Using a Stanley #112 Scraper Plane

[Rob Luter]

Can anyone offer any tips on the proper setup and use of a Stanley #112 Scraper Plane? I tried to use mine to prep some swirly QSWO and didn't have much luck. My #80 worked fine, as did my Keen Kutter KK112 (like a Stanley #12). Both peeled off wide fluffy shavings. All three have razor sharp blades with fresh hooks. I just wonder if setting the geometry for the Stanley #112 is touchy.

All input is welcome.

[harry strasil]

I file my blade to a 45, then hone both the back and the angle, then make the burr.
Install the blade with a piece under the plane sole so its square, then use the knurled knobs to move it forward a bit, the more you move it forward, the thicker the shavings.

[Danny Burns]

Here are some helpful links.
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http://www.lie-nielsen.com/catalog.php?sku=112

Instructions are at the bottom of the page.
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These are from the Lee Valley site.


http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&cat=1,310&p=48431

http://www.leevalley.com/shopping/Instructions.aspx?p=48492

This is a PDF version of the above instructions.

http://www.leevalley.com/html/05p2901ie.pdf

[Brian Ashton]

The 112 has a fairly thin blade that is prone to chatter if not set up well. When I had the 112 I found that I liked to lean the blade over more and then extend the blade below the base a fair amount (no idea how much as I just used to tap the blade down and lean it more till it felt right and sounded right...) Because the blade extended more than probably most, as I put weight on it, it would load the blade as it bent under the pressure which seemed to help the cutting action. Another thing that you need to be concious of is how fast you push it along the wood. Too fast and it will chatter and almost screach in protest - it uncomfortably loud. When you have the right speed it sounds smooth and is quite a bit quieter. Something you'll have to play with a bit to figure out where the sweet spot is.

Have you gone into plane mode yet when using the 112? We all do it... drag the plane backwards over the wood without lifting it off when we get lazy... The 112 will really protest when you do that! Trust me you'll only do it a few times. It's a great way to ingrain proper planing technique into your head by practicing with a 112 - you'll learn to lift it every time no matter what.

I have the LV one now. I kinda wish I kept the 112 as a companion to the LV. It would work better is certain situation than the LV because it had such a flexible blade.

Your Mileage May Vary

[Rob Luter]

The blade in my Stanley #112 is a new Hock and was prepared as Harry suggests, including a lapping of both sides prior to turning the hook (side note... I've done the same thing with my other scrapers and what a difference!) It's pretty thick compared to my #80 blades.

Danny - Thanks for the links. I'll do a little reading today and see if I can get smarter.

Brian - I failed to lift when pulling back the first time I used it. Yikes! That was the last time I did that.

Thanks to all for the tips.