Bevel angles

[Will Hughes]

I have an old block plane and LA block I'm going to clean up. Could someone tell me what angle to grind the bevels to?

Thx,
Will Hughes

[Alan Turner]

Block plane irons are typically ground at 25*, I believe.

[Will Hughes]

Thank you Alan

[Derek Cohen]

Will

Since a block plane is a bevel up plane, you have the option of a wide range of bevel angles, each one of which is used for a different purpose. It is a really good idea to invest in one or two extra blades for your block plane.

Assuming that you have a low angle block plane (not a standard angle), the bed is 12 degrees (the standard version is 20 degrees).

For end grain, use a 25 degree bevel (= cutting angle of 37 degrees).

For face grain on medium density, uncomplicated timber, use a 35 degree bevel (= cutting angle of 47 degrees).

As a mini-smoother of difficult face grain, use a 50 degree bevel (= cutting angle of 62 degrees).

Regards from Perth

Derek