What is a block planer used for?
A block plane is a small metal-bodied woodworking hand plane which typically has the blade bedded at a lower angle than other planes, with the bevel up. It is designed to cut end grain and do touchup or finish work. It is typically small enough to be used with one hand.
Why is a block plane called a block plane?
How it got its name. The block plane was first manufactured to meet the demand for a plane which could be easily held in one hand while planing across the grain, particularly the ends of wooden boards. This work is called ‘blocking in’ by some carpenters, hence the name block plane.
What is the advantage of block plane?
Pros of Block Planes Block planes are a useful tool for minor woodworking adjustments. You can use this handy tool to smooth away machine marks, create a silky smooth finish on wood, and true up and level a piece of wood or wood object.
What is the difference between a smoothing plane and a block plane?
The differences between the Bench Plane and Block plane is mainly where the direction the Bevel is Facing, having the Bench Plane’s bevel facing upward with a shallow angle, and the Block Plane with a bevel facing downwards and has a steep angle.
What angle is a block plane?
20°
The standard block plane has a bed angle of 20°, which together with the blade micro-bevel angle of 25°, results in an effective cutting angle of 45°.
Who invented the block plane?
Stanley
Leondard Bailey was a tool designer in the 19th century. Working on his own and later for Stanley Rule and Level Co. (now Stanley Black & Decker), designed Bailey, Victor, and Defiant bench planes, or tools used to smooth the surface of wood.
Are block planes bevel Up or down?
In a bench plane, it’s normally about 45°. Even so, a block plane’s cutting edge meets the wood at about the same angle as a bench plane’s. (See the Cutting Edges Comparison illustration below.) That’s because the bevel on the block plane’s iron faces up.
What do you look for in a block plane?
The most important features to look for in a good block plane include a flat sole, a reliable and easy-to-use depth-of-cut adjustment, and an adjustable throat. You’ll also want the tool to feel comfortable in your hand. Unlike most bench planes, the block plane blade is installed bevel up.
Why is a block plane not classified as a bench plane?
Bench planes have a blade angle of 45 degrees, while block planes have a much shallower blade angle, at 20 degrees or less. Many people believe this design makes these tools (block planes) ideal for trimming and shaving wooden pieces because their blades can gently remove material without gouging wood fibers.
What is a rasp plane used for?
The Faithfull Hand Rasp Plane is suitable for removing material from all types of wood, aluminium, plastics, fibreglass and laminates. It can also be used for plaster and filler removal. The lightweight and strong ABS plastic body is shaped like a plane to allow single or dual handed operation for fast stock removal.
How does a block plane work?
This is possible because a block plane has its blade set at a shallow bed angle, allowing the blade to slice through end grain more efficiently; furthermore, for this to work, the plane is frequently held at an angle sometimes as much as 45 degrees to the direction of travel, so that the cutting edge slices the wood fibers as they pass…
Is the block plane a toy?
The ubiquitous block plane is probably owned by more people than any other hand plane. Available in a variety of configurations (as shown above), it’s small, relatively inexpensive, and even kind of cute. But it’s definitely not a toy.
When was the first block plane made?
Historically, the term “block plane” was not used before it was applied to small metal-bodied planes, which were designed and produced beginning in the 1860s. A block plane is frequently used for paring end grain.
How long is a Stanley block plane?
No. 9-1/2 – 6 inches long and standard angle, this was Stanley’s most successful block plane. Featuring a hooded lever cap, lateral adjustment lever, iron depth adjustment, and an adjustable throat, this plane set the standard for the industry.