The Best Low Angle Block Planes to Create Clean Slices

Best Block Planes Buying Guide

Tools are made to make life easier; the same can be said of block planes. These mini planes may not be able to match other types of planes in size and output. However, none of the big planes offers the unique use that block planes offer. Therefore, the place a low angle plane occupies in a cabinet maker’s toolbox is reserved and unassailable. Having read through our review of the planes, you may still have niggling doubts about the best low angle block plane for you. This buying guide provides detailed information on block planes. It discusses the various things to look out for and the factors to prioritize when making a choice of the best low angle block plane to buy. Though these hand tools may be a bit more tedious to use than power tools, they make a world of a difference in terms of precision and quality.

What Makes Block Planes Different?

The fact that there are many types of hand planes is undoubted. You may wonder what makes the low angle block plane different. Below are some distinguishing characteristics of woodworking planes.

One-handed use

The most visible difference between low angle block planes and other hand plane types is their compact size. The compact size makes it easy to use them with only one hand instead of the two-handed operation of other bigger types of planes.

Lower blade angle

Unlike other types of planes, the blade of a block plane is usually placed at a low angle compared to the regular plane. This low positioning makes it possible to use woodworking planes to cut end grain.

Flat sole

Another characteristic of the low angle block plane is the flatness of its sole. This is in contrast to the partially curved sole found in other planes. Note that a flat sole is not an exclusive characteristic of block planes. There are a few other planes that have flat soles.

What Are the Types of Block Planes?

It is a given that block planes typically have lower blade angles and the blade is fixed bevel up. Block planes are then distinguished based on the bed angle. Therefore, block planes are basically of two types. The standard angle block plane and the low angle plane.

Standard angle block plane

In this type of block plane, the bedding angle is 200; this makes it possible to have a 450 cutting angle with a blade angle of 250. Standard angle hand planes are ideal for working on long-grain woods.

Low angle block plane

With this type of block plane, the bedding angle is lower than the standard angle at 120. Thus, you have a cutting angle of 370 when coupled with a standard blade angle of 250. This low angle is suitable for slicing end grain.

Also, the miniaturized version of the standard angle block plane is often touted as the third type of block plane. However, it is better considered as a variant of the standard angle block plane and not a distinct type on its own.

For a more in-depth look at the various woodworking planes, watch this video from Jonathan Katz-Moses:

What Are the Things To Consider Before Buying Block Planes?

There are different models of planes available to buyers. Making a sound buying decision may be an arduous task with the options available. The following factors are considered most important when choosing a low angle block plane:

Brand

The first factor to consider is the brand that made the low angle block plane. Over the years, certain brands have built an excellent reputation for their hand planes and have become household names in the industry.

Adjustability

A low angle block plane with an adjustable mouth gives the user the freedom to play around with the tool’s configuration to get your desired trim or cut. An unadjustable mouth means you are stuck with the default configuration. This effectively eliminates flexibility.

Type of material

When it comes to the type of material, our aim is to acquire a low angle block plane that boasts a high level of durability. The type of material used to make the plane’s body, the blades, the chip breaker, and the nuts are of importance. For example, a blade made of high-carbon steel is stronger and potentially more durable than a blade made of ordinary steel. The anti-rust property of the plane’s nut should also be considered.

Ease of assembly

Assembling a low angle block plane would normally not be a problem for a master carpenter or furniture maker. However, there are certain types of block planes that can be assembled faster than the average block plane. This may prove useful when time is of the essence.

What To Do After Getting a Block Plane

A newly acquired low angle block plane often comes with a relatively sharp blade. However, you may want to assess the sharpness before putting it to full use. It is not advisable that you test the sharpness of the cutting edge with your fingers to avoid injuries. You should get a piece of paper to assess the sharpness. A sharp edge will make a clean cut through the paper, while a blunt blade will crumple the paper. Once the sharpness is confirmed, you can then proceed to put it to full use.

How Much Do Block Planes Cost?

The price of hand planes ranges from $11 to as high as $300. The type of materials used to make the low angle plane affects the price. The size also influences the price. A balance can be struck between cost and efficiency with planