Another Plane question

Re: Another Plane question

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

most common plane ever made which suggests a versatile tool. I keep one in reach.

I agree...

Ron in Sterling, CT

I use s #3 as my "go to smoother" (small hands), but the #4 sits nearby for considerable use. Also post on the hand tool side for more comments.

Ron

Re: Another Plane question

TomD

Well the thing about the Bailey design is that you can manage it in such a way as to make it do a variety of things, so for instance you can open up the mouth simply by loosening and spacing the frog to the rear. So you could use it in ways not strictly intended for a smoother. It is best to choose one function and use it for that. Because some of the variations require a lot of work to do properly, but it can be used in different ways.

Smooth rs are designed to make the surface smooth. So the assumption is other tasks like barking back a rough surface, edge jointing boards, flattening, getting rid of wind, etc... Have been done. You are largely now concerned with processes that occur prior to finishing. Exactly what those are will depend on a variety of things.

The smoothing function affects plane design in that such planes may be wider, and be set up with the blade tighter, or bedded at a higher angle, etc... To be successful as a smoother mainly you want the plane to be clean, flat, and other wise well machined. You want the controls to be as precise as possible, and the blade in good condition, with little or no camber to the edge.

You would benefit from looking up the article on breaker use, when using this plane, I think there is one in the articles.

Almost everything has a work around, but some planes are to rough to waste time on.

I don't know what I don't know....

Barry Irby

Thank's Tom....the wonderful world of planes is somewhat baffling. Filled with centuries of progress and perhaps a little snake oil. Looking on E-bay it's indecipherable as to why some planes are $16 and some are $160 and more. I have a No. 5 I bought when I was kid and have basically never used. I think what I want to do at this point is to build a bench and use them to prep lumber for running through a planer. I also have a left shoulder giving me a fit.

Probably need a shoulder plane !

Funny you mention that.

Barry Irby

There was a Stanley No 78 plane in the box, sort of.

The frame/body was there but no blade or cap iron. The fence and depth gauge were there along with the nicker. I did a little looking on E-bay to see if the blade and cap iron were there, but did not see them.