Block Plane Choice

[pmarcusm]

I am trying to buy my first block plane or first plane for that matter and would like to get some input on the various block planes. I want to see what others have to say on which brand and also whether a standard vs low angle. I don't mind spending the money, but if there is a really good deal on one out there I would like to take a look at it.
This is one topic that so broad, because there are some many planes, but I figure that I will start with a simple block plane first. This is probably the green slipppery slope and Layes potato chips.....you can't have just one!

Marcus

 

[Knight Woodworks]

Ah, block planes... I have a "thing" for block planes, must have a dozen or so.

Low angle for sure. As far as brands go, the LN 60 1/2 adjustable mouth or the LV Low Angle.
I own both and prefer the LN.

If you don't already know how to do so, you're going to have to learn how to sharpen. A dull plane or chisel is no fun.

John

 

[Danny]

I am trying to buy my first block plane or first plane for that matter

That was me exactly one year ago.  While many will say that if you are to buy only one plane you should buy a jack plane, I too went for the block plane.  I got the Veritas (Lee Valley) low angle block plane and it's a real pleasure to work with.  (http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=47881&cat=1,230,41182,45204,47881)

It has a very low learning curve, which is great for someone who has limited planing experience.

From the research I did when looking for a block plane, if you are looking to buy new (as oppose to 50+ year old Stanley) I think it's safe to say that you can't go wrong with either a Veritas or a Lie-Nielsen.  They are definitely on the expensive side, but both have a reputation for making top notch hand planes. 

Danny

 

[rljatl]

I am also interested in this.  The Veritas has some accessories available that the LN does not.  John - Would you please elaborate a little more on what you did not like about the Veritas?

 

[mouppe]

I have the Veritas adjustable mouth low angle block plane, but it is not my favourite. It's too heavy for me. I do use it for rough work because I can open the mouth wide and hog off material. It's weight works in my favour in this situation.

But for most work, I prefer my Lie Nielsen low angle bronze block plane (the one without an adjustable mouth). I bought a second blade for it which I sharpened at a steeper angle, so I have the option of using it as a low angle or standard angle block plane. I actually use it more with the standard angle blade than the low angle blade.

For me, this is the perfect setup for most work, and a second blade is cheaper than a second plane. Veritas sell plane blade cases which is a good idea if you have a second blade knocking around.

 

[w802h]

It really matters what you are doing with the planes.  No one plane can do it all.  Check out the Lee Valley or Lie-Nielsen websites for more information.  I favor low angle planes for most of my work.  If you are a field carpenter (vs. a shop carpenter) an apron-sized plane is a lot nicer to carry all day and is easier for one handed use.  (Neither of these criteria are important for a shop set-up.)  For such use, I would recommend the Stanley Bailey low angle apron plane as an affordable first plane.  It won't hold an edge as long as some others, but sharpening goes hand in hand with chisel and plane use, so you'll get lots of practice early on!  Once you have some time planing you may find a different type of plane better suits your needs and you won't have a lot of money invested in your learning.  A sharp plane or chisel is truly a joy to use.  I like the DMT stones and the AskWoodman Youtube videos for sharpening - good system, good results, thorough commentary. 

 

[grbmds]

I doubt that you would get a better plane than a Lie Nielsen. They have the reputation as being the best and also maybe the only plane blades that are likely not to require flattening the back before being used (according to reports I've heard). However, I have a Wood River from Woodcraft. I'm sure it wouldn't be considered the best on the market, but for about $100 I think it's a good value and has worked extremely well for me (but I don't have any other block planes to compare to). It is low angle with an adjustable mouth. The advice I got before buying that for tasks like beveling edges, planing end grain, and other similar jobs, the low angle is best. Plus, with the adjustable mouth, you can get it set to shave thinner amounts or thicker if desired. I think closing the mouth down to a small opening gives me a lot of control. If you do go with the Veritas, I was told that spending the extra $10 for the better blade may be a good investment. Hope my limited experience helps.

 

[PaulMarcel]

I have the Veritas adjustable mouth low angle block plane, but it is not my favourite. It's too heavy for me. I do use it for rough work because I can open the mouth wide and hog off material. It's weight works in my favour in this situation.

But for most work, I prefer my Lie Nielsen low angle bronze block plane (the one without an adjustable mouth). I bought a second blade for it which I sharpened at a steeper angle, so I have the option of using it as a low angle or standard angle block plane. I actually use it more with the standard angle blade than the low angle blade.

For me, this is the perfect setup for most work, and a second blade is cheaper than a second plane. Veritas sell plane blade cases which is a good idea if you have a second blade knocking around.

