I’m going to embark on a large door project. I’m going to be making 30+ doors for my entire house.
I have a LN 62 with a 40’ bevel that I tend to use for larger sized smoother tasks. It’s hard to push but it leaves a nice surface with very minimal tear.
I was considering purchasing a LN No. 5-1/2 Bench Plane with a 55’ HAF. I figured this plane may be expressly designed for smoothing large surface areas and would help me along a little better than the 62.
Anybody else have suggestions for big smoothers. Price under $500. None of this 5K plane stuff Mr. Perth.
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Replies
I love my L-N 4 ½ York pitch, what a great plane.
I have a LN 62 with a 40’ bevel that I tend to use for larger sized smoother tasks. It’s hard to push but it leaves a nice surface with very minimal tear.
I was considering purchasing a LN No. 5-1/2 Bench Plane with a 55’ HAF. I figured this plane may be expressly designed for smoothing large surface areas and would help me along a little better than the 62.
I am surprised that you are finding the #62 hard to push. See if you can find someone with a LN #5 1/2 and #4 1/2 with the HA frogs (either 50 or 55 degrees). I am positive that you will find them harder to push than the #62 (with similar blade extension). I have the LN bronze #4 1/2 with York frog and used it alongside another with a Common Pitch over the course of a year. I also have a Veritas LA Jack with a 50 degree bevel (i.e. 62 degree cutting angle). The LA Jack required the least effort to push.
Do you think that the blade on your #62 is sharp?
Regards from Perth
Derek
it's sharp.<!----><!----><!---->
I guess I should qualify hard to push. if I set the dept of cut to take very thin translucent fluffy cuts. it's very easy to push or pull. if it's set to take woody thick cuts it's really a bear. <!----><!---->
I'm not worried about my ability to push it. I just thought the mass of the 5 1/2 would be helpful? I'm going to be smoothing 500 square feet of panels. It’s a lot of smoothing for me. I'll be a pro by the time I'm done.<!----><!---->
I like the 62 with a 40' bevel. It’s a really good combo for me and I probably could do the whole job with it.<!----><!---->
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There is no reason why you could not use your #62 for deeper, thicker shavings, but I would say that the #5 1/2 is better suited in this respect. However I would then recommend a common pitch (45 degree) frog rather than a HA. A high cutting angle + wide blade (2 3/8" for the #5 1/2 verses 2" for the #62) + deep cut is going to be a real bear.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Edited 3/6/2009 11:51 am ET by derekcohen
When smoothing, you should only be taking off a couple of thou. Use your BU to get joints flush and then a couple of wispy shavings with a smoother (4, 4-1/2 etc) will complete the job.
Dick
you know that brings me to another question.<!----><!----><!---->
I just got done doing a bunch (23 I think) of overlay cabinet doors. Standard face frame cabinet construction. It was not advanced furniture work but it was still fun.<!----><!---->
I used my #62 a lot to flush up the stile/rail of my stub tenon jointery. I had about 50% of my jointery turn out close enough so I did not need to do anything… but for some reason some joints just don’t end up flush on the face? <!----><!---->
I found it really hard to smooth the intersections of these joints. With the grain running at 90’ it’s really tough to do.<!----><!---->
I tried clamping a board along the stiles to use as a safety stop while going past the rails. This worked ok but I still got some places where I marred the rail a bit and had to sand.<!----><!---->
I’m going to run into the same problem with my large doors so I’m searching for other ways to handle the problem. (without sanding)<!----><!---->
Sleepy'D,>smooth the intersections of these joints<http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesPDF.aspx?id=2725You didn't say what kind of wood. That can make all the dif in the plane you choose. I assume you are lubing the sole of the plane; bees wax or sumpin.rocGive me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )
used common ash.
Roubo was very helpfull; love my bench.
Nice cabinets. I like ash but haven't had the chance to work it much yet. I don't know anything about which plane/set up for ash. Plenty of folks here who do though I bet. Looks like you are an expert already after making all those.You have 30 more to make ?Yes I like your bench to ! That hand wheel is very cool. Proves my opinion that one doesn't need a big old long handle on a wood working vice to get enough force at the jaw/wagon. I used ebony dowels on my vices but kept them fairly short. Works great.rocGive me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )
30+ more to make. but they are not cab doors. regular interior doors. I cut all the cherry 2 years ago. just waiting in the rack. I'm researching stave core techniques.
check out
http://benchcrafted.com/vises.htm
lots of $ but well worth it. it was a major project to get it installed into the bench but I really like the wagon.
I'm also thinking about making another leg type vise that slides like the deadman. like this one
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrLnumDfM90/SSTk5EkB0jI/AAAAAAAABFg/M5lpl4diIFo/s1600-h/DSCN6745.JPG
actually check out this guys bench; he did a really nice job.
http://oudluthier.blogspot.com/search/label/Workbenches%20%2F%20Roubo%20Bench
>wagon vise<
American made hardware
Way to go !>sliding deadman leg type vise<
That is cool ! Sure otta hold it. No matter what "it" happens to be.>other nice bench<
Yah dovetails and allA side note: To any one making a web site; I really appreciate the gray back grounds and subdued letter character colors ; much easier on the eyes. Then use the white character color as a high light to draw the eye. Well done !You have done a lot . Sure looks like you aint so sleepy after all !Interior doors and entry doors fascinate me. Don't know when I will make one. Hope your doors go well !rocGive me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )
I'll suggest my favorite smoother, the LV Veritas Bevel Up Smooth Plane. It's the size of a 4 1/2, and the bevel up design makes changing the cutting angle easier--buy an extra blade and you've essentially bought an extra plane. They're running $230 US now. Very good plane. Tom
"Notice that at no time do my fingers leave my hand"
Edited 3/6/2009 11:26 am by ctsjr82
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