Replies

1. 
   ian | Mar 26, 2004 11:42am | #1

   Here goes, but this may confuse you even more

   The first plane I ever used was a #90, (a UK stanley) which according to my dad was purchased by my great grandfather, I'd guess arround 1890 or possibly earlier.  It's a nice plane but too short, especially in front of the blade.  It's real use is in areas where a longer plane runs out of room, but it will do the job of a shoulder plane as my dad's experience overv the last 70 years will attest.  The last job I used it for was a stopped rebate where it worked a treat with and without its nose.

   I have a #92, which I purchased 'cause it was bigger than the #90.  I like the weight and length and find it OK as a shoulder plane but would like a taller plane, like a Clifton 410 or 420, or a LN073, or a LV Medium Shoulder, or a Clifton 310 Combo.  One thing I have found is that while mass is good in a shoulder plane, you don't want too wide a blade.  With a wide blade it is too easy to champher the edge as you trim the shoulder.  So my preference is for a narrow blade on a shoulder plane, say 3/4 in. 

   As for the #60-1/2 R, I have one beside me as I write, I haven't used it yet but to my mind and hands it is too wide and the wrong shape to be a good shoulder plane.  I got it because I already have a #9 block, wanted to add a LN low angle block plane and liked the idea of getting a 1-3/4in rabbet plane in the same package. 

   a question only you can answer is: what do you want to use the plane(s) for?  In my opinion with the speciality planes you do better buying the plane most suited for the task you want to do with it

   Ian

2. 
   roninfante | Mar 26, 2004 01:15pm | #2

   I use the LN 60 1/2 exactly as you wish to do so. My own expeience is that it is better than side rabbit planes for trimming tenons. I applaud your skill if you can use the Stanley 90 for this application.

3. 
   aew | Mar 26, 2004 03:38pm | #3

   I bought the 60 1/2 because I needed it to get into the corners of rabbets.  Since I don't have unlimited resources, I tried it as a shoulder plane and it works okay.  As someone else said, it is a little wide for good balance in that use but if one is careful and the blade is sharp, it works well.

4. 
   AlanTurner | Mar 26, 2004 06:21pm | #4

   Utter,

   I have used one of these for years to tweek my tenons, without problem.  I also have teh LV shoulder plane, which I love, but many tenons are longer than than 3/4", and therefor the rabbet block gets more action.

   Alan

   Alan

   http://www.alanturnerfurnituremaker.com

5. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 27, 2004 04:02am | #5

   utternovice,

   You can get the 60 1/2R from Fine Tool Journal for $135 right now, shipping included, or $150 plus $6 shipping from LN.  Good sale I'd say.  I think you'll be pleased with a LV 60 1/2R for this use.  Enjoy,

   Steve
1. 
   utternovice | Mar 29, 2004 08:11pm | #6

   Thanks for all of the input, everyone has been very helpful.  I've been out of town so it's taken a while to respond.  Will be ordering one shortly.