I have recently acquired a nice Bandsaw and want to master tenon cutting for mortise and tenon joinery using the bandsaw to cut the cheeks and the table saw to cut the shoulder.
In the past I have used a router table for this operation which leaves a pretty smooth surface on the cheeks for gluing.
With the bandsaw, the finish surface is not as smooth.
I am thinking of handplaning down the cheek surfaces to make them smooth which may require me to purchase a shoulder plane for the inside of the shoulder cut.
If anyone can give me guidance here, it would be much appreciated before I go and drop more money into Lie Neilson’s coffers on a shoulder plane.
Replies
Dropping money on a shoulder plane is not necessary, I think, unless you want to.
A wide chisel can be used to carefully pare the tenons to size.Or a plane and chisel for the shoulder area.
Some devoted LN users may convince you otherwise.
I've been using a Stanley #93 shoulder plane for cleanup. While it works, I've often wondered if the #92 wouldn't have been a better choice (5-1/2 vs 6-1/2" long). The majority of tenons I've used have been between 1-2" with some 3" occasionally. It just sometimes seems that the #93 is a little clumsy when you're trying to trim a tenon that's between 1/6th to 1/3rd the length of the plane. For this reason, I keep waiting for L-N to come out with a shorter version of their 073 Shoulder plane. L-N's 60-1/2R Rabbet Block Plane also looks like it might be good for tenon shoulders, but it's the same length as my #93. Clifton's #410 and the new Lee-Valley planes also look promising. I also find myself often grabbing a 2" wide chisel to do the cleanup. I'm as curious as you to see what others are using & what they think.
I am a dedicated (heading for the poor house) L-N plane addict. I have 5 of them and one on the way.
That L-N 60 1/2 Rabbett Block Plane is on my workbench every time I'm in the shop. It is an excellent block plane and also a nearly excellent shoulder plane. I use it to clean up tenons cut on the bandsaw and it is almost like L-N read our minds about tenons and bandsaws, because this block plane really works._________________________________
Michael in San Jose
"In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." Bertrand Russell
Michael,
Glad to hear that. Mine is due to arrive later this week - my first L-N, and I'm quite excited. I liked the versitility of that plane, including ability to clean up tenons.
After putting Hock blades on my old Stanley #6 & #& and seeing what a difference they made I'm looking forward to seeing what the L-N is all about. Yep, it's a slippery slope!
Wayne
Sigh. I was afraid somebody would tell me how great the 60-1/2 was for shoulders and convince me I needed one. Just haven't been 100% happy with the Stanley 93. This will put me up to a L-N count of 8 if Santa decides to leave one under my tree. L-N should start using the old MTV slogan - "Too much is never enough"
Maybe L-N should should package their entire catalog into one purchase and offering financing. Lemme see, shoudl I buy the L-N set or the Chevy Truck?_________________________________
Michael in San Jose
"In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." Bertrand Russell
On a positive note, I stumbled across this site after googling to see if I could find a deal on the L-N 60-1/2R. It's kind of rare that anyone sells them for less than list. Japan Woodworker is usally a few bucks less. Anyway this site http://www.finetoolj.com/ln/home.html is running a sale (135 vs 150 for the 60-1/2) on all L-N's and UPS ground is free.
They are good prices. I hope to get a #7 later in '05 and their price is $30 less than the rest of the market._________________________________
Michael in San Jose
"In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." Bertrand Russell
Squatter
I have the Lee Valley shoulder plane and like it a lot. It's the only one I've ever used so can't say how it compares, but sure beats L-N price. It's probably the most used plane I have.
The L-N 73 is definitely a "go to" tool; ultra dependable to get the job done. If that's a bit too expensive, the new L-V range are worth some serious consideration; less expensive, but from what I hear, every bit as dependable for working to the highest tolerances. It's been my experience that while Clifton shoulders are comparatively priced, their performance isn't quite in the same league as the L-N. That said, they have a well deserved good reputation for quality tools with excellent customer support.
Mike Wallace
Stay safe....Have fun
A rasp works as well. I have used the Stanley 92 & purchased the Veritas medium shoulder plane- works like a champ.
How close do you bandsaw?
I usually leave .010"-.020" total stock on when I bandsaw. I use a 1/2" chisel to remove what needs to be removed. My usual tenons are 1" long by 1/4"x1".
I persoanally prefer a LV medium shoulder and I also have the Stanley #93. Have a set of Ashley Isles chisels that will get you there also. The rasp and cabinet-makers files will do the trick also.
Many ways to skin a cat. Some are just more expensive than others and require more effort. ha.. ha..
Regards...
sarge..jt
Proud member of the : "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Sarge,
welcome back!
haven't heard from you in a while.
J P
Thanks... Went recluse during elections! he....
Actually been very busy with side business, part-time job, planning and executing the donated scraps for Xmas toys and family. Won't really get a break until Santa delivers in a few weeks.
Regards from Atlanta...
sarge..jt Proud member of the : "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
WB Sarge....
how'd things turn out with Sally...??Mike Wallace
Stay safe....Have fun
Mike
"how'd things turn out with Sally... ??
Not really sure Mike, as I don't know a Sally! But I hope they turned out well. Could it be that you confused me with another possible sarge or is it you had a wee bit too much Scotch. All those LN planes you're accumlating may have drained you of memory.
This is the SARGE from Atlanta that hasn't posted in several months. The P Co. 75th Ranger Reg. VN sarge who will defend a LV plane in a heart-beat. Does that stir your memory? :>)
Regards...
sarge..jtProud member of the : "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
ummmm.... OK.... how 'bout your son's project.??you know... Mustang Sally..??????
I know I can blame the meds for a bunch of stuff... but am I that messed up..????
don't answer that. ;P~Mike Wallace
Stay safe....Have fun
Mike
Maybe I have been in recluse too long... I'd didn't even relate that to just Sally. The blue Mustang you refer to was for a feature of Hot Rod Mag. Got a new Cobra engine and dyno's over 600 HP. Turned out pretty well if I do say so myself.
I wouldn't bother with blaming anything on the meds.. ever since they made the Clans quit hitting each other with "ugly sticks", things just haven't been the same. I suppose we just have to adjust to modern thinking. ha.. ha...
Regards...
sarge..jtProud member of the : "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Got a new Cobra engine and dyno's over 600 HP.
Holy cow..!!! you trying to leave the paint behind when you let the clutch out..??????
We umm... quit usin the ugly sticks..??? WHEN...?? I musta missed that memo... last I heard, we'd quit hittin ourselves with em... an hit Englishmen instead... not that anyone'd notice mind you.. ;)Mike Wallace
Stay safe....Have fun
Yeah, we loan it to the local High School for Drivers Ed just for kicks. he....
Take care Mike and have a lovely evening on the moors...
Regards...
sarge..jtProud member of the : "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Hey, Sarge!I haven't seen your handle in a while. You come into mind every time I start up that hog of a router you talked me into - the Milwaukee 5625. Remember? What a beast! Definitely get's 'er done.Anyway, hope all is well with you.Regards,
Phillip
I would buy the LN 60 1/2 R. Very versatile tool.
I use all kinds of different tools for shoulder work,from shoulder planes ,block planes,chisels,even scrapers and they all work depending on a few different things. If its just a small mortise or if its a big barn door I try to fit the tool to the size. The other thing is to make sure the tools are good and sharp,nothing scres up a shoulder as bad as a dull tool. Also the fit is something you really need to develope a feel for,I can remember thinking a fit was perfect only to find out the glue didnt have any room in the finished joint. If I had to choose my favorite it would be a toss up between a well tuned shoulder plane and a wide chisel.
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