What do you shoot with?

[David Weaver]

LOML wants to know what I want for Christmas, and it's definitely going to be related to shooting.

At this point, it's the miter block plane from LN (the stanley version is untouchable for users). A buddy of mine has the plane, and I think it's the cat's ___ for shooting.

With the knob on, it's easy to use, and you know it's square, and it's bedded at a low angle.

I also already have the large shoulder plane, the 60 1/2 and a whole bunch of bench planes that I haven't necessarily checked for square on the cheeks.

What do you guys use. Those of you who use the low angle jack and jointer planes, do you find that the low height of the cheeks cause a problem?

Reason I'm asking is that I know for sure that the miter block plane works well, but it's a high dollar one-trick pony. I might be able to make an excuse to get something else if, say, I'd get the low angle jack plane.

I don't want deal with anything that has an effective angle of greater than 45 degrees - I could just use a regular bench plane if that is the case.

[Greg Crawford]

You may want to look at the Veritas low angle jack plane. I recently got it along with the two higher angle blades, making it very versatile. It's not real comfy to do a lot of shooting for a long time, though. I wear a leather glove if I'm doing much more than a few strokes.

[Rob Luter]

I use the Veritas Low Angle Jack like Greg. I also bought the extra blades. This is a very versatile tool. The low angle blade works great for shooting and the other two are nice for face and edge planing. I've heard others say it's uncomfortable to grip for shooting, but I really don't have any problems with it. My shooting board is quite slick (waxed laminate), I set for a light cut, and make sure the blade is very sharp. It cuts with close to zero effort. I also have pretty big hands and that may make a difference.

[Don Pierson]

My favorite shooting plane is a #6 jointer. The mass of plane carries it thru a cut with ease. Lighter weight planes tend to stop before completing the cut unless you apply some muscle. For comfort I made a custom handle that attaches to the side of the plane using a magnet that can be switched on or off. The magnet is stong enough to lift the weight of the #6. The magnet is not attached to the handle/jig so it can be lifted out for use on other jigs.

[Don C Peterson]

I tend to use a LN Low Angle Jack (62). The low profile doesn't seem to affect its suitability or stability for shooting, I also have a #7 that I have used, but it is frankly a bit too large for most shooting jobs.

I have wanted a #9 ever since I saw one at a WW show years ago, but I just can't justify the price for such a specialized plane when the 62 and #7 do a fine job. Now, if they ever made the mitre plane with skewed iron I might start saving my pennies.

[David Weaver]

I think that I'm ultimately going to end up just going with the #9 because of familiarity, and I'll just forget about the extra hundred bucks. My motive to save money are simple - I could buy something else with the difference - like a chisel plane or maybe a couple of japanese dovetail chisels.

But I'll probably chicken out and play it safe and end up with the #9 - and you're right - it's a princely sum. It sure is easy to use with a handle on the front of it, though, and with the bedding angle being the same as it is on the #62, it shears the end grain off very very nicely.

[Phil Clark]

Don - can you post a photo showing the handle and magnet set-up?

[Tony Zaffuto]

I use my LN 62 also. In fact, it's all I use the 62 for (for the time being). I will be putting in my request to Sant-ette for a #9 for Christmas. Sort of related, I've gotten so used to using a shooting board that it is unusal for me to do anything, without taking a few swipes to square it up.

[Philip Glover]

A LN No. 9 with a hotdog handle.
The hotdog handle is comfortable and easy to change over when I switch sides on the shooting board.

Regards,
Phil

[Andrew Homan]

What do you guys use. Those of you who use the low angle jack and jointer planes, do you find that the low height of the cheeks cause a problem?


Hi David,
I also use a LN 62, and do not find that the low height of the cheeks is a problem. I have two blades for it, one at 25 degrees and one with a 40 degree secondary bevel, making it a very versatile plane for me.
-Andy

[Derek Cohen]

David

If you want a plane just for shooting, get the LN #9. This is dedicated for a shooting board.

If you want a plane that is superb on a shooting board, but can do a lot more, get the LV LA Jack. This is a different kettle of fish to the LN version. The LV is larger and better designed than the LN.

What do I use for shooting? Either the LV LA Jack or the LV LA Smoother. Sometimes a LN 60 1/2 for small pieces.

When restoration is completed, it will be this ... :)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Restoration/Stanley%2051-52/Stanley51-521.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Hank Knight]

David

When restoration is completed, it will be this ... :)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Restoration/Stanley%2051-52/Stanley51-521.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek


Nice gloat Derek. When did you pick that up? You must do an article on it when you get it in shape.

