Suggestions regarding a good all around block plane would be appreciated.
Thanks..
[OP]
Member
Suggestions regarding a good all around block plane would be appreciated.
Thanks..
Member
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.
Contributor
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.
"If you have all your fingers, you can convert to Metric"
Member
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.
Last edited by lowell holmes; 04-26-2017 at 12:38 PM.
Member
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.
Contributor
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....
Contributor
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
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
- Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
Contributor
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
Last edited by Derek Cohen; 04-26-2017 at 7:50 PM.
I'm with Lowell; I have a few but, I reach for the Apron Plane most often for block plane jobs.
"A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".
– Samuel Butler
Contributor
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..
Member
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
"I've cut the dang thing three times and it's STILL too darn short"
Name withheld to protect the guilty
Stew Hagerty
Contributor
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.
Sharp solves all manner of problems.
Contributor
Oh, you're such a beginnerOriginally Posted by steven c newman
See my earlier post for recommendations.
Regads from Perth
Derek
Contributor
The important thing in a block plane is the iron. If you get an older low angle block plane, get a modern iron, such as the LV PM-V11, and replace the iron that came with it.
If you purchase a new block plane it will come with a modern iron.
My favorite is the Stanley 65 knuckle joint block plane. I have several and have modern irons in all of them.
Mike
Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.
Contributor
I start selling mine off, once they get over 15 planes...worse than rabbits
SDC13342.jpg
Sometimes, I even get them to work they way they are supposed to..
SDC13391.jpg
I did learn to keep my hand out of the way.....
IMAG0059.jpg
And, sometimes I even get it right....plane on the right, is a Millers Falls No. 1455 low angle block plane, seems to work...
IMAG0024.jpg
Came in it's own little box, BTW...
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One of two adjustable mouth, low angle planes I have, the other is a Millers Falls No. 56B, about the same size.
Started out with a Blue Stanley No. 110 back in the late 60s....
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