How do you modify old stanley planes?

[Justin Cavender]

I have two post WWII #5 planes I want to make one a high angle plane is there any way I can accomplish this?

[Mike Henderson]

I have two post WWII #5 planes I want to make one a high angle plane is there any way I can accomplish this?
The only way to do it is to put a back bevel on one of the plane blades. The standard frog is 45*. If you put a 10* back bevel, your cutting angle will be 55*.

Mike

[Justin Cavender]

Okay I think I know how to do that but will it help me accomplish what I want to. I use Maple and Hard ash almost exclusively and the maple is almost impossible to plane. My blades are extremly sharp I have the bald arms to prove it so that isn't the problem. I have read that a high angle will help this.

[Phillip Pattee]

Justin,
Check out Neaderthal Wisdom/FAQ up in the sticky area. In there you should be able to find a thread by Bob Smalser called "An inexpensive 50 degree angle smoother I" That should tell you how to create a high angle from out of what you have.