standard Block Plane

[ I have included a picture at the bottom of this post. Not sure why I can't just get the whole address for you to the specific Veritas page. Frustrating. ]

is a very good value. See also the auxiliary handles for it. I have them and like them. You can also get a toothed blade for it for totally cantankerous wood.

I would be so bold as to say if you can not find the bucks for a simple, quality, block plane you may be in the wrong sport. The price of wood is going to blow you out'a the water.

For comparison an "expensive" block plane is around six hundred dollars or more. The Veritas at $145 is cheep. You may also want to look at the Japanese planes. Very thick, quality, blades for not much bucks

http://www.japanwoodworker.com/product.asp?s=JapanWoodworker&pf_id=01%2E256%2E42_id=12938

Not as versatile and you need to learn about how to tune them and handle them. Please note blade hardness 65 C; that might be a bit optimistic but still the best blades out there !

Come on ! Feed your kids every other day and buy a nice plane. Live a little.

roc

Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )

Edited 3/18/2009 11:18 pm by roc
mwenz | Mar 18, 2009 03:52pm | #6
Most all the older block planes are decent.

http://www.brasscityrecords.com/toolworks/new%20tools.html

Email Walt or look through his pages. Good planes, well priced.

Take care, Mike
flairwoodworks | Mar 19, 2009 05:51am | #7
Why don't you make a wooden one yourself? All you need to buy is the blade.

Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
(soon to be www.flairwoodworks.com)

- Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
gdblake | Mar 24, 2009 03:10am | #8
Stanley's current #60 1/2 low angle block plane is a functional tool once you tune it up. It isn't a LN or a LV, but it is inexpensive and can be made to work. Here is a link to Highland Woodworking's page:

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=243&Page=20

Also, here is a link to a video where Chris Gochnour shows how to tune up this plane. This video will help you regardless of what plane you get.

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ToolGuide/ToolGuideArticle.aspx?id=30997

If you do change your mind and decide to spend the "big bucks" on a LN or a LV take a look at the LN rabbit block plane. Same $165 as the adjustable mouth low angle block plane, but you can also use it to clean up rabbits and tenons. Sometimes it is worth spending more money on a tool when you can get more function with it.

gdblake