Stanley Sweetheart Planes

[Bryan S]

The misses has asked what I wanted for Fathers day/post birthday, and with the Greensboro Woodcrafts 15% bag sale tomorrow, why not pick up a block plane. Being that I do not have a block plane, or any other plane that is currently, in usable condition I was thinking about the Stanley Sweetheart. I have no idea if it is of the caliber of a Lie-Nielsen but it should be more than good enough for me.

I do not remember seeing any discussion about this line here, is there any reason I should not? Now what about standard-vs low angle. I am going to guess for a first plane it should be standard angle. There have been several times I could have used one and ended up having to sand and sweat heavily.

 

[tjgreen]

Haven't tried one of the newer SWs so can't comment. As far as which to get, if you only own one, I'd go low-angle 60 1/2 since it's more versatile - it'll still work with and across the grain, but a lot better on end grain.

 

[froglips]

I've not used the new Stanleys, but have taken them apart and studied them at length (I'm just nosey!)

Are they good, I think so. The solid frog is very nice. But, I don't think they are a good value.

At the $100 cost of the Stanley, you could go with this wonderful low angle Lie-Nielsen: http://www.lie-nielsen.com/catalog.php?grp=1221

Either case, I suggest the low angle. You can easily change the bevel on a block plane, so its possible to make a low angle work like a standard angle, but not the other way.

I think you'd find that for the money, one of the Groz planes from Woodcraft would be fine.

Unless you look at Lie-Nielsen or Lee Valley, there will be a degree of tune up required. I'd opt to buy the cheaper plane and spend time tuning it up, rather than the Stanley (which likely still requires tuning).

Jim

 

[jlimey]

I third the low-angle as the one to get. Personally, I think the low-angle adjustable mouth L-N is the best blcok plane around, but it is $165. I haven't used the new SW Stanley. If $100 is your price point, I agree with Froglips - or perhaps this baby. The knuckle cap planes are very nice in your hand.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Excellent-Stanl...=160441863641&ps=63&clkid=7723046557563598159

 

[eyekode]

I agree. I really like the feel of the knuckle cap planes. The blades aren't really up to snuff and I am not sure if you can get a Hock replacement for this plane but I use one quite often. It is my "beater" block plane. I also have a woodriver block plane. Ick, it feels awful in comparison. It is too heavy and the iron isn't even as wide. It also doesn't have lateral adjustment which is a pain. But when properly tuned both of these work great.

 

[Bill Clemmons]

Ditto what everyone else has said about a low angle block plane. There are only a few tools in my shop that I categorize as "sweet": the low angle block plane is one of them, along w/ an old wooden spokeshave. Just an absolute pleasure to use. :eusa_danc

Bill