Your Best Block Plane

[Brian Kent]

This goes alongside the "Best Smooth Plane Update".

This is also not a theoretical question based on reviews or what you heard.

What is the Best Block Plane you have ever used?

When the answers have piled up I'll compile and post the list.

Photos are not necessary, but always enjoyed ;).

[dan sherman]

Stanley #15

[Brian Kent]

Thanks Dan.

First answer and it is one I had never heard of!
I'm looking at pictures to learn about it.

Brian

[David Christopher]

LN 60 1/2

can get pics later

[Doug Shepard]

Ln 60-1/2...........

[Zach England]

Veritas Apron plane (seriously)

[Mike Henderson]

There's two I often reach for:

Stanley 65 knuckle joint plane with a modern iron.

LN 60 1/2

Mike

[Added pixs: The LN is second from left, the 65 is third from left.]

[Gary Benson]

LN 102, but my range of test subjects has been very limited.

[Heather Thompson]

LN 60 1/2

can get pics later


Plus 1 on the 60 1/2!!!!!

Heather

[Andy Hsieh]

Lee Valley Apron Plane - fits me like a glove. Just wish it had one of those shiny nx60 hoods.

[Prashun Patel]

Lee Valley Apron Plane - fits me like a glove. Just wish it had one of those shiny nx60 hoods.

Andy, if it makes you feel any better, I tried the nx60 this weekend. If you're an Apron plane kind of guy like me, the nx60 feels a little big and heavy. Looks great, but just too hefty for me as a block.

At least, that's that this fox is saying about those grapes...

[Kent A Bathurst]

LN 60-1/2R



tenten

[David Dalzell]

Veritas Low Angle with three blades

[dan sherman]

Thanks Dan.

First answer and it is one I had never heard of!
I'm looking at pictures to learn about it.

Brian

It's just like a #9-1/2 only an inch longer and a little heavier. I think the best thing about it, is that it's easy to grip. I Can get a much better grip on it, than I can my #60-1/2.

I have a bunch of pictures of mine here,
http://www.dans-hobbies.com/2009/11/06/stanley-15-block-plane/
and here
http://www.dans-hobbies.com/2009/11/16/refinished-15-block-plane/

[John Schreiber]

Plus 1 on the 60 1/2!!!!!

Heather

Plus 2.

I've got a bunch of garage sale specials that I've cleaned up and which do fine work. The Lie Nielsen 60 1/2 is better in most every way.

[Carl L Goff]

L-N 102 I have used this plane the most.

[James Taglienti]

Hideous? yes. Poorly machined? you betcha. Dead flat? Not even close. The Proto 946, made by Ingersoll Rand in the 80's, has got to be considered one of the lamest low angle block planes of all time. So how did I get it to work? I took a "Krenov Style" Hock iron, ground it down, and wedged it in there. It's almost 3/16" thick! No chatter, and end grain just slides right off!

[Mark Berenbrok]

Stanley #18 with knuckle joint lever cap. Something about how you exert pressure on the lever cap let's this thing tame the wildest grain.

[Casey Gooding]

Lie-Nielsen 102 is certainly my favorite.

[Bob Noles]

Veritas Apron plane (seriously)

+ 1 here also

[Tri Hoang]

LN-60-1/2 follow closely by a no name Japanese white oak block. I use the white oak block on BB edges and other places where it would destroy A2 blade in the LN pretty quickly.

[Phillip Pattee]

I like the Stanley 65 low angle with Hock blade and the Stanley 18 for a standard angle. The knuckle cap is comfortable and they feel just right in my hand.

[David Gendron]

LV apron plane, it is just the right plane for a lot of things, I guess it is like the LN 102.

[Andy Hsieh]

Andy, if it makes you feel any better, I tried the nx60 this weekend. If you're an Apron plane kind of guy like me, the nx60 feels a little big and heavy. Looks great, but just too hefty for me as a block.

At least, that's that this fox is saying about those grapes...