I'm surprised that the bronze block plane is lighter than the Veritas block plane; any idea why the Veritas is significantly heavier? is it that much larger?

 

[Blackberry]

I have the Lie-Nielsen low angle block plane and I do like it.  However I believe I'd opt for their adjustable mouth block plane if I was purchasing my first block plane.

 

[RC]

I've been quite happy with my Veritas skew block plane. You might want to look at the Lie Nielsen rabbet block planes if sharpening a skewed blade feels daunting.

 

[PaulMarcel]

I had a LN rabbet block and sold it; an adjustable mouth is worth more to me, by far, than rabbeting. However, I have a shoulder plane for rabbeting functions so that's a bit different.  I believe the Veritas gets to a corner for rabbeting.

 

[Knight Woodworks]

Rljatl  I agree with RL, I have medium size hands, the LV is a bit too big and clunky for me. I do have the chamfer guide for it, works well. Recommend.

PaulMarcel  The LV is significantly bigger the the LN 102, hence the weight difference.

I own the LN 102 in bronze. I REALY like it. However, if I could only own one block plane, I'd want one with an adjustable mouth.

John

 

[mouppe]

Paul,

John answered before I had a chance to, but he's right. I'm comparing the LN 102 with the Veritas adjustable mouth block plane which is not strictly like for like, but I have both so I was just expressing which one I use more out of the two.

Richard.

 

[pmarcusm]

thanks guys, so far some good info and food for thought. I want it more for lite chamfers and blending. I have had a need to trim some ends and had to use the table saw, which wasn't my first choice.
I do understand that there are many planes and many uses. So the thought process is start small and small mistakes first.
I am going to keep reading and soak up more info.

Marcus

 

[PaulMarcel]

Okay, I was just curious since a plane of a similar size in bronze should weigh a lot more.

 

[GregBradley]

Hand Planes are a highly personal choice with many fanatics buying lots and then selling off the ones that are not their favorites. This is not so bad as it seems with used planes from LV and LN selling for almost the same price as new. Just this last Sunday, my father, brother, and I stood around my father's workbench with various pieces of hardwood and our collection of block planes comparing the positives/negatives of each. At the end of the day, my brother left with my LV NX60 for "further study".

We all prefer a small one for most uses. For my father, that is his Stanley 102 that he has had for 60 years. I love my LN 102 in iron, which is identical to the one preferred by RL above except it is iron and $10 less. My brother loves his LV Apron Plane. Those planes are all similar but the LN 102 is clearly the best of the bunch except the LV Apron Plane is available with the PM-V11 blade, which is clearly the best blade material of the bunch. Decisions, Decisions. No wrong choice here, just preferences.

The LN 60 1/2, the LV Block Planes, and the new high end DX/NX Block Planes are a step larger and heavier but gain adjustable mouths.  

I would start with the LN102 or the LV Apron Plane and then you will have a better idea of which way to fall down the slippery slope. Any way you go, start with a low angle since all block planes are bevel up and you can always buy a second blade and sharpen it at a steeper angle if you want a higher planing angle for those uses.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

LN 102 w/ 2 blades, Vintage Stanley #4 w/ Hock blade (ebay), LN 62 low angle Jack Plane w/ straight blade and toothed blade, Vintage Stanley #7 with Hock blade (ebay), Vintage Stanley Rabbet Plane (ebay), Veritas Router Plane with inlay tool, Veritas honing jig, Norton water stones or DMT Diamond plates, leather strop with green chrome oxide #6

This is a path that I would recommend.

 

[stvrowe]

I have 3 LN block planes (102, adjustable mouth, and skew) and one small Bridge City block plane.  I find myself always picking  the bronze LN-102 for the tasks you describe.  It just feels good.

 

[r cash]

For my shop bench I have 60.5 and low angel jack plane from lie Nelson both adjustable throat
And a 60.5 in my to go kit . The bridge city tool porn on the shelve to remind me what  uber details are like.
Rc

 

[tiralie]

I have 3 block planes, a Stanley, 12-247 that I got from HD for about $12.00, the 102 in brass and the 60 1/2 which is my favorite.
I keep the Stanley 12-247 in my tool box and it gets a fair amount of use and abuse but is a pain to adjust. It really is terrible for end grain but it's really handy to have.
I have large hands and the 102 just feels too small. I have used it for chamfering and cleaning the end grain on small pieces of wood but it's not used as much as the 60 1/2 which was my first LN purchase. I keep the hand written receipt from LN in the box, I don't know why.
Tim