Find sources of lumber, veneer, wood specialties and sawmill services - see how it works
Articles Forums Gallery Marketplace Videos

WoodCentral Forums

Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge

Nearly 100 Exotic Wood Species, Direct-Imported Since 1972. Shop Slabs & Turning Stock.

Post-script to "Planing end grain .."

Posts

Post-script to "Planing end grain .."

#1

Post-script to "Planing end grain .."

Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)

>I have to tell you all a little story. Well, it does have to do with planing end grain...

The first decent block plane I owned was a low angle bronze LN #102 that I bought several years ago. It has been one of my favourite planes to use. It fits my hand like a glove, cuts end grain as clean as a whistle, feels an extension of my hand when I need to trim something .. did I mention that it cuts end grain like nothing else?

I recall the day I purchased it from Timbercon. I had decided to buy a new Stanley #60 -1/2 (what did I know back then?!). It was late one rainy Friday afternoon and I dashed in from my last appointment of the week, making it just before closing time. The Stanley looked black and shiny but my eye was taken by this bronze gleam nearby. The #102. I had read about these. Excellent reviews. A Lie Nielsen! But too dear... But wait, it is on Special .. even so, it was almost double the price of the Stanley. My skill in rationalising took over and I was soon driving home, one eye on the road and the other on the little bronze #102 on the passenger seat alongside me. ... Did I mention that I really like this plane?

A few days ago I won a LN #60-1/2 (low angle) block plane on eBay. Brand spanking new, in the box, in the wrapping. And it cost less than the #102. Great deal. I always wanted one of these. Really great reviews and considered one of the best low angle block planes around regardless of price. This was a case of lust. No other reason. I already have a Stanley #65 low angle with a Hock blade, and this does a superb job on end grain.

So last night I had these three planes lined up on the coffee table (we all do that we have a new acquisition, don't we?) and I am looking at the blade angles. Mmmm, the #60-1/2 and #65 look the same, but the #102 looks higher.... a closer examination of the number under the blade adjuster ... #103 .... 103!!!

For years I have been marvelling at the end grain cutting of this little plane and assuming it had to do with it being the low angle set up. But now it turns out that it is a standard angle setup! But it cuts like a LA plane ... the number must be wrong ... no, it is definitely 103! This is like finding your pet male rabbit, Jack, has given birth to baby rabbits.

I wonder if the #103 has the same identity confusion as I.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Re: Post-script to "Planing end grain .."

#2

Re: Post-script to "Planing end grain .."

R.J.Whelan

>Derek ... this certainly seems to validate your earlier post conclusion ".... any plane will cut endgrain if the iron is sharp".

This has been my experience as well as I use my mitre plane on endgrain constantly (#7 too) and as long as I'm conscientious about keeping the iron crispy both planes work as well as my two low-angle block planes.

- rj -

Re: Post-script to "Planing end grain .."

#3

Great story!

Don Thompson - Cutler Ridge, Florida

>I have the pair (102 & 103), and find that the higher-angle one (I would not have been able to tell you that it was the 103) is my favorite general-use block plane.

Re: Post-script to "Planing end grain .."

#4

Which do you prefer the #103 or the #60½?

Ian in Sydney

>Now that you have both, which do you think is the better for end grain? The LN #103 (despite it's identity crisis) or the LN #60½ ?

Re: Post-script to "Planing end grain .."

#5

Re: Which do you prefer the #103 or the #60½?

Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)

>Hi Ian

I have not used the LN 60-1/2 much yet. My brief exposure suggests that the Stanley #65 (plus Hock blade) is every bit as good as a LN 60-1/2. Having the LN 60-1/2 is a real extravagence. Still, they feel quite different in the hand. The #65 is a wide plane. The #60-1/2 has a heft that makes it feel bigger. The #65 has charisma, while the #60-1/2 oozes class.

I would go for either of these over the #103, because they are more versatile (owing to their adjustable mouths) and because both are still capable of cutting endgrain better.

The advantage of the #103 lies is it being such a superb performer, and in such a small package. Like its bigger sibling, the #103 is heavy and feels very substantial in the hand. It is just so "handy". The downside is that it is small, does not register as well, and takes a relatively small shaving. But if the #103 was the only block plane you owned, you'd be smiling.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Re: Post-script to "Planing end grain .."

#6

Re: Which do you prefer the #103 or the #60½?

Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)

>Hi Ian

I have not used the LN 60-1/2 much yet. My brief exposure suggests that the Stanley #65 (plus Hock blade) is every bit as good as a LN 60-1/2. Having the LN 60-1/2 is a real extravagence. Still, they feel quite different in the hand. The #65 is a wide plane. The #60-1/2 has a heft that makes it feel bigger. The #65 has charisma, while the #60-1/2 oozes class.

I would go for either of these over the #103, because they are more versatile (owing to their adjustable mouths) and because both are still capable of cutting endgrain better.

The advantage of the #103 lies is it being such a superb performer, and in such a small package. Like its bigger sibling, the #103 is heavy and feels very substantial in the hand. It is just so "handy". The downside is that it is small, does not register as well, and takes a relatively small shaving. However, if the #103 was the only block plane you owned, you'd be smiling.

Regards from Perth

Derek

👍 This page answered my questions

Your vote helps other woodworkers quickly find the answers and techniques that actually work in the shop.