Source for a 2 1/4" blade - any thoughts?

[Kalimna]

Greetings folks,
Having recently acquired an older Stanley 5 1/2 (thanks Wem), I set about installing a replacement iron/chipbreaker. However, I had quite forgotten that older 5 1/2 planes had a 2 1/4" blade, not the current 2 3/8", so this didnt work..... And doing a quick trawl of the usual places (WH, CHT) for a replacement throws up only the modern 2 3/8" wide blade.
Can anyone suggest if it is possible to obtain a 'modern' thicker blade/chipbreaker in 2 1/4" width?
Note, i am not at all interested in whether it is 'necessary' to do a replacement or whether I 'need' to, merely whether it is possible, and if so, through whom.

Many thanks,
Adam

 

[katellwood]

If unable to source a 2 1/4 blade and chip breaker have you considered a 2 3/8 and grinding a 16th of each side. I would thoroughly recommend the Quangsheng brand from WH. I put and blade and back iron in a 5 1/2 and found it excellent

the easiest way to make the blade narrower in my opinion would be with a large disc sander with a big bucket of water to hand. Use something to enhance the grind lines i.e. engineers blue or possibly tippex to prevent grinding too far.

A bit drastic I know but if done with care it will form an excellent blade

Be aware though you may need to replace the yoke/Y lever as the original may not be long enough to engage the back iron slot owing to the increased thickness of the new blade (other modifications are available)

 

[marcros]

Have you looked at ray Iles website. I have the catalogue sat on my desk at work but I think it is all online

 

[Kalimna]

Hi,
Actually, thats not an idea I had considered. However, my metalworking skills extend roughly to sharpening edges, and making them blunt again! I am not sure I would trust myself to grind away accurately on a replacement set. Even if there is a bucket of water handy to cool when I manage to overheat the blade.
However, I have used the WH Quangsheng blades (I have both a QS No7 plane and a replacement set in a 4 1/2 Stanley), and would happily use them again.

Cheers,
Adam

 

[Kalimna]

That's one source (Ray Iles) I hadnt considered either (still have nightshift brain on), do you know if he does replacement cap-irons too?

Adam

 

[marcros]

Not sure. He does spares though so may have an old one if not a new.

 

[dm65]

Try here - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Used-English- ... 1c30c39b5a

 

[dannykaye]

for exactly the same problem I rang Ray Isles and he sorted me out. Sold me a Record 93 and one of his infill prototypes at the same time, he is a surprisingly good salesman as well as being really helpful

 

[Kalimna]

Thanks for the advice folks, I think a chat to Mr Iles is in order...

Cheers,
Adam

 

[Vann]

Ron Hock make them in both high carbon and A2 steel, and they make cap-irins in that size too.

I though Lie-Nielsen did too, but can find "Stanley" type irons on their website tonight #-o

Cheers, Vann.

 

[Kalimna]

Hi Vann,
I'd had a look on CHT for the Hock blades, but didn't find them - would I need to go direct?

Cheers,
Adam

 

[Vann]

I googled "Ron Hock" and went to his website. They're listed there. I don't know if any UK retailers stock them.

Hock irons, while having a good name, look ugly to me. I don't have any. If Ray Iles does one in O1, you should probably consider them first. Personally I'd think twice before buying in D2 steel.

Cheers, Vann.

 

[Kalimna]

Hi Vann,
Thanks for the advice. Ive had a quick nosey at Hocks' website (I must have missed them first time I looked), and I couldnt find any UK sellers (CHT I suppose might be able to supply one, but it isnt listed on their website). However, I did find them on Dieter Schmid Fine Tools, so with their German efficiency I should have one winging its way over as this is typed.
As to the aesthetics, I actually quite like them, and already have a blade/chipbreaker in a Stanley 7 (not sure how old it is, but before plastic) from Hock.
And for the D2? I understand that it is remarkably tough, but something of an unpleasantness to sharpen...

Cheers,
Adam