Help with first low angle block plane

Definitely adjustable mouth. I have one LN block plane without an adjustable mouth- it works beautifully but the throat is so narrow I only use it for the most delicate work. The LV adjustable mouth plane can be a beast at hogging off material as well as a fine shaving.
 
Richard Leon said:
Definitely adjustable mouth. I have one LN block plane without an adjustable mouth- it works beautifully but the throat is so narrow I only use it for the most delicate work. The LV adjustable mouth plane can be a beast at hogging off material as well as a fine shaving.

+1
 
Nothing wrong with a good 2nd hand old Record if you want to save quite a few bob.
 
duburban said:
Its time to pick up a hand plane, low angle.

My first time with a hand plane was with a co workers plane that he never used. Dull, not tuned, etc... I thought I'd never pick up a hand plane again, until someone leant me their lie nielson. It was a mind opening experience with wood and its time for my own.

Question is, aside from veritas and lie nielson, is there anything worth buying? I'd like an old record or something vintage as long as I can tune it in.

What are you all using?

I have an old Record 60-1/2, mid-90s vintage with a Hock blade, blade and sole flattened, sharpened and tuned. PM me with a phone #, we can discuss price and terms. I'm just looking for an excuse to add another L-N to my collection....

Bill
 
I already responded to this thread but another thought came to mind.

OP, you tried a Lie Nielsen and liked it. This is going to be your first hand plane. I would not recommend getting a vintage plane that needs tuning up. At best, it will work like a Lie Nielsen. At worst, it will be your last hand plane and you won't be using it for very long.

Get the Lie Nielsen or Lee Valley, get used to it, and then further your collection down the road.

That's my 2c.
 
thanks, I already had that bad experience before the LN plane. Co worker uses an old record and its nice, not as good as the LN but thats what I want. I'd rather get the veritas dx60 when i know i won't have to use it on a painted edge or on site.

I like to tinker and embrace a tool that needs to be read into and tuned.
 
duburban said:
(snip)
I like to tinker and embrace a tool that needs to be read into and tuned.

Hi -

If you want to buy a vintage tool, I'd really recommend buying from an established dealer - Pat Leach, Jim Bode, Clarence Blanchard etc. These folks all sell a wide range of used hand tools -  are easy to deal with, and are straight shooters. No - you won't get a steal, but you will get good value for what you spend, Ebay can be a bit of a risk...

Cheers -

Rob
(who's bought the odd antique tool or two....)
 
Another resource is the Midwest Tool Collectors Assoc.  http://www.mwtca.org
They have chapters in each state and a few countries.  Prior to most meetings there is a Swap and Sell session.  Our chapter also has auctions to assist members in clearing out duplicates/unwanted tools and the occaisional widow.
 
MarkF said:
Another resource is the Midwest Tool Collectors Assoc.  http://www.mwtca.org
They have chapters in each state and a few countries.  Prior to most meetings there is a Swap and Sell session.  Our chapter also has auctions to assist members in clearing out duplicates/unwanted tools and the occaisional widow.

They auction widows??? :o :o  [big grin] [big grin]

Cheers -

Rob
(a MWTCA member....)
 
Rob, Just so you know I love your Veritas planes & other tools!  (I know, I know you are only supposed to love your wife & LIKE everything else...but.  [smile]
 
The recent Stanley 60 1/2 are nothing like the old ones, the ones being sold now are chunky and a bit clumsy in action.

I got two of the old ones and they are great, one is always in the bag. I had to touch them up a bit and used gun/perma blue on one of them. Looks nice!
I also have the Lee Valley (Veritas) Apron plane and it is my go to hand plane for small work. I have the Veritas sharpening rollers and the large Tormek. Keeping them sharp is vital. Adjustable mouth, definitely.

Most recent job was completing some interior trim. Except for the CXS, for hanging a mirror I made, I was using only hand tools, a japanese saw, the Apron plane, hammer and nail. I cringed a bit when it turned out I had to rip one of the longer trims down to width but just took the jap saw and ripped away, patiently, and then finished it off with the apron plane. It didn't take long at all. It was a pleasure working with hand tools and not have to squint around for the nearest a/c outlet.
I had brought the caulking gun, but didn't have to use it - which is good for the self esteem. Also, all wood chips and saw dust was in a very small pile on the porch instead of here, there and everywhere.

When I got back that afternoon I had to rip down mdf sheets to size on a table saw with no blade guard mounted. I won't lie, I had to shower twice that day (instead of once a week).  [wink]

 
If you are looking for a first block plane to really use then most any you find will work.  The key is to buy a good aftermarket blade.  A used Record will serve you well and let you learn the ropes on a plane that will not break your heart when it hits the concrete.  The idea that flattening/sharpening an old plane blade is a huge process is rubbish. Use the ruler trick and you will have a razor sharp blade in an hour tops. You only need the last 1/8 to 1/4" of the back truly flat for a plane to work well. The  big difference between planes besides the feel is the quality of steel used in the blade. This does not effect the sharpness of the blade so much as the longevity of the edge.

I was able to buy two Record block planes(one with a Hock blade), two Record spokeshaves(both with Hock blades), a #4 and #4.5 Stanley (4.5 post-war) and a #7 Record all used and in good condition and with sharp blades for $15 less than a single Lie Nielsen adjustable mouth block plane.  Shop Craigslist or EBay a month or two and you will find deals.
 
a friend of mine owns a "tormek" sharpening system. i'm very tempted to have him take care of all this. i'm hesitant to call it a "method" if i don't even own the tormek, but from what i've heard its very fast and very good.

honing guide/stones for me in the future. i know some fella's that will help me with this method. it seems a timeless approach and well worth learning and investing in.

                       
 
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