Block Plane Recommendation

[Ed Gibbons]

Suggestions regarding a good all around block plane would be appreciated.

Thanks..

[Robert Engel]

If I could only get one it would be a low angle to tackle endgrain.

You can find vintage Stanley 60 1/2 on Ebay. If you're looking for new, the WoodRiver block planes are quite good - nice thick blade.

Stay away from the modern Stanley's or Stanley knockoffs.

[lowell holmes]

I have a 60 1/2. I like it but my most used block plane is my Veritas apron plane. It does live in my apron.

I have both a vintage 60 1/2 and new 60 1/2. I prefer the vintage plane, but if I didn't have it the modern one is okay. It feels about the same.

The 60 1/2 is the original apron plane.

[Hasin Haroon]

I have two Veritas low angle block planes, I bought my first one and liked it so much that when a second one came up (used) I had to get it.
Other than that my Stanley no. 18 knuckle cap style block plane is one of my favorites - it's low angle and the design of the plane is exquisite, both aesthetically and functionally.

[mark kosse]

I have a 60 1/2. I like it but my most used block plane is my Veritas apron plane. It does live in my apron.

I have both a vintage 60 1/2 and new 60 1/2. I prefer the vintage plane, but if I didn't have it the modern one is okay. It feels about the same.

The 60 1/2 is the original apron plane.

In 60 1/2's I have lots of old, real old, 2 newer English made and a LN 60 1/2. One of the newer Stanley's is modified to plane bamboo rod strips. Of them all the LN is the least used. I have no real problems with English made Stanley's, especially 60 1/2's. The LN is nice, but a bit heavy and weight is not needed for my block plane. Do get a good blade if you get a stanley.

Here is a pic of one with an old hock in it. I called hock and ron said it was from when he was making them in his back yard. I ordered it new but thought it was the late 90's. He seemed to think older.

the veritas is just too modern for my taste, but their blades aren't.

[Hilton Ralphs]

Either an old Stanley or a new Veritas Low Angle or Lie-Nielson variant. Don't bother with the new Stanleys but maybe a Wood River is suitable but I really don't know. I suppose it depends on your budget but the Veritas is good value for the money as you can get accessories like front knob and rear tote to turn it into a #3 size plane and then there's also the 45 degree chamfer guide which can be useful. Another nudge for the Veritas is the range of blades including a toothed version for difficult grain.

[steven c newman]

I have both a Vintage 60-1/2 Cordovan by Stanley (with original box) and a Millers Falls No. 56B. Use them a lot, even on end grain jobs.

Another good option is a vintage Stanley No. 9-1/2. Has an adjustable mouth, a little larger than the 60-1/2

Rough work, I use a vintage Stanley No. 220

Be very, very careful...block planes are like rabbits.....they can even multiply in the plane til..
tills.jpg
All I can do to keep the count below 10....

[Jim Koepke]

Low Angle block planes work for me. I don't have as many as Steven.

Here is something of mine about block planes from a while back:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...05#post1246005

It may help you evaluate a block plane if you find one in the wild. It is always fun to find one at a yard sale or junk store.

jtk

[Derek Cohen]

Best available block plane: Veritas DX60 with PM-V11 blade
Best value block plane: LN #102
Best affordable block plane: vintage Stanley #60 1/2

Regards from Perth

Derek

[glenn bradley]

I'm with Lowell; I have a few but, I reach for the Apron Plane most often for block plane jobs.

[steven c newman]

I may know a few things about..block planes..
half of them.JPG
Half of these users are low angle style..
the rest.JPG
Standard angle ones, including a couple #220s, all with their original irons....

A while back, I did have a Stanley #103......never could find much use for it....
DSCF0041.jpg
Too small for my hands..

[Stew Hagerty]

My personal favorite is the Veritas Low Angle plane on which I have added their tote & knob. I can use it as a block plane and like you would if Stanley had made a low-angle #2.

http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/pag...=1,41182,48942

http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/pag...=1,41182,48942

I also have the optional Chamfer guide which works fantastically!

http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=46296&cat=1,41182,48942

[Rob Luter]

I've had a couple three 60 1/2 block planes. All were fine users. I have a LN version of the 60 1/2 now. It's exceptional. Another good choice is a #65 if you can find one . It's a little bigger than a 60 1/2 and can double as a really small smoother.

[Kurtis Johnson]

I've had a couple three 60 1/2 block planes. All were fine users. I have a LN version of the 60 1/2 now. It's exceptional. Another good choice is a #65 if you can find one . It's a little bigger than a 60 1/2 and can double as a really small smoother.

I have a couple 65s. I like them a lot. Don't love 'em. Feel big, and I don't have small hands either. Might humble the collection and trade 'em out for some 60s. I absolutely adore my handy li'l Sargent 206 apron plane.

[Derek Cohen]

I may know a few things about..block planes..
half of them.JPG
Half of these users are low angle style..
the rest.JPG
Standard angle ones, including a couple #220s, all with their original irons....

A while back, I did have a Stanley #103......never could find much use for it....
DSCF0041.jpg
Too small for my hands..

Oh, you're such a beginner



See my earlier post for recommendations.

Regads from Perth

Derek