Block plane vs block plane


questionmarke

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So I have a low-angle block plane now. A refurbished and tuned 1930's Stanley. I understand the low angle block plane cuts end grain better than a standard angle block plane. Does the same apply to face grain or, perhaps, to differing varieties of woods? For instance, would I benefit from having a standard angle block plane, as well, for certain situations, or can the low angle plane do everything the standard angle plane can do?

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A higher angle is better on faces. Low angles can cause tearout, and will do so on interlocked grain, and even on some straight grained wood that has a few reversals..

A low cutting angle (37 degrees) is better only on end grain where a shear cut leaves a smoother finish.

A common angle (45 degrees) on a block plane is a better allrounder set up than a low angle. The low angle block plane (12 degree bed), however, can do it all (low and higher angles), while a standard angle blockplane (20 degree bed) can only go from a common angle up.

Regards from Perth

Derek

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So I have a low-angle block plane now. A refurbished and tuned 1930's Stanley. I understand the low angle block plane cuts end grain better than a standard angle block plane. Does the same apply to face grain or, perhaps, to differing varieties of woods? For instance, would I benefit from having a standard angle block plane, as well, for certain situations, or can the low angle plane do everything the standard angle plane can do?

Here’s a brief one paragraph article with a drawing, that may answer part of your question.

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