Standard Block Plane

Re: Standard Block Plane

Mike in Mystic

>I'm by no means an expert or even that experienced, but I've found the standard block plane useful quite a few times. Mainly, you'll use it when you have to trim long grain for some reason - although the LABP does this job well, also. One example that comes to mind, is when I installed some cove molding on a bookcase and had a little misalignment on one edge - the top of the molding was protruding from the case top by about 1/16" or so, maybe a little more. I set the block plane for a moderate cut. Since the case was about 7' tall, it wasn't a situation where I wanted to hold my 4.5 smoother above my head and try to control, so the block plane made the job easy.

That being said, it definitely isn't one of the planes I find myself looking for all that often. I'm sure the more experinced here will have a lot better info about when and why it would be good to have.

Mike

Re: Standard Block Plane

joel

>I don't think I have used a block plane - low angle or otherwise for 20 years. I do use a #4 (actually a bedrock 604) for everything. Much easier to keep one tool sharp and at hand than two and the plane has never failed me. The only time I would thing a block plane possibly might be useful is in a situation where I only have one hand to use - like on a jobsite - but since I am always in a shop situation that has never come up.

(note: try planing some endgrain with your #4 is should work fine.)

Re: Standard Block Plane

Mike in Mystic

>Hi joel,

that's an interesting point of view. Do you not ever knock the corners or edges off a piece of furniture, or put a small chamfer along a molding or something like that? For example, I recently made a small dresser and put about a 1/8" wide chamfer along the face frame stiles. The stock was only 1" wide, and I'm sure I could do that with my smoothing plane, but my LABP made a lot more sense, was easier to control and seemed perfect to the task. At any rate, it is interesting to hear different takes on these things.

Mike

Re: Standard Block Plane

Rob Lee

>Roberto -

I wouldn't buy it (if you have a LA block)...

Just as you can with any other bevel up plane, you can increase the bevel angle on a spare blade and have the same performance/function at a much lower total cost.

Cheers -

Rob

Re: Standard Block Plane

joel

>I have - but I would still use my #4 - it's always handy (and I sometimes use it with one hand - pulling from the front)

for chamfers I use a chamfer shave.

Certainly - considering the millions of block lanes sold that people do like them but I would say that if you are going to own exactly one plane for the near term -a bench plane 3 or 4 is a better, more useful choice.

Re: Standard Block Plane

Jack Guzman from Maine

>Roberto,

I have one of each and I use both frequently.I save the low angle for end grain and other situations where it is all that will do. The standard I use for everything else,chamfering ,quick material removal,shaping,etc..You will find many uses for both planes.You can get by without either,but unless you're unable to own both,I say get them all.The more tools the merrier.---Jack

Re: Standard Block Plane

Rob Lee

>Hi -

If you're buying a second block - I'd look at a smaller format plane first - like the Apron plane. No adjustable mouth - but great for "adjustments", chamfering etc.

Cheers -

Rob

Re: Standard Block Plane

Roberto Perez F

>Thanks for those excellent recommendations however, I was suppressed by Rob Lee guidance; to purchase an additional blade for the LABP and convert it to a high-angle blade doubling the plane capacity for other cores. Also, to purchase the Apron Plane for smaller a lighter duties. Now, I will recommend Rob Lee to offer a High-Angle Blade for the LABP as currently being done for the Low Angle Bench Planes.

Re: Standard Block Plane

Greg Sloop, Portland Oregon

>I'd have posted a me too message, but Rob got it right on the money.

I've done the same with my Low angle block from LN. I just have two blades. One for end grain at ~37� total angle (25� iron + 12� bedding) and another at ~52� (40� iron + 12� bed.)

Other than really wild face grain it works long grain very nicely.

Plus the cost was only about $30 for an additional iron.

Cheers,

Greg

Re: Standard Block Plane

Greg Sloop, Portland Oregon

>All one has to do is simply start with a secondary bevel angle on the 25� one. At least that is what I did - for all of mine.

Is there some reason that one would rally want the initial bevel at 50�, or is this just a "lead the horse to water" kind of thing?

Rob?

Cheers,

Greg

Re: Standard Block Plane

Rob Lee

>Hi Roberto -

I'll pass your sugesstion along - it's not difficult for us to do, and it can save a user some time on the first sharpening...

Cheers -

Rob

Re: Standard Block Plane

Alan Hamilton

>Roberto,

I don't own a low angle block plane, and have no need for one. My standard angle block plane has never, and I truly mean never, let me dowm. It works equally well on end grain and long grain--and I suppose any other kind of grain as well.

Mine is a very good block plane, a Lie-Nielsen, but I've never seen wood run for cover when I take it out of the tool chest. A sharp iron, a light cut and a tight mouth will go far in making any block plane work well (I didn't always have a Lie-Nielsen).

Alan

Re: Standard Block Plane

Roberto Perez F

>Hi Rob, I am planning to purchase next week the additional blade for my LABP, the apron plane and other goodies for x-mas and wonder if I can get the extra blade with the High-Angle incorporated

Saludos

Roberto

Re: minimalism

Moses Yoder in White Pigeon, MI

>I think the minimalist view point is interesting, and works great for some people, but not everyone. The thing I like about having a large number of tools is going out to the shop and finding something I didn't know I had. And they look pretty good sitting on a shelf, besides just helping the economy.

Re: Standard Block Plane

Ted Owen, Pittsburgh

>I wouldn't want my LABP to touch certain materials. For trimming laminates, plywood, etc., I use a cheap Stanley regular angle block plane. Don't really bother to keep it as sharp as the good stuff.

Best, Ted

Emailed!

Rob Lee

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