GraemeD
Established Member
Hi all,
I've been a happy but maybe less demanding user of a pair of Stanley Block Planes (a newer 9 1/2 and an older 60 1/2) for several years. They have been something I have reached for when planing a chamfer, or tidying up end grain, but not too much else.
Having recently started work on some more demanding woodworking projects, I realised that these planes could be a lot more useful, but probably needed some work to bring them up to scratch. I therefore spent some time cleaning, tuning and sharpening them, and believe they are now pretty much as good as they could ever be without upgrading blades and the like.
However, I am finding them to be slightly disappointing in use. Hard to use smoothly and not really capable of taking a consistent fine shaving. Sometimes they work nicely, but on the next stroke they dig in with nasty fat shavings. I have a stock Record No4 which I have similarly tuned, and that works a treat, but I cannot get the block planes to respond similarly.
So, I'm asking myself if they have reached their limits and I should invest in a better block plane. The LN low angle block springs to mind, as everyone seems to rate it highly. I am about to take a trip to the US, so such items become a little more affordable....now you can see how my mind is working!
So, my question is.....will this solve my problems? Have my Stanleys run out of steam, or is there further fettling to be done? Or do I just have poor technique? What kind of improvements will the LN offer me in use over my existing Stanleys? I know the LN has a heavier and tougher blade, but will this make a huge difference?
Bottom line, would I be disappointed if I upgrade, or should I save my money and improve what I already have first?
All suggestions and input would be appreciated!
Graeme
I've been a happy but maybe less demanding user of a pair of Stanley Block Planes (a newer 9 1/2 and an older 60 1/2) for several years. They have been something I have reached for when planing a chamfer, or tidying up end grain, but not too much else.
Having recently started work on some more demanding woodworking projects, I realised that these planes could be a lot more useful, but probably needed some work to bring them up to scratch. I therefore spent some time cleaning, tuning and sharpening them, and believe they are now pretty much as good as they could ever be without upgrading blades and the like.
However, I am finding them to be slightly disappointing in use. Hard to use smoothly and not really capable of taking a consistent fine shaving. Sometimes they work nicely, but on the next stroke they dig in with nasty fat shavings. I have a stock Record No4 which I have similarly tuned, and that works a treat, but I cannot get the block planes to respond similarly.
So, I'm asking myself if they have reached their limits and I should invest in a better block plane. The LN low angle block springs to mind, as everyone seems to rate it highly. I am about to take a trip to the US, so such items become a little more affordable....now you can see how my mind is working!
So, my question is.....will this solve my problems? Have my Stanleys run out of steam, or is there further fettling to be done? Or do I just have poor technique? What kind of improvements will the LN offer me in use over my existing Stanleys? I know the LN has a heavier and tougher blade, but will this make a huge difference?
Bottom line, would I be disappointed if I upgrade, or should I save my money and improve what I already have first?
All suggestions and input would be appreciated!
Graeme