I hear ya - I tried my neighbors NX60 and it was certainly too big for me - BUT if ya take the NX 60 hood and miniaturize it to fit the apron and sell it as an add on or upgrade to the apron - I'll take one :) Obviously I don;t take into any consideration tooling costs or actual market who would want one but thats the joy of a single post :D

[Bill Houghton]

Bench work: Stanley 65 with a Lee Valley iron in it. Between great bedding for the iron and the knuckle joint cap iron, the iron is held firmly, and the extra length makes for good control.

Jobsite work: Sweetheart era Stanley 60-1/2. Bedding as good as the 65, but it fits in one hand like a tiny magic wand.

[Leigh Betsch]

My own creation. Low angle, 12 degrees IIRC, A2 blade.

[dan sherman]

My own creation. Low angle, 12 degrees IIRC, A2 blade.

Come on now, you can't drop a bomb like that and only post one pic.....

[george wilson]

I'd like to see more of how your plane works,Leigh.

I have an excellent knuckle joint Stanley block plane. I should take it out and see how it does. So far,my best commercial block plane has to be the LN 60 1/2.

[Leigh Betsch]

A pic of the disassembled unit. This plane building is kind of addicting. I've got a retooled woodie jointer in process right now.

[Adam Johan Bergren]

Veritas Apron plane (seriously)

Add another one!

[Brian Kent]

I'll post our list tomorrow, and I'll keep adding to it as long as you send in your Best Block Plane.

Brian

[Derek Cohen]

No question about it .... The Orange Block Plane ...

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolReviews/The%20Orange%20Block%20Plane_html_m40a7d189.jpg

It produces shavings like this ...

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolReviews/The%20Orange%20Block%20Plane_html_m100c3c94.jpg

Review here: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolReviews/The%20Orange%20Block%20Plane.html

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Charles R. Smith]

It drives like a Porsche. Had it a week, and I'm hooked.

[Brian Kent]

Japanese white oak block
Lee Valley / Veritas Apron Plane
Lee Valley / Veritas Apron Plane
Lee Valley / Veritas Apron Plane
Lee Valley / Veritas Apron Plane
Lee Valley / Veritas Low Angle with 3 blades
Lee Valley / Veritas NX60
Lee Valley Apron Plane
Lie Nielsen #102
Lie Nielsen #102
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2R
Proto 946 with Krenov style Hock Iron
Stanley #15
Stanley #18 with knuckle joint lever cap
Stanley 18 for a standard angle
Stanley 60-1/2 Sweetheart era
Stanley 65 knuckle joint plane with a modern iron
Stanley 65 low angle with Hock blade
Stanley 65 with a Lee Valley iron
Stanley knuckle joint
My own creation. Low angle, 12 degrees IIRC, A2 blade
Derek's Son's "Orange Block Plane", but well tuned.

[James Taglienti]

That plane is awesome.

[Prashun Patel]

I love my Stanley 103 too. I love your's better. That eyebolt is wicked classic

[Brian Kent]

In your 1st photo I thought the eyebolt was a drill bit. :eek:

[harry strasil]

In my basement shop miller falls #07, (Stanley 140).

For my demo shop, 4th from the right a little antique coffin shaped block plane.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/irnsrgn/wood/planes1-1.jpg

[Brian Kent]

I have a hard time with my own question on this one, because I can say my best block planes are a LN 102 and a home-made Cocobolo Krenov-style, but I am not yet satisfied. Part of my reason for this question is to continue my quest. I will say that I use these two most often and they meet a good portion of my needs - but not all. Sometimes the 102 has too small a mouth. I would like an adjustable mouth. The Cocobolo either works just right or not at all. Still looking.

[Callan Campbell]

It'a tie for me between my Stanley 65 with a stock SW iron and the smaller 102 with its also stock blade. The 102 cuts mean for its size, but your hand gets tired more easily since you can't grip like a larger block plane. The 102 is Grandpas old plane, I never met him since he died before I was born. I guess that makes it a bit more special than the #65 that I bought off the internet.:)

[Prashun Patel]

I would like an adjustable mouth.

You sound like a candidate for a 60 1/2.

[Brian Kent]

That's what I'm thinking too, whether a nice Stanley or saving for a LN.

