Originally Posted by
Patrick Chase
In addition to the setback, the angle of the "breaking face" (the part of the cap iron that the shaving first impacts) is also a hugely important variable. While I don't have experience with the new Clifton design the L-N cap irons have a ~25 degree primary bevel which is basically useless for preventing tearout.
These days I use a progressive tip bevel starting at ~55 deg for the first ~1/64" and then gradually decreasing until it meets the cap-iron's primary bevel. That's actually a pretty conservative setup compared to some others. IIRC Warren has estimated that his initial angle is around 80 deg.
Have you reprofiled the leading edge of your Cliftons?
No, I have not re-profiled my Clifton's I need far more wood time with them. I guess the breaker angle is about 80 deg.
If a plane works equally well with and against the grain then clearly you are not maximising the with the grain efficiency that is available.
If you take thin enough shavings you don't even need a cap iron as the video shows. What you describe is an academic exercise only.
In real work planing when wood has to be lost working with the grain is what wood workers do whenever possible. The last few strokes with a smoother on a piece will always be with the grain for the best finish possible.
You can do a lot with very little! You can do a little more with a lot!