OK, here's a general plane question

[Tom LaRussa]

I know that one advantage of LN planes is that their "ductile" iron does not crack like cast iron when dropped onto concrete.

So, why not build planes from low-carbon, mild steel instead of cast iron?

Anybody know?

[Mark Singer]

Tom,

Why drop them on the concrete...if your pissed off give your tablesaw a big kick in the trunion:rolleyes:


I know that one advantage of LN planes is that their "ductile" iron does not crack like cast iron when dropped onto concrete.

So, why not build planes from low-carbon, mild steel instead of cast iron?

Anybody know?

[Dennis McDonaugh]

I don't think they would be rigid enough. Stanley made some out of steel for industrial arts classes. They don't work very well and aren't worth much.

[Dan Moening]

I know little about metalugy but I'll offer this opinion:

I believe that cast iron is easier to manufacture and mill and therefore cheaper to mass produce.

I suspect that ductile iron requires more steps in the manufacture process and due to its strength takes longer to mill.

Might be a simple matter of providing a tool at a price point that the general populace can afford.

[Roy Wall]

Stanley did attempt to market "aluminum body" planes (1950-60's????) but were not accepted by the WW public at all..........they couldn't take the beating.

Tradition holds a lot of things as they are.....

[Keith Christopher]

From the horses mouth.

http://www.ductile.org/didata/Section2/2intro.htm


http://www.ductile.org/didata/Section2/figures/pfig2_3.htm

[Tom LaRussa]

Tom,

Why drop them on the concrete...if your pissed off give your tablesaw a big kick in the trunion:rolleyes:
:eek: :eek: :eek:

:p :p :p

Thanks Mark, I needed that! :)

[Tom LaRussa]

From the horses mouth.

http://www.ductile.org/didata/Section2/2intro.htm


http://www.ductile.org/didata/Section2/figures/pfig2_3.htm
Okay, now I've gone from merely curious to really confused.

I always thought that steel was iron with carbon added to it, but it turns out that it's the other way around, sorta, i.e., steel has less carbon than raw iron.

Oh well, learn something new every decade or so...

[Keith Christopher]

Okay, now I've gone from merely curious to really confused.

I always thought that steel was iron with carbon added to it, but it turns out that it's the other way around, sorta, i.e., steel has less carbon than raw iron.

Oh well, learn something new every decade or so...
Tom,

This is correct, see carbon is a softener, hence why carbon steel knives can be quickly sharpened to a razor's edge, however they lose it just as quick. The Marine Corp KBAR is an example of a carbon steel knife.

Keith

[Tony Zaffuto]

OK guys, if you don't mind taking this in a different direction: With regards to LN planes (where offered) what is the advantage of brass over the ductile iron (besides the weight issue)?

[Tom LaRussa]

OK guys, if you don't mind taking this in a different direction: With regards to LN planes (where offered) what is the advantage of brass over the ductile iron (besides the weight issue)?
LN uses Manganese Bronze, not brass.

As for advantages ...


Though Iron has been the material of choice for mass-produced tools, we use Manganese Bronze, which is a very hard, strong alloy which wears very well, unlike brass and softer bronzes. We prefer this bronze to iron for small planes because it's heavier, it doesn't rust, won't crack if dropped and has wonderful warmth in the hand. We use iron when the extra weight is not welcome. http://www.lie-nielsen.com/faq.html#6