Block plane modification

[Tom Miller]

I bought this Stanley block plane from some hardware store (before there were HD's, but well after Stanley was making cr@p). Somehow (and I can't even remember the first motivation) it occurred to me that a bigger front knob would be helpful. It really does help, though, in that getting a good grasp here allows you to register the toe on the workpiece better when starting a stroke from off the workpiece.

Adjusting the blade was still a huge PIA, because when you loosen the clamp to adjust, everything gets too loose. So, when you tighten back down, it's a crapshoot whether you've adjusted to where you want. So, I put a big knob on the adjuster, too, and rather than loosening the clamp, I loosen the knob by hand, which is much more controllable, while adjusting the blade.




That was much better, but still not a home run, so I tried this modification:





I call this mod "finally buying a new block plane". The venerable Veritas Low Angle Block Plane. But, I had really become accustomed to the big front knob on the Stanley...so why not?





I had a really good feeling that the blade adjustment would be way better, based on my Veritas LA Jack, and it did not disappoint. The Stanley will still get used plenty, but mostly just for the dirty work.

Regards,
Tom

[AlanWS]

That second to last mod looks very effective.

[Hoover]

Good pick up on the Veritas. On the Stanley, you made some interesting mods. Sadly the newer Stanleys only make good paperweights.

[SARGE..g-47]

I still have and use a Stanley low angle and standard block plane and use the standard about every day. But.. I hold in it one hand and rest my palm on the lever cap with the knobs not being a factor really. I was thinking about a new block plane today and viewed the LV and Woodcraft Wood River.

I abandoning thinking about them when I saw the prices respectively. The old Stanley's work for me and I use them often. The LV and LN are very nice but I wouldn't pay the premium to get one as I personally can find no justification to do so.

I agree about setting the blade Tom as it is a PITA but... I suppose I have done it so many times I really seem to be on auto pilot. And BTW... I have gone to thicker blades on both the old Stanley's which did make a significant improvement.

[Pappy]

I'm still waiting on the new Stanley's to hit the market.

[drumpriest]

I have a Stanley block plane (contractor grade). Setting the iron is a HUGE PAIN!!! But once set it works really well. I keep meaning to get a couple of new planes, but they $$$ is hard to justify.

[Tom Miller]

That second to last mod looks very effective.

I do some of my best work with a credit card.

I'm still waiting on the new Stanley's to hit the market.

I considered waiting until I had a chance to see the new Stanley Block, but I'd still be waiting. And this was more of a sure thing. I knew there'd only be a few $$ to regret, and that usually goes away the fastest.

...Setting the iron is a HUGE PAIN!!! But once set it works really well.

That's my experience, too, but I'm always wanting to change from thin to thick shavings and back with my block plane (thick for chamfering, etc., thin for taking full shavings, etc.).

Regards,
Tom