Small Block Planes

Our Low Angle Block Plane is fashioned in such a pleasing shape that it will rapidly become the most used tool 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.

Geometry:

The blade is bedded at 12°, making the included cutting angle 37°. Blade comes 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 either Ductile Iron or Manganese Bronze for the bodies of our Small Block Plane. Bronze 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:

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 Jojoba Oil, a vegetable oil based product that 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. The oil and 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.