Thread: THe Blum Smoother and Fore Plane - Reviewed

Interesting review of an intriguing plane ... thanks, Derek.

Great review Derek.

One question I had is that the blade obviously is relatively small compared to standard plane blades. I would imagine you would have to replace them rather more frequently, so I checked the website and $6 on the Blum website won't break the bank.

Cheers,

Tom

Hi Tom

Even though small, the steel is tough A2 and holds an edge very well.

I have 4 blades for each plane. It is very handy as they swap over quite quickly. As you say, they are cheap.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Derek

another valuable addition to the pool of tool information you maintain

I'm waiting (but not holding my breath) for your block plane review



ian

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Even though small, the steel is tough A2 and holds an edge very well.

I have 4 blades for each plane. It is very handy as they swap over quite quickly.

Derek

I doubt that you've sharpened the blades enough to result in a noticable difference in blade among your 4 blades
but if there were, how easy do you think it would be to swap in a fresh blade and continue on, or would you need to reset the mouth opening?

in respect to honing the blades, people might like to consider these small ceramic stones from Lee Valley (800 and 8000 grit) http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...28&cat=1,43072


ian

Hi Ian

Swapping blades does not alter the size of the mouth. This remains as it was before.

I have not tried the ceremic stones, but the word on the forums is ..
(1) They are slow to cut. Very slow.
(2) Few of the ceremaic plates are flat enough for plane and chisel blades.
(3) As a result, they seem to be better suited to carvers.
(4) If you desire a hard stone, try an oil stone.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Hi Derek,

As others have said, another fine review.

I suggest that Gary's bravery in asking you to review his planes is matched by yours in accepting to do so. A great deal of effort and time has gone into such a comprehensive task.

So well done and thanks for rest of us that just love reading tool reviews.

Cheers
Pops

Hi Derek

I keep the pair I mentioned in the kitchen as knife sharpeners — a task they seem to excell at

I've also used the 8000 to touch up the edge of plane and chisel blades but I agree they are too small for "normal" use. However, their short length might be just the thing for use with the Blum jig.

I've also got a white Spyderco (sp?) stone (described as ultra fine) that as far as I can tell is as flat as or flatter than a diamond plate.

so for me some ceramics are acceptably flat, but the fine stones do cut v-e-r-y slowly


how's the office construction progressing?



ian