Std. angle Block vs. #4 Smoothing Plane
grindstone | Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
I’m getting ready to buy my first hand planes that I’ll primarily use for clean up and fine tuning jointery. I planning to purchase a Veritas low angle block plane and for a second plane I am debating whether to buy a standard angle block plane or a #4 smoothing plane for edge work. Does this make sense and what recommendatons would you have. Thanks!
Replies
If cash is your limiting factor, buy a 2nd blade for your low nagle block, and hone it at a higher angle; the second blade will be able to cover anything that the standard blade can't... That should leave you free to get the smoother...
Mike Wallace
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I use a Stanley #60 1/2 with a Hock replacement iron as my primary block plane - very sweet ,especially on end grain. As for fine tuning joints ,such as a little off a tenon, a shoulder plane works best. A Stanley #92 or #93 is to what I am referring.I generally use a longer plane,#5 or larger on edges, and leave the #4 or #3 for smoothing. All of my planes I purchased at flea markets,garage sales,antique type joints, not new.For me, the second hand market is the way to go.
For your stated purpose--cleaning up joinery--a plane iron that is flush with the side of the plane is enormously useful; neither of the planes you asked about will give you that. In your position, I'd consider the L-N rabbetting block plane; it will allow you to perform typical block plane tasks, plus, plane right into a corner, trimming shoulders and cheeks, mouldings, and other joinery. Then you could add a smoother (or better yet, the LN #62, a low angle jack plane, highly versatile once you learn how to take advantage of its versatility) for lots of other tasks.
An alternative set would be the Veritas LA block, and the Veritas medium (or large) shoulder plane; better for your stated purpose, but less versatile overall.
Charlie
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What CharlieD said. I have the L-N low-angle rabiting block plane and use/abuse it all the time. Versitle, feels great and arrives ready to work. Very little price difference to the Veritas, IIRC.
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