Cheers,

Hank

[Don Pierson]

Phil...here is a link
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?p=658823#poststop

[Derek Cohen]

Hi Hank

I have already begun an article on the #51/52. I must get back to the resto. It has been several months.

http://www.wkfinetools.com/contrib/dCohen/z_art/restStanley51-52/restStanley5152-1.asp

Regards from Perth

Derek

[David Weaver]

Derek - that second bit is information (the LV plane being more substantial and better for shooting) is definitely applicable. Do you have any opinions on how square and flat it is from the factory?

I would like something with a skew - like a panel raiser would have, but it looks like a bevel up plane or the #9 is the answer to shooting.

Just for giggles last night, I was looking through Leach's website to see what stanley made for shooting, and one was that plane above, but without the shoot board - I thought maybe I could find a beater #51 somewhere. Boy was I wrong there, and I hope you're not going to tell us about how you got it from some grandmother for $5 at a yard sale. I think I saw one without the board for about $900 or something.

[Brian Kent]

I had the same question. I got some very helpful info from the Creek.

I just ordered the LV LA jack specifically for shooting. I am supposed to build a 12-15 picture frames with inlays for Christmas presents so I figured I should do it right. Now I will add the 45° miter to the shooting board.

I didn't consider the #9 because I also suspect the LV LA will become my main go-to jack plane. (Others are a Mujingfang Rosewood, a Krenov-style, and a restored Stanley, all of which have been useful and enjoyable).

[Mark Singer]

I have a LN #9 and it works well. Any plane with flat sides will work...often I just gab what is handy. If it is the faces of a joint , often the mortise or tenon is what keeps the joint a bit open....You need to focus on the problem, if there is one.

[Derek Cohen]

David

Comparing the LV and LN LA Jacks:

The LV is larger and weightier than the LN. The LV is like a #5 1/2 (it is denoted the "#62.5"), while the LN is like a #5 (it is denoted the "#62").

The LV's blade is 2 1/4" wide and the LN is 2" wide. Both are3/16" thick and A2.

The LV has fingergrips on the sides for holding when shooting. The LN has no extra grip.

The LV has side set screws for extra stability, a depth stop for the mouth, improved mouth adjustment, and a Norris-type blade adjustment system. In all these areas it improves on the LN.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Joe Meazle]

Preach on, Derek. I love my LV BU jack.

[Lee Hingle]

What do I shoot with?

I'm probably in the minority here but I prefer an AK-47 with 100 round drum or your basic 40 round clips.

Lee

[harry strasil]

M1 Garand is my favorite.

[David Weaver]

I like Weatherby rifles, 1911s, big lever guns and big revolvers and......on never mind, I like anything that goes "bang" :)

[Bart Leetch]

Classic Model 1893 Winchester Long Tom with a 25" barrel.

[David Weaver]

I took Derek and Mark's and everyone else's advice and ordered the LV LA Jack. I guess I'll have to send the wife in another direction for Christmas - maybe a 48" starrett straight edge.

As much as I like the LN #9, I can't bring myself to spend the extra money if there are folks on here who will vouch for the LA jack as a good chute board plane. Not to mention, I can buy another blade and put a camber on it and use it as a true jack in tough wood. (not that I don't have 4 stanley #5s already :rolleyes: )

Thanks, guys. The thread saved me money and gives me a plane I'm a little "less afraid to ruin".

[David Weaver]

Mark - I can't really say I've seen a problem because I've been hogging a friend's LN #9.

[Jake Darvall]

I've used an old badger plane with a skewed bed. Stable because of the square body.....more weight be nice, but it cuts nicely. first picture.

For small bead I'd just use a block plane.....bevel up with close mouth. A bevel down blade I've noticed can jam up small bead in between the bevel of the blade and the rear of the planes sole.

but generally you can use any bench plane eh.

[Dennis McDonaugh]

I use a stanley 51 I bought on e-bay without the board. It cost about the same as an LN 9, but is way heavier.

[Jeremy Kriewaldt]

This is my first post here, although I have been active on other fora.

Like Derek I am in the process of a resto job of a shooting plane. Mine is a no names (I suspect it was a technical college or apprenticeship work piece) cast iron shooting plane - it weighs about 8 kg (18lbs). First things to do:


check it is square
sharpen the blade
see if I can cut wood with it!I'll report back when I have done some work on it!!

Regards from Sydney

Jeremy

[Bob Smalser]

What do you shoot with?

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174068.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174067.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174069.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174281.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174284.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174391.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174483.jpg

;)

[Tony Zaffuto]

For several years I used the LN low angle jack plane. Did an excellent job. I tried several planes I have, including a Bedrock #5 set for a fine shaving, several different blocks, a #4, none did the job with the ease of the low angle jack.

