39's

Re: 39's

Todd Stock

>They work fine, and cut a dado smoother than even an expensive dado blade. Once tuned and sharp, they last a long time between honings. About $100 or so each, but the 1/4, 3/8 and 3/4 will get most things done. For wider dados, I just move the fence.

In the attached shot, I've just cut a through dado - fence is tacked to the inside of a utility bookcase. A four shelf unit, the bookcase took about 20 minutes to mark, fence, and cut the dados on both side pieces.

On comfort: not the 39's strong suit...wear a pair of gloves when working hardwood. Check Patrick's B&G for additional comments.

Re: 39's

Joe Rogers,Northern Virginia

>I agree Todd. My #39 in 3/4" is still waiting for the partners in 1/4" and 3/8". I shoulda bought the 3/8" I found at the last PATINA but the price was pretty high. And I had my heart set on a 1/4" anyway.JR(Thanks again for bringing the #39 to the dinner a while ago. It was eye opening!)

Gotta agree

Scott Burr in Ben Lomond CA

>Their no fun to hold. Thats why I use a 46. It might be a bit more expensive, but this 1 plane is equal to 8 No. 39's and it can T&G too.

Re: Gotta agree

Robert Tarr

>Thanks for the feedback....kinda hate to ask for feedback before your ebay item is closed (hate to raise too much intrest and other bidders), but I figured I would get opinions anyway ;-)

Checked out Patrick's site and he said the same thing mentioned above...work nice, but will eat up your hands (cramps etc.) if you use it on hardwoods.

Thanks,

Robert

Re: Gotta agree more

Todd Stock

>Good point on the 46, and the blade is skewed as well to reduce tearout. I like the sole on the 39 better than a partial or skate, but for crossgrain work, it does not usually matter. Cut quality is on good to excellent with both tools.

Again, this boils down to what you want and need. I really prefer a dedicated tool for each size of commonly executed dado (hence, 39s), but the 46 is ultimately more flexible and one of Stanley's best designs.

Re: 39's - Mine had to go

Bob L.

>I owned all the 39 series planes except for the super rare one. They hurt my hands so bad that I sold them. Now I own all/use some of the Sargent dados 32-38, they work well and my wife likes the little "tongues."

Love 'em curlies!!!

jim_reed@marietta

>I love those curly shavings, but will stick to my #46 and its excellent set of blades made by me.