Build Homes for Homeless Birds – Complete Plans & Cutting Lists. Easy, attractive designs that actually work. Download today!
Articles Forums Gallery Marketplace Videos

WoodCentral Forums

Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge

Support WoodCentral when buying things you need

Rob Lee - Help re Low Angle Jack Plane

Posts

Rob Lee - Help re Low Angle Jack Plane

#1

Rob Lee - Help re Low Angle Jack Plane

Richard Gillespie

>My wife of 34 years gave me your Low Angle Jack Plane as an Anniversary Present. I love the plane with one notable exception. The screw that acts a fulcrum point for the blade clamp is the same length as the one in the Low Angle Smoother which she gave me last year. That is, .963 inches long by .247 inches thick. This screw is bronze colored and has a taper under the head.

Since the blade on the Jack is thicker than the smoother, you have to back the screw out to just about the last thread to slip the blade clamp into it's lock down position. Then you must remember to tighten that screw before tightening the blade clamp or risk stripping the threads.

I've contacted your customer service department but they sent me a screw that is .610 inches long by .247 thick, steel colored and is flat under the head.

I love the Jack Plane but I believe that the fulcrum screw should be longer than .963 inches because of the thicker blade. I'm not sure that I've gotten your service department to understand what I'm trying to say.

Re: Rob Lee - Help re Low Angle Jack Plane

#2

Re:... re Low Angle Jack Plane

Lyn J. Mangiameli

>I measured two of my LV LA smoothers, and the one LV LA Jack I have. I should have measured in decimals rather than fractionals, now that I re-read your message but I think m frationals will come close enough to give you an idea.

Measurements from bottom of blade slot to end of bolt:

Early LVLA Smoother - a little over 13/16ths

Latest LVLA Smoother with mouth screw - a little less than 7/8ths

Thus I think we can probably say that length tolerances on these bolts are likely in the range of 1/16

Measurement for LV LA Jack - 63/64ths, again from bottom of screw slot to end of bolt. This would convert to something a little over .98 compared to your .96 which should put your screw within tolerance if you measured as I did (from the flat bottom of the slot) but would make your screw likely a bit short compared to mine if you measuree from the top of the dome, which adds a little over 1/16 to my measurements. It does appear, based on my planes, that the bolt for the LA Jack is meant to be a little longer than that used on the smoothers, to accomodate the difference in blade thickness.

The bolt which has come with my LA Jack hasn't posed any problems. Regardless, it is clear that your "replacement" bolt is not meant for the LA Jack. The original is definitely brass, as it is on the Smoother version.

Feel free to get back to me here or by email if you would like to discuss this anymore before Rob gets back.

Re: Rob Lee - Help re Low Angle Jack Plane

#3

Re: Rob Lee - Help re Low Angle Jack Plane

Rob Lee

>Hi Richard -

Doesn't sound like the correct screw - what you have is most likely a 7/8" Oval head (.96" OAL)...

will get the correct one out to you ASAP!

Cheers -

Rob

Re: Rob Lee - Help re Low Angle Jack Plane

#4

Re: Rob Lee - Help re Low Angle Jack Plane

Richard Gillespie

>Thanks for the response. The correct screw has arrived. I loved the plane even with the wrong screw. Now it's much better.

👍 This page answered my questions

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