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Low
and Standard Angle Block Planes
Our Low and Standard Angle Block Planes are fashioned in such a
pleasing shape that they will rapidly become the most used tools in
your kit. The mouth of the plane is made to take a maximum
.008-.010” cut, which is a compromise size suitable for most
woodworking. Tight mouth versions are available for specialized
applications.
Geometry: In
the Low Angle Plane, the blade is bedded at 12°, making the
included cutting angle 37°. In the Standard Angle, it is bedded
at 20°, for a 45° cutting angle. Both blades come with
a 25° flat ground bevel.
Blade Sharpening:
The blade comes ready to use. Slight additional honing will increase
performance. A secondary bevel of up to 5 degrees helps achieve a razor
edge quickly. For more information on advanced sharpening we
suggest David Charlesworth’s DVD Hand Tool Techniques Part 1:
Plane Sharpening.
Blade Adjustment:
Slightly loosen the pressure of the cap and advance or retract the
blade. Tighten the spinwheel. Do not overtighten.
You should be able to adjust the blade after loosening the spinwheel
about a quarter turn.
Materials:
We use Manganese Bronze or Ductile Iron for the bodies. These castings
are fully stress-relieved, a process that removes inherent stresses and
ensures that the tool will remain flat and true. The cap is also
Manganese Bronze; other parts are Brass and Stainless Steel.
The blade is A-2 Tool Steel hardened to Rockwell 60-62, cryogenically
treated and double tempered. Our heat-treating technique ensures that
the blade will take and hold a very fine edge for a long time. After
heat treating, the blade is fully surface ground on the top, back, and
cutting edge, giving a smooth, flat surface that will take a mirror
finish very quickly. The 1/8” thickness provides solid,
chatter-free cutting.
Maintenance:
The Bronze bodies are lapped, and Iron bodies are flat ground to a
tolerance of less than .001”. Depending on how much you use
your tool, an occasional light sanding with 400 or finer wet/dry paper
on a flat surface will keep the sole in as-new condition. A light
oiling on the threaded rod, adjuster nut and spinwheel will keep them
moving freely. We recommend Camellia Oil, a vegetable oil based
product. It is non-toxic, odor free and easy to use. Also, in our shop,
we use a fine abrasive handblock to remove any light surface oxide from
tool bodies and blades. Camellia Oil and the abrasive
handblock are available from us. Many people like the patina
that Bronze gets with age and use, but if you wish to keep the finish
bright, a little brass polish is in order.
Guarantee:
Materials and workmanship are guaranteed for the life of your tool.
Call for repairs or replacement parts. We are available for advice if
you ever have a problem using your tool.
Proposition 65 Notice: Bronze and brass alloys contain lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
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