[george wilson]

Get the LN. You won't be disappointed. The extra mass,and better iron make for better planing.

[Brian Kent]

Thanks George. I'm going to stand on your advice and save for the LN.

[Leigh Betsch]

Heck with the way your infill turned out why not just make one.:)

[Brian Kent]

Ron Brese tried to tempt me with that in December. I'm not planning on dying any time soon, so why not both? Make a J-style small smoother and buy a LN :D!

[Brian Kent]

I visited the Craftsman Studio store front in San Diego yesterday. I asked Bill Kohr to show me the LN 60-1/2, based on all of the recommendations here. It fit my hand perfectly. It looked beautiful and substantial. I let him know I planned to order one in the near future.

I bought the LN 102 from Craftsman Studio a few years ago - my first top quality plane. I like the plane as a pocket plane but have wanted something larger with adjustable mouth.

The 102's mouth is almost completely closed. I looked at his 102 on display and, unlike mine, there was light - maybe a 1/64" mouth opening, although I did not measure. I asked Bill about sharpening angles and he told me also to check on the flatness of the iron. He had one customer with a slightly curved iron on his LN 102 that made the mouth close before exposing the tip of the blade.

I came home and put the 102 blade up against a Starrett blade and could easily see light. It was off by about .004", concave on the back side and convex on the front. When I wrote to Bill to see if this would cause the problem he said he would send me a new iron on Monday with a return postage paid envelope for the one I have now.

Bill Kohr + Craftsman Studio + Lie Nielsen = 1 class act!

[Chuck Tringo]

When I wrote to Bill to see if this would cause the problem he said he would send me a new iron on Monday with a return postage paid envelope for the one I have now.

Bill Kohr + Craftsman Studio + Lie Nielsen = 1 class act!

That sounds great, I have actually been looking at the craftsman studio to place my March 'reward for me' order :p, I wanted to get their fret saw and the LN Carcass saw but haven't heard much about them so I wasn't sure about ordering with them yet. Sounds like a good reason to add them to my list of WW tool vendors.

[Brian Kent]

Chuck, do you do woodworking in Iraq or wait til home?

[Chuck Tringo]

Brian,

I'm waiting until I get home, 3 months left and since Christmas I have been placing a monthly order so that I will have a big pile o stuff waiting for me :D....it helps the days go by a little quicker looking for what I will get next.

[Brian Kent]

Great idea Chuck.

Yes I would give Craftsman Studio as high a recommendation as Lee Valley and Tools For Working Wood. Top notch.

Thanks for what you are doing right now.

Brian

[Chuck Tringo]

Thanks Brian....sounds great, I'm a huge fan of LV and love almost everything Veritas, haven't placed an order with TFWW yet when I get back his holdfasts are at the top of my list as is a bow saw hardware kit. The great thing about ordering stuff now is that SWMBO misses me so much that she overlooks the 2 or 3 packages that arrive monthly with my name on them :D

[Brian Kent]

Thanks Brian....sounds great, I'm a huge fan of LV and love almost everything Veritas, haven't placed an order with TFWW yet when I get back his holdfasts are at the top of my list as is a bow saw hardware kit. The great thing about ordering stuff now is that SWMBO misses me so much that she overlooks the 2 or 3 packages that arrive monthly with my name on them :D

Fantastic - I'm taking notes on your psychology. :D

[Kent A Bathurst]

What's wrong with me? I have both the LN 60-1/2 and the LN 60-1/2R - flip a coin - just happen to have this thing for the "R". Nobody else listed it tho.

[Brian Kent]

Kent,

Because of your post a few days ago, I looked at the 60-1/2R yesterday at Craftsman Studio. I don't actually see the downside. I have been focusing on the 60-1/2, but it seems your favorite has that one advantage of getting into the corner. It sure looks plenty stiff and solid.

Is there any downside to a 60-1/2R as a block plane?

Brian

[Prashun Patel]

Does the 'R' plane have an adjustable mouth?

[Mike Henderson]

Does the 'R' plane have an adjustable mouth?
No.

