Blum Planes

[Dan T Jones]

I am thinking of a Blum Jack plane for a present for a non-plane user. I like the ease of sharpening and use of the scary sharp method since he will also have to get into sharpening.
It looks good to me.
What do the experts think?
Dan

[Derek Cohen]

Hi Dan

Here's a review I wrote nearly a decade ago ..

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolReviews/Blumplanereview-SmootherandForePlanes.html

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Dan T Jones]

Thanks Derek, looking at his website I see multiple changes since you reviewed.
I'll stand by to see if we have any current users.
Dan

[Patrick Chase]

I wasn't aware of those planes. My initial reaction is that I'm impressed at how thoroughly he was able to rethink the basic bench plane pattern and yet still emerge with something usable (per Derek). I'm not going to run out and buy one, but I'm impressed nonetheless. I think that his planes are more thoroughly thought out than a lot of John Economaki's designs, for example.

[Mike Holbrook]

I did a review of a Blum Fore plane I have.......http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?235575-The-best-plane-no-one-seems-to-mention-Blum-Plane-review&highlight=Blum+Fore

[Stewie Simpson]

there was but 1 reply amongst all others that stood out within the 2015 post. imo


There is a lot to be said for the simplicity of a body, a blade and a wedge such as most of my wooden bodied planes incorporate.

The more parts or complexity in a design, the more room for problems.

jtk

[Derek Cohen]

Thanks Derek, looking at his website I see multiple changes since you reviewed.
I'll stand by to see if we have any current users.
Dan

One of the changes has been a cambered frog in the smoother. That is quite ingenious. The blade is honed straight across, and then clamped down to the frog. This automatically creates a fine camber when planing.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Dan T Jones]

I appreciate the feedback. I talked with Gary and plan to order a jack plane with cambered 42 degree frog. To me the cambered frog is equivalent to Deltas crowned band saw wheel.
Dan