Low & Standard Block Planes

Re: Low & Standard Block Planes

R.J.Whelan

>Roberto .... if you only want to buy one block plane I'd suggest the Low Angle (37 degrees).

I own a Lie-Nielsen adjustable (both low angle and high angle) and like them very much. I've heard the Lee Valley is just as good for about 1/3 the price - no personal experience with this.

Perhaps the best plane Stanley ever built was the #65 - you may have to do a little restoration and you may pay a premium because collectors tend to snap these up when they show up on e-Bay.

Having both, I keep the low angle set with a very tight mouth and light cut; for coarser, quicker stock removal I keep the high angle (50 degrees) set with a more open throat and more agreesive iron exposure.

When I'm working at my bench the one tool that's almost always at hand is a low angle block plane.

- rj -

Re: Low & Standard Block Planes

John Horobin

>I agree about the #65. The knuckle jointed lever cap found on these is the best lever cap ever invented in my view. One click and it holds the blade to a consistent pressure every time. Shame nobody still makes this design.

John

I agree

Jack Guzman from Maine

>I had to do some serious tool scrounging but I finally got a good #65.#18s are a little easier to acquire.This plane is so nice in so many ways it's a shame noone has come up with a similar design but not surprising. Up until I found my keeper,most 65s I saw had either cracks at the mouth or a piece of the mouth was broken off.The casting behind the mouth is delicate due to the low angle the iron is bedded at. If the screw is threaded in too far you can break the mouth just by setting the cap lever.---Jack

Re: I agree

John Horobin

>Yes, #65's needed to be made from ductile iron to stop the mouth damage. I find it a little strange that the best block planes currently available - the LN & LV models both use the wheel in lever cap design which was put on Stanley's cheapest planes - not the delightful knuckle jointed design. Wheels work OK but its difficult to get a consistent pressure everytime and they can move of course. The knuckle jointed cap stays put until released.

John

Re: I agree

Joe Rogers, Northern Virginia

>Interesting thread...I wonder if Rob Lee or Thom Lie-Nielsen are lurking?JR