Mike

[Mike Henderson]

Kent,

Because of your post a few days ago, I looked at the 60-1/2R yesterday at Craftsman Studio. I don't actually see the downside. I have been focusing on the 60-1/2, but it seems your favorite has that one advantage of getting into the corner. It sure looks plenty stiff and solid.

Is there any downside to a 60-1/2R as a block plane?

Brian
I have one and tried to use it as a block plane. Since the blade sticks out on the sides, you can do some damage to wood, or to your other hand if you're not careful (don't ask). I would put it in the category of, "Yes, you can use it as a block plane, but you'll be better off with a regular block plane."

It's a special purpose tool.

Mike

[Jim R Edwards]

Lie Nielsen 60 1/2r

[Kent A Bathurst]

I have one and tried to use it as a block plane. Since the blade sticks out on the sides, you can do some damage to wood, or to your other hand if you're not careful (don't ask). I would put it in the category of, "Yes, you can use it as a block plane, but you'll be better off with a regular block plane."

It's a special purpose tool.

Mike

Yeah, well, that's true, kinda-sorta.....I wouldn't say it's a special-purpose tool - I'd flip that around and say there are special purposes where it isn't the optimal tool. I guess I look it as the "utility infielder". (Maybe I'll give it a name - Tom Brookens. If you didn't spend a lot of nights in Tiger Stadium in 1984, that might not connect with you).

I have the blade aligned so it doesn't project to the left (I'm right handed). I can use it for a fast trim of tenon face right against the shoulder, or any quick rabbet-type clean-up, or any-old quick trimming work like an apron plane almost - with the benefit that it is a rabbet when needed. It is LA by design. Most of this type of work doesn't succeed or fail on the adj mouth. When it comes down to a situation where I need the adj mouth feature, I have the 60-1/2. And sometimes, it just depends on where my hand alights on the plane till, to be honest. I'm not saying it necessarily replaces the 60-1/2, but if I was forced to sell one of the two, I'd prolly keep the R.

[Paul Saffold]

I have 3 block planes...so far. They are the LN 60 1/2 R, Record 60 1/2 and Lee Valley Veritas 60 1/2.
I have spent hours on the Record trying to tune it. There is a reason the Record isn't on this list. I finally bought the Veritas and love it.
The LN is OK but only for very fine work.
The adjustable mouth is, in my opinion, a great feature. I also like the mass or heft of the LV.
I'm sure the LN version is a great plane, too.

[Rob Luter]

I use a couple well tuned Stanley Knuckle Joint Block Planes, a #18 and a #65. I have a #60 1/2 standing by as well.

[Brian Kent]

I use a couple well tuned Stanley Knuckle Joint Block Planes, a #18 and a #65. I have a #60 1/2 standing by as well.

And for the list, your best one is…?

[Rob Luter]

The #65 I suppose, but all three are top shelf in the performance department.

[Brian Kent]

We just passed 40, so here is the updated list:
Again, the most frequently listed are Old Stanleys, Lie Nielsens and Lee Valleys. Over 20 different types of block planes are listed.

Japanese white oak block
Krenov Style Cocobolo
Lee Valley / Veritas Apron Plane
Lee Valley / Veritas Apron Plane
Lee Valley / Veritas Apron Plane
Lee Valley / Veritas Apron Plane
Lee Valley / Veritas Apron Plane
Lee Valley / Veritas Low Angle (60 1/2)
Lee Valley / Veritas Low Angle with 3 blades
Lee Valley / Veritas NX60
Lie Nielsen #102
Lie Nielsen #102
Lie Nielsen #102
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2R
Lie Nielsen #60-1/2R
Miller Falls #07 (Stanley 140)
My own creation. Low angle, 12 degrees IIRC, A2 blade
Orange Block Plane, by Derek's son
Proto 946 with Krenov style Hock Iron
Stanley #102
Stanley #103
Stanley #15
Stanley #18
Stanley #18 for a standard angle
Stanley #18 with knuckle joint lever cap
Stanley #60-1/2
Stanley #60-1/2 Sweetheart era
Stanley #65
Stanley #65
Stanley #65 knuckle joint plane with a modern iron
Stanley #65 low angle with Hock blade
Stanley #65 with a Lee Valley iron
Stanley knuckle joint
Wooden Coffin Shaped block plane

