Replies

1. 
   Napie | Feb 23, 2006 05:17am | #1

   Find a good used Stanley low angle model, lots of them out there.  Tune it up and away you go, mine is the most used plane of the 20+ I own. 

2. 
   K1500 | Feb 24, 2006 07:29pm | #2

   My local Ace Hardware and Lowe's both have a Stanley with adjustable mouth for about $30.  They also had a lower grade Stanley for about $20 with a fixed mouth and different blade clamping mechanisim.  Both are made in Sheffield England.  I bought the higher grade with adjustable mouth and it works great after sharpening/honing.  It is a solid and chunky plane with dimples in the side for your fingers.  Below is a link with pictures.

   http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=97169-355-12-920&lpage=none

   Take note, I had to examine a few to find one where the plane iron sits flat (i.e. the metal on the sole of the plane where the iron would rest was not quite level).  I am a plane newbie, so I figured looking at a few was easier than breaking out the file to level that area (which would not be that hard).  I am sure it isn't up to Lee Valley standards, but with a bit of sharpening, I can shoot miters and get wafer thin end grain shavings from it.  I'm happy!

1. 
   loucarabasi | Feb 25, 2006 12:12pm | #3

   Thanks Fellas.

   -Lou

1. 
   BG | Feb 26, 2006 02:54pm | #6

   Lou,
   Before you make a decision read between the lines of the last two respondants (Tele, Papa)...they both bought several block planes...put several hours into each one(plus perhaps Hock blades)....and have declared the LN to be the best. So, which is cheapest?

3. 
   Telemike | Feb 26, 2006 08:30am | #4

   You can find stanely "contractor" block planes at lots of big boxes and hardware stores for about $35. The better ones have an adjustable mouth. It won't be an LN out of the box; but, a few hours of filing and lapping can give you a very good plane. If you're not satisfied then, buy a Hock iron.

   This is very unpolitically correct advice. Most on the forum will insist that you spend beaucoups bucks on an LN block plane or buy an rusty moldy older stanley and fettle it. I've got new stanley regi;ar and low angle block planes with about 4 hours into them and an older stanley block plane with about 4 hours into it. You can't tell the difference. I've also got an LN rabbet block plane to tune tenons. The LN looks much better, but the stanley does the job of a block plane just fine even if it doesn't cost as much.

   As for the Hock iron, I have one in a newer stanley #4 and it takes shavings that I can see through; even better than the stock iron, if only incrementally.

   The most expensive planes are quite beautiful and there's something special about the look of an old rescued plane, but don't think that newer stanleys are quite the lesser breed that many here would have you believe.

1. 
   papanick | Feb 26, 2006 09:12am | #5

   I have to both agree with you and disagree. The Stanley can be a good plane, but believe me it won't be the equal of the newer upgraded planes.

   I have owned a "new" Stanley 60-1/2 contractor grade plane with Hock blade; a Veritas Low Angle Asjustable Block Plane; a Veritas apron Plane with A2 blade; a Lie Nielsen 102 block plane, and a Lie Nielsen 60-1/2 Low Angle Adjustable Mouth plane.

   In that order. They really did get better as I went along.

   The Stanley was good, I tuned it up well, and it served me many years in the shop, before I got the Veritas planes. Then I bought the LN 102 at a show, and sold my Stanley to a newcomer. I just sold both the Veritas planes and bought the LN 60-1/2. Amazing plane. Real heft and presence.

   How good is good enough? That's up to the buyer/user, and only them. The work and the worker define the tools required. Great work was done prior to Mr. Lie-Nielsen's birth, so it isn't just the planes themselves. It's always the archer, not the arrows.

   Actually, I need to buy another Stanley now to keep in my framing/site toolbelt....The older I get, the better I was....