No. 10-1/4 Bench Rabbet Plane Lie-Nielsen Toolworks

No. 10-1/4 Bench Rabbet Plane

1-10-1-4

$440.00



No. 10-1/4 Bench Rabbet Plane

Also known as a Carriage Maker’s or Jack Rabbet Plane, this is the largest rabbet plane made. Based on the Stanley 10¼, which went out of production in the mid-1940s, we modified the design to fit the Bedrock format. Adjustable side nickers make clean, cross-grain cuts. Both handle and knob can tilt left or right to give better access and control in tight corners.

  • 12-3/4" long.
  • Blade is 2-1/8" wide x .130" thick.
  • Iron body only, 5 lbs.

Click here to download a PDF copy of the instructions for this tool.

Bench Rabbet Plane

A Bench Rabbet Plane is very handy for working large rabbets and tenons, while also doubling as a Jack Plane. The Lie-Nielsen Bench Rabbet Plane is based on the Stanley Bedrock-type planes. Bedrocks were Stanley’s top line of Bench Planes, heavier and better made than the standard. In addition, the construction of the frog is unique — it features a fully machined fit between frog and body, adjustable from the rear without having to remove the blade and cap. This allows you to easily change the mouth setting from a coarse to a fine cut for difficult woods or fine smoothing passes. For heavy cuts, adjust the frog back so the blade rests directly on the plane body.

Geometry:

All Bench Plane blades are bedded at 45° with the bevel down.

Blade Sharpening:

The blade comes ready to use, but honing a secondary bevel of 5° or 10° will increase performance, help achieve a razor edge quickly, and improve edge life in hardwoods. You can find sharpening instructions in a printable PDF format here:
Sharpening Instructions PDF

For more information on advanced sharpening we recommend David Charlesworth’s video Plane Sharpening, available in both DVD and streaming formats.

Blade Adjustment:

Removing and re-installing the blade can be tricky. The easiest method is to remove the cap screw first. To advance the blade, turn the adjuster screw clockwise. It is always a good idea to finish adjusting the blade with a forward adjustment to take up backlash and prevent the blade from moving. In order to be able to adjust the blade easily, do not overtighten the lever cap screw.

The blade is about .005" wider than the body. Align the edge of the blade with the side of the body that you want it flush with (laying the tool on its side helps to do this quickly and accurately) or grind a little off the side of the blade to make it flush with both sides if you want.

Mouth Adjustment:

To adjust the mouth opening, loosen the two locking screws at the back of the frog; then turn the middle adjuster screw. Observe the opening in front of the blade. When it is correct, set the locking screws again.

Nickers:

Nickers cut cross grain fibers first to give a clean shoulder when rabbeting across the grain. The double beveled knife nickers are made of 4140 hardened steel. Lower and raise the nickers as needed. Occasionally you may need to hone the flat on a fine waterstone to sharpen.

Tilting Handles:

Loosen the nut on top of the knob and handle to tilt to one side or the other. Tighten, but do not overtighten, nuts. Lubricate the pivot bar occasionally.

Materials:

The body is cast from Ductile Iron, a very strong alloy that will take a lot of abuse. These castings are fully stress relieved, a process that removes inherent stresses and ensures that the tool will remain flat and true.

The blade is A2 cryogenically treated Tool Steel, hardened to Rockwell 60-62 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 thick blade provides solid chatter-free cutting. The cap is Manganese Bronze.

This plane comes with a new and improved Stainless Steel yoke installed in the Frog. The Steel is stronger than Bronze and will be more resistant to wear over time.

Maintenance:

All Bench Plane bodies are surface ground flat and square to a tolerance of .0015". Depending on how much use your tool gets, an occasional light sanding with 320 grit or finer wet/dry paper on a flat surface will keep the sole in as-new condition. Tools with Iron bodies should be kept lightly oiled or waxed to prevent rust. We recommend Jojoba Oil, a plant based oil 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. Jojoba Oil and abrasive handblocks are available from us.

A light oiling on the threaded rod, the Brass adjuster nut and the lateral blade adjustment lever will keep them moving freely. 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. The Cherry knob and handle are oiled and buffed with wax to produce a natural finish. Wipe with oil as desired to refresh.

Find everything you need for tool care.

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.