Replacement Iron A2 or Carbon?

2/7/04, 1:13 AM #1

Randal Todd
Guest

Replacement Iron A2 or Carbon?

Randal Todd

>Please pardon a question that has probably been hashed over a hundred times. I searched the archives and wound up more confused.

I am a total newbie to planes, but have a half dozen new/old Stanleys from E-bay and really like the things they do better than my power tools. I have spent a fair amount of time flattening and sharpening the stock Stanley blades. They can be brought to an amazing edge with the Lee Valley jig and guide on Norton water stones, BUT the edge seems to be terribly short lived.

On my old 7C, the edge simply dulled a bit, while on my very modern production (made in USA, but crafsmanship is definitely lacking) 5 1/4 the edge seemed to chip. All of this while working clean KD red oak and taking light passes.

FINALLY, the question: Can I improve the edge holding ability of my planes with an aftermarket iron, and if so which should I buy? I've seen Hock, Lee Valley, and have read about LN & Clifton. Seems they come in high carbon and A2. Any suggestions? I would like to retro-fit a 9 1/2, 5, and 7. Nothing exotic.

Any other newbie type advice or links on tuning planes would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Randy Todd, Dallas GA

Re: Replacement Iron A2 or Carbon?

2/7/04, 1:36 AM #2

Dan Donaldson
Master Craftsman
Offline
5,264 posts

Registered: 9/17/01

Re: Replacement Iron A2 or Carbon?

Dan Donaldson

>Look in the articles section in the left sidebar. There are some on tuning handplanes.

- - -

I have been woodworking for about 25 years now, and would consider myself an enthusiastic amateur. My claim to fame (or infamy) has always been fixing stuff. I spent time in the Air Force in the 60's then went to work as an electronic technician for civil service. I finally got my EE, and being fed up with the civil service nonsense, took a job with Ford Motor Company until I went with the split to Visteon last year. I got interested in music and started playing in a bluegrass band. I wanted a new guitar, and that kind of led me into woodworking. I bought some books, a few tools, and built a guitar. Luckily, I didn't know any better than to try that as a first ever project. I still play it when I get a chance, so it must not be too bad if it can live for over 20 years. After a stint in Mexico for my job, I moved into a new house and built a small shop. Since then I have been collecting tools and skills, probably more of the former than the latter ;-). Finding this site has done more for my skills and enjoyment than anything else. I have learned a lot and really enjoy the friendships that I have made here. I have been married to LOML (Lori) for 32 years now and have 6 kids. When they are all gone, I want to get a 1 bedroom house (so there is not room for them to move back in) and at least a 6 car heated/air conditioned garage for a shop. (Dream on...)

Re: Replacement Iron A2 or Carbon?

2/7/04, 1:41 AM #3

Joel
Woodwright
Offline
984 posts

Registered: 2/5/03

Re: Replacement Iron A2 or Carbon?

joel

>A2 irons do last longer but a true micro-bevel on the blades you are currently using will extend blade life a LOT. hone at 25 degrees add a tiny tiny microbevel of about 5 more degrees.

make it small so when you sharpen the next time the frist thing you do is remove the old microbevel.

Re: Replacement Iron A2 or Carbon?

2/7/04, 2:14 PM #4

Randal Todd
Guest

Thanks for the advice. Last time I

Randal Todd

>put a rather large bevel on the edge. I didn't measure, but I'd guess it was .025". I didn't think through the implications for the next sharpening. I appreciate the help, and will check out the links.

Randy Todd

Replacement Iron A2 or Carbon?

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