Replies

1. 
   Troy | Oct 30, 2010 01:13pm | #1

   There are several replacement blades out there, I have a Ron Hock blades in several of my planes and the work well and they are made in CA so I am a little biased there. I also have one of the "Samurai" brand laminated blades in my jointer plane and it takes a nice edge as well. I like the Hock chip brakers as well.

2. 
   cahudson42 | Oct 31, 2010 08:14am | #2

   I too have used Hock replacement blades for my Bailey #5 - and would also recommend them.

   However, here is an additional thought: You didn't mention why you wanted to replace your current blade. If its pitted, or not original, OK. But if its original, perhaps marked with the 'Sweetheart' logo, it may be worth retrying it.

   First, determine if its a laminated blade. If it has a 3-digit number stamped on it - like '241' it is (and was manufactured in the 2nd quarter of 1941). Look at the bevel after sharpening - if you see a change in color - one side grayer than the other about halfway down the bevel - this also indicates it is laminated. These can be good blades, even today.

   And since the Bedrock supports the blade toward the edge better than a Bailey - you might try just a heavier chip-breaker @ $30 or so first,  before replacing the blade.

   But if you are going to get a new blade/breaker combo, either the Hock or the IBC Pinnacle is - I believe - about $100 (with the Hock less, and a better buy, IMHO).

   Now you can buy a complete Bedrock-design Woodriver #4 for $120. It has a thick, good blade and chip-breaker. Buy this, you get 'an extra plane' for almost the same money.

   Then you might set up one with a more-cambered edge and use for  initial pre-final smoothing passes using the original blade, and use the new, heavier blade in the other for the final smoothing pass (where potential chatter marks would hopefully be less likely than with the original blade).

   Or you might just swap chip-breakers - and get two good performing planes..(Even with a Stanley chipbreaker, new at maybe $15, edge tuned)

   Let us know how you make out - whatever you do..:>)

   Chris