Several months ago, I thought I'd treat myself to a LN #9 with a hot dog attachment, primarily since my projects (hobbyist) are furniture type and I've gotten into the habit of shooting virtually everything (along with shooting everthing, I've gotten used to crosscutting most everything by hand--very surprising how much quicker this method combined with shooting is. The accuracy is a given). Yes the LN #9 is a bit more comfortable, but there is no marked difference in quality of job or speed. The #9 is also bedded at a higher angle, but I've seen no marked difference in quality of cut, provided the iron is honed.

If you are looking for a plane that can do double duty, for for the low angle jack, especially since I've heard LN is coming out with a hot dog handle for it. If you got expendable cash, and go for the special purpose plane (#9). But the fact is, there are very few planes that can't be used. Any plane with a side square to the sole can be used.

[Tony Zaffuto]

Oh yeah, since deer season starts here in Pennsylvania on Monday I've got to figure that choice out! Probably my .250 Savage or my .45-70.

[Ray Sheley]

.. for technically going off topic.

Nice Glass work Bob. I did a number of Remington 700's and get some fantastic groups, nothing as ambitious as a semi though.

My favorite shooter is a Winchester big ring 94 in .44 mag. I call it my pumpkin gum because it's what I used to take care of my excess crop:D

It is my fun gun.

[Corvin Alstot]

M1 Garand is my favorite.

Wow Harry, so modern. . .
I thought you might be using black powder and ball. ;)

[harry strasil]

I carried one in the service, I really like the reliability of the weapon, I have 2, one that was mil surplus that was never used, and an ultra-match.

[Don C Peterson]

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174068.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174067.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174069.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174281.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174284.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174391.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174483.jpg

;)

I'm green with envy Bob. That's a nice M14 you have there. I'd shoot with that any day!

[Bob Smalser]

The rifle got a new barrel in order to go to Iraq with my youngest next summer. Not finished yet. Still have to break it in, see how it prints, and glue the action to the bedding using unthickened epoxy.

Seems like the Army and Marines have discovered a little more punch than Matty Mattel provides combined with optics in at least one rifle per squad is a useful thing to have. The "Designated Marksman" program. Real original thinking of them. Anyway, they don't have enough M14's and my old M1A may get to go.

Krieger 1-10 barrel replacing the original SA 1-12 NM I installed when I built it on 1985. SA receiver and TRW parts. Still shot fine at 600, but my scorebook shows 5000 rds so it was time for a change.

The last of the walnut and forged, machined steel service rifles, and John Garand's finest and final accomplishment.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174280.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174480.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174632.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/17862189/279174696.jpg

[Jeremy Kriewaldt]

Was that plane heavy in the backpack!!!

The sides are as square as my best square - a Roger Gifkins precision square (http://www.gifkins.com.au/Squares.pdf), so that will do for that.

The blade is about 4 mm thick and seems to be of quite decent carbon steel - I have hollow ground it to 25 deg and hones it at the same angle on a fine diamond plate. Put in the 8 kg monster, it slices through Sydney blue gum endgrain like butter!

So this one is a keeper.http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/smilies/actions/2thumbsup.gif The only changes I might make would be to replace the cast iron tote with a wooden one, but cutting and then grinding the current one off may be more effort than the handle would be worth.

So the next task is generally to remove the slight surface rust and then decide whether to japan the body!

[Dave Anderson NH]

Hi Bob, A nice job on the M1. A modest suggestion for your son to pass along. If an M14 is available, a magazine loaded with every 5th round a tracer will, when fired, make the sound presentation and sight of an M60 machinegun. Very useful on small 4-6 man partrols when you run into trouble. It saved my bacon more than once when I was a 20 y.o. Marine. The down side of course is that tracers foul and wear the barrel more quickly.

[Mike Cutler]

Nice work Bob, and a beautiful rifle.
I still think it's the best rifle we ever issued in mass. Too bad they can't reoutfit with more of them.

To keep the thread on tract though, I use an LN #9 for shooting board work. Just about any plane will work though. I just wanted the #9 for the "cool factor". I'm also been a big believer in "purpose specific tools".

[Mark Singer]

LN #9 it really works well

http://www.lie-nielsen.com/images/9_lg.jpg

http://www.lie-nielsen.com/images/9arm.jpg

http://www.lie-nielsen.com/images/9draw.gif

[Louis Rucci]

I plan on using this Miller Falls shooting board when I get my shop set up.

http://picasaweb.google.com/AspiringWoodworker/MillerFallsShootingBoard