My one current block plane is a Lie Nielsen 102 - the small one with the fixed mouth. I like it but the mouth is very tight. I’ve been wondering for a while whether getting an adjustable mouth one would be useful enough for me.
thoughts?
[OP]
Contributor
My one current block plane is a Lie Nielsen 102 - the small one with the fixed mouth. I like it but the mouth is very tight. I’ve been wondering for a while whether getting an adjustable mouth one would be useful enough for me.
thoughts?
Contributor
I've got the same plane and same concerns with it Tony. I find that if I keep the 102 very sharp, the fixed mouth works well enough to justify keeping it. (I really love its size.) But I keep eyeballing an LV DX60 adjustable block....
Should be interesting to hear others' experiences here.
Last edited by Frederick Skelly; 04-14-2018 at 8:35 PM.
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”
Contributor
For me the adjustable mouth works best when rounding over edges or faring curves.
My adjustable mouth planes are all #60 or #65 type planes.
My Stanley #102 doesn't get a whole lot of work.
jtk
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
- Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
Contributor
I have the 102, 103 and the Veritas planes. I use the 102 / 103 most often, but the larger adjustable mouth planes have their place too. I definitely like having both kinds. In fact, I am guilty of having too many block planes.
Member
In fact, I am guilty of having too many block planes
Oh my..You can have too many?
Member
I have the 102 from LN to the DX60....... and others.
I use the 102 for trimming cuts as it excels at it and it's small body. I would suggest another low angle block plane as it is more useful for smaller stock. I would recommend the LV low angle block plane
partly due to the tooth blade and the accessories that comes with it.
That said. My primary plane is now a Luban Low Angle block plane. The quality is very close to a LV.
For the Luban the body is made of CR40 which is more resistant to rust. And Malaysia is more humid.
I also own the DX 60 plane. But it is more of a show piece nowadays. Does it do better than the other block planes? Ergonomically yes. But the cuts are still the same.
One can collect too many planes. Just aim what u need it for. From low angle to std angle and etc.
Last edited by john zulu; 04-15-2018 at 11:28 AM.
Contributor
I have several block planes as well. My last purchase was a Veritas L.A. block plane, which I purchased with the chamfer guide - this plane is now a dedicated chamfer shooter. My main block plane is a LN Rabbet Block Plane - which is a fantastic tool for trimming work. It can get right up into the nooks and crannies of edges. I still lust after the LN Skew Block Plane (which is based on the Stanley 140) - it looks to be a real workhorse with the bronze body...
So many planes, so little time...
TedP
Contributor
I have that one and like it too Ted. (Not everyone does, but it works well for what I do.Originally Posted by Ted Phillips
)
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”
Member
I was at a dilema deciding what block plane model to go... I went to Lie Nilsen 60 1/2 after to consider all variables that occurred me. I am plenty satisfied. Really.
I do not have experiences with other LN block plane models as my other block plane is a Stanley USD 10 model... BTW after appropriately sharp the blade, it is not so bad!
All the best.
Contributor
For those interested, I wrote a comparison of these planes as part of a review of the Veritas NX/DX60 ..
http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolRev...lockPlane.html
I like the LN 60 1/2 in the hand. Very comfortable. However, it is not easy to adjust the blade, which one becomes aware of after using a NX/DX, which are superior for their ergonomics and blades. I also like the LN #103, and like its larger sibling, I've had these block planes since forever. The #103 comes with a large mouth, and I closed this up with brass shim stock.
Tony, if you find the mouth on the #102 too tight, you can file it open a snitch. Lay blade tape across the mouth where you do not wish to file, and file to the edge of the tape.
All these block planes are wonderful users. It is possible to point out preferences, but drawing distinctions between them is analytical rather than practical. I'd be happy to use any one, and have it as the only one.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Contributor
Too many block planes??? Nah...just got a second low angle one the other day..all cleaned up and sharpened, now..
side view.jpgtop view.jpg
Second one? Well..
two planes.jpg
Here is the first one...along with it's original box.
twin sides.jpgtwins.jpg
Goes with the 8 other block planes I have...
Member
I agree with Derek, I have filed the blade slots in hand planes when required. I wasn't smart enough to use tape to mark the new slot,
but I will next time.
Contributor
I wish my LN #102 had a tighter mouth. I was surprised how open it was when I got it, so much so that I called LN and asked them about it. That said, it works very well for what I use it for (mostly trimming, chamfering, etc.) It still peels up a very fine shaving. My other three blocks (LN #60 1/2, Stanley #18, Stanley #65) are all adjustable mouth.
Sharp solves all manner of problems.
Contributor
Rob, I used brass shim stock on my #103. Add layers until you get the mouth size you want. A little epoxy to hold in place ...
Regards from Perth
Derek
Member
Why are there pencil marks at the sole? Some new technique?Rob, I used brass shim stock on my #103. Add layers until you get the mouth size you want. A little epoxy to hold in place ...
Regards from Perth
Derek
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