[Greg Earley]

My favorite that I reach for is a low angle plane, Leon Robbins of Crown Plane made for me. Tiger maple A2 blade.
Take care
Greg Earley

PS -I miss Leon

[Brian Kent]

My favorite that I reach for is a low angle plane, Leon Robbins of Crown Plane made for me. Tiger maple A2 blade.
Take care
Greg Earley

PS -I miss Leon

I think we'd like to see a photo of this one, Greg!

[Greg Earley]

Hello All
Here is a pic of my favorite Block plane made by Leon Robbins. 6-1/2" long 35 deg low angle. A2 steel blade, This works great. The little brother is 2-1/2" long and I use it once and awhile for small chamfers and small cleanups.
This is my first post with pictures so hope it works

Greg

[Brian Kent]

Those are just stunningly beautiful planes, Greg.

[Charles Travis]

Sorry to revive a dead thread, but as a novice, I feel this is a great educational tool. It's helpful to be able to see what the more seasoned woodworker prefers. Thanks to the OP for providing such a resource.

[Jim Neeley]

This may seem strange to some but my go-to block plane is my L-N 140 skew block. It feels good in my hand, I enjoy the heft and like being able to remove the side plate for getting up close and personal. I like it so much I picked up one LH and one RH so it works good no matter what the grain. With the knicker lifted and the blade slightly proud of the side I can get right into tight quarters as well.

[Gordon Eyre]

I bought a LN 60 1/2 a year ago and love it. My old one was a piece of junk and so it was rarely used.

[jason thigpen]

I'm late to the party, but my absolute favorite is my Sargent 5607.

[Joel Goodman]

My favorites are the LN 60 1/2 and the LV apron. But for some reason the LV apron is just more "block planey"! I like the small size.

[steven c newman]

For a LONG time, my block plane was a well sharpened Stanley #110235618 it has since moved on. Nowadays I have a choice of blocks235619and I rotate between all five of them.

[Dale Cruea]

LN 60 1/2 Only block plane I have. Only one I need.

[Jim Matthews]

My best is a wooden body user with a nothing-special 2 1/2" wide Record blade.

It's 8 inches long (longer than my LN LA) and yet - weighs next to nothing.
Something about the mouth opening and width make it easiest to manipulate.

Smaller block planes are good only for chamfering in my hamfist.

This thing slices off Cherry endgrain like a cheese knife.

[Charles Bjorgen]

I have three that I regularly use. Favorite is the Veritas Low-Angle block plane. Next in line is a knuckle joint Stanley 65 and finally the LN 102, which I frequently grab for outdoor projects.

[Russ Massery]

Ln102, ln601/2.

[Klaus Kretschmar]

I'm surprised that the Veritas Skew Block Plane wasn't mentioned so far. It is in my eyes the by far best block plane I've ever used. It does any work that a block plane is made for in the best possible way and it does some more since it can be used as a small rabbet plane as well. The size and the weight of this plane is just about perfect to my taste. I've the NX 60 as well. It is a terrific block plane but the skew block plane outperforms it for sure.

Here a pic of my users:

235657

The one at the far right will be used steadily, the other ones tend to collect dust. Actually I'm thinking about to sell the NX 60. I don't like it that a very good tool will not be used so it should perhaps get a new shop.

Klaus

[Matthew N. Masail]

Veritas Apron plane. grated I only have it and another 20$ Stanly. the Skew looks awsome.

[Carl Beckett]

Verities skew block plane for me. Left hand variety

[David Dalzell]

LN 102 bronze.

[Shawn Pixley]

LN 60-1/2 or LN 60-1/2R

[george wilson]

I like my LN 601/2,but I also love my Veritas all polished "art deco"block plane,whatever model it is I can't recall off hand. The only trouble is,the Veritas is so slippery I am afraid I'll drop it on the concrete floor and mess it up. I'm letting aesthetics get in the way of function,I know,but that is the way I am as a designer sometimes.

[Ron Bontz]

Old stanley 60 1/2.

[Tony Zaffuto]

How about a wish list of features? Narrow like the Stanley 60-1/2, mouth adjuster like the Sargent 306/307, blade adjuster like the LN 60-1/2, knuckle cap like the Stanley 65 and low angle.

[Michael Ray Smith]

I don't have experience with a lot of different candidates, but I love my Veritas low angle block plane.

[glenn bradley]

LV Apron has become the favorite.

[john davey]

LV Low Angle for me. I do not have any of it's add ons but it is a great block plane as is. I might toy with the knob and handle at some point since I also have a Stanley 60 1/2 that I like

[Richard Shaefer]

I reach most for my Stanley 60 1/2 and my Sargent 507. I couldn't tell you which I use more, it depends on the type of work.

[Jim Koepke]

My best block plane is likely my LN 60-1/2.

Though it is not always the first one off the shelf for the job at hand.

Sometimes the cheapest hunk of iron on the shelf, Stanley 102, gets the work.

jtk

[Erik Manchester]

For years I used a Stanley 60 1/2 plane for everything and it did a good job at most things. A few years ago I was given the Veritas Apron Plane and it became a favorite where a tight mouth wasn't required. The size was very convenient indeed. I treated myself to a Veritas NX-60 and Skew Block Plane and I am set for life. The NX-60 takes some getting used to as far as the shape is concerned, but is surgically precise and I have used it with different blades a small smoother as well as a block plane. Definitely the winner for me. I still use the old Stanley with a LV aftermarket blade as my toolbox block plane when going to different jobs. But the NX-60 is the go-to plane where precision is concerned.

[george wilson]

The only reason my NX60 Veritas plane seems slippery to me,is that after many decades of woodworking,using linseed oil,etc., my hands are very dry and slippery. I consider it the nicest modern design that anyone has come out with. Most others copy Norris,or old Stanleys. I commend Veritas for not doing that.

[Bruce Branson]

I use these small planes and they cover all my small plane needs.Knight Pocket Plane At 55deg.Mujingfang Small Plane at 45 deg.and LN 102 at 37 deg.I love all three.http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/583/smallplanes2zl2.jpg

[Philip Duffy]

My Stanley 220-12, made in England, has always done exactly what I have asked of it, and then some. It weighs a ton and has a standard blade but I would not trade it for any other plan. But then, I am not a Derek Cohen so my work standards are just average. Phil

[Dave Beauchesne]

My LN 102 in white bronze covered with engraving is my favorite - -

Dave Beauchesne

[Matthew N. Masail]

I use these small planes and they cover all my small plane needs.Knight Pocket Plane At 55deg.Mujingfang Small Plane at 45 deg.and LN 102 at 37 deg.I love all three.http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/583/smallplanes2zl2.jpg

Nice collection Bruce! I was wondering, do you think the 6mm blade in the Knight plane adds anything compared to the Mujingfang?

[Bill White]

I don't want to hear any boos, but mine is an England-made Stanley G12-060 that I fettled a bit. Hey, it works. What else do ya need?
Bill

[Matthew N. Masail]

I don't want to hear any boos, but mine is an England-made Stanley G12-060 that I fettled a bit. Hey, it works. What else do ya need?
Bill

at least 2 more.... ?:o

[Bruce Branson]

I keep both very sharp and I don't notice any difference.

[John Meade]

Record 015

[Dan Carroll]

Okay, another late one to the party -- my Sargent 5307 (?). Not completely sure of the model. Knuckle cap, adjustable month etc. it has the screw adjustor under the cap, not on a rod that sticks out the end. It was my great grandfathers and the steel on the iron takes an edge like you wouldn't believe, it fits my hand perfectly.

[Deane Allinson]

I don't want to hear any boos, but mine is an England-made Stanley G12-060 that I fettled a bit. Hey, it works. What else do ya need?
Bill

Me too. great little block. I like the easy lateral adjustment.
Deane