Thread: Stanley block plane: what do the numbers means ?!

Try Patrick's blood and gore. Go to the bottom of the page to select different plane numbers.
http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan0a.html
Regards John.

#60 1/2 has a 12 degree bed.
#9 1/2 has a 20 degree bed.

The lower bed is better when planing end grain. The higher bed is better for chamfering or planing straight grained wood.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by ebichu

......But there seems to be a number like 60.1/2 or 9.1/2. What do these numbers mean ??

Only the people who coined them know!

As suggested, look up the number on the Blood & Gore site. That will give you all the vital statistics like bed angle, and also the length & width of the different models (& there are dozens!). Apart from the effect of bed angle Derek mentioned, you might like to think about size. These planes are often used one-handed, so if you happen to have a smaller hand, you may find narrower models like the 60.5 suit you, or conversely, if you have a big fist, you may like the larger (wider) sizes.......

Cheers,

Originally Posted by derekcohen

#60 1/2 has a 12 degree bed.
#9 1/2 has a 20 degree bed.

The lower bed is better when planing end grain. The higher bed is better for chamfering or planing straight grained wood.

And if you still can't decide... go for the 12° bed No.60½ and get two irons. The first iron can do the low angle end-grain work. The second iron can be honed to a higher angle and therefore be perfect for the straight grained work.

The only problem is: changing irons in the middle of a job can be a PITA, but it's a hellava lot cheaper than buying two block planes.

HTH.

Cheers, Vann.

There is also Hans Brunner's excellent Australian reference site:
http://www.hansbrunnertools.com/Stan...mbers/Tips.htm

Wow... thanks for the reply guys.
I've been researching for a few days but couldn't find the answer... posted a thread here for a day... got all my answers.

Once again, thank you

Does anyone know for a specialist woodwork store around Sydney where I can come in and have a look at the products ?
As suppose to buying online ?

Thanks...

Originally Posted by ebichu

Does anyone know for a specialist woodwork store around Sydney where I can come in and have a look at the products ?

Carbatec have a Sydney branch, at 113 Station Rd, Auburn (wherever that is...). There are probably one or two other retailers in a big smoke like Sydney.

Cheers, Vann.