Well here goes...
A block plane has a very low angle and is usually the smallest. They are great
for light cuts, and because of the lower angle it cuts nicely across end grain
as well.
The numbers refer to sizes. The higher the number the larger the plane.
To make it more confusing, each company may have a say #4 and the sizes won't
be the same. A Stanley may be 12 inches long and another brand may be 14 or 15
inches long. You have to read the specs on each one.
I have a #6 from Wood River and it's huge as planes go. Something like 22
inches long and over 5 pounds.
I believe that is called a jack plane. Basically the names explain what they
are best at doing. A jack plane is supposed to be an all around tool. A
smoothing plane, well it should be best at smoothing.
Then we can get into bevel up or bevel down and so on.
If you are looking for one, decide first what you will use it for most times.
I got the block plane for light duty work. Easing sharp edges, smoothing edges
of boards, light things. I got the #6 because I am a die hard bigger is better
guy and that was the biggest model they had in the store.
Now if you're interested in prices, I gave right at $70 for my block plane at
Woodcraft. The same model from
1.. Lie-Nielsen runs close to $375. Do yourself a favor and stay away from
the cheaper prices like $30 or $40. You'll not be happy.
----- Original Message -----
From: Dan Rossi
To: Blind Handyman List
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 10:36 AM
Subject: [BlindHandyMan] A plane by any other name.
Hi guys,
I know I am being lazy, and can probably find my answer somewhere out
there on the web, but hopefully someone can give me a relatively quick
answer.
What are the different kinds of hand planes and what are they used for? I
have seen the terms jack plane, block plane, bench plane, smoothing plane.
I think that there is some overlap in how these are used. Also, there are
the different numbers, like a #4 plane and #5 plane.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
--
Blue skies.
Dan Rossi
Carnegie Mellon University.
E-Mail: [email protected]
Tel: (412) 268-9081
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
