Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
shoulder plane size question
Bruce, a MN Galoot
>and a drive-by neener!
The brown truck just delivered my new LV medium shoulder plane, and I have to say it's exactly what I was looking for and exceedingly well made.
This baby should be able to handle everything I make, but if this works as I expect, what on earth would I use a large shoulder plane on?
Bruce
Re: shoulder plane size question
Eric Hedberg
>Broad shoulders. The larger one will be nicer for the bigger joinery. I love mine as well, but it is a tad small for some things. Besides, one more tool to buy : )
Eric (a St. Paul Galoot)
Cheeks & rabbets
Christopher Schwarz
>I also like the LV shoulder plane, especially the way it fits the hand.
I use my shoulder planes for more than just shoulders. I use them to trim face cheeks all the time. And because my tenons are typically 1" long, a 1"-wide (or a 1-1/8" wide) shoulder plane is ideal. I don't like making passes in two different places on a cheek. One cheek; one pass. Rob Lee says I'll get my wish for the wider version (and there will be a smaller one, too).
I also use the shoulder for trimming rabbets, especially wide ones on the backsides of flat-panel door panels. Here, width is an asset, too.
Chris
Re: Cheeks & rabbets
Rob Lee
>I would also add that a skewed blade block plane (like the LN one)...is also a good choice for trimming cheeks.
The skewed blade prevents the fibre "rolling" which could be a problem in some woods, though one does not have the hand clearance afforded by the much deeper shoulder planes.
Cheers -
Rob
Re: Cheeks & rabbets
Ted Shuck
>So Rob, is this a hint that Lee Valley will soon be producing a skew block plane?
If so, I would need to add another to my list of planes to purchase. <;^)
Ted
Re: Cheeks & rabbets
Christopher Schwarz
>What I really like about shoulder planes (especially the Lee Valley) is that you can apply much more direct and controlled pressure where you want it.
Your plane, in particular, excels at this more than any other tool. Because of the grip at the rear I feel like I can put the pressure right where I want it every time. When I do it with a #140, I feel like I'm twisting my wrist into a weird position to get the action I want and I'm losing a bit of control or power.
Chris
No hint...
Rob Lee
>...just highlighting an alternative.
Many people use a #73-type plane for trimming cheeks - but as Chris pointed out, they aren't very wide. I also wanted to add that a skewed blade would be preferred for use cross-grain.
Cheers -
Rob
This is my first shoulder plane
Bruce, a MN Galoot
>after many years of waiting, and I'm just glad it's so darn good.
However, I do love the idea of needing another plane just for the cheeks. Up to this point, I've been struggling to get by using a 78 to trim shoulders. Oh, the indignity!
Thanks for a great plane, Rob!
Bruce
Re: shoulder plane size question
Bruce, a MN Galoot
>Where in St. Paul? I live in Hutchinson and make it to 7 corners on occasion.
Bruce
Re: No hint...
Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX
>I often use the LN 140 for cross-grain trimming; however, I prefer the LN 073 for those situations when only a small section of the tenon needs trimming, most often the base.
Pam
Hey, I'm a just down the river a bit
John K in Hastings, MN
>galoot/Normite (I'm very conflicted)!
John
Re: shoulder plane size question
Eric Hedberg
>Just up the hill near Victoria Crossing (Summit/Crocus neighborhood).
Re: shoulder plane size question
bruce in snowy mn
>You've got seven corners hardware darn near in your backyard? What a lucky galoot!
Bruce
Re: Hey, I'm a just down the river a bit
bruce in snowy mn
>I get down your way occasionally. Are you up for a shop tour?
Bruce
Gettin' me all nostalgic here
Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA
>St. Paul was the first place I lived away from home, and I still have a warm place in my heart for it -- kind of ironic, since it would be about the only warm part of my body if I were visiting back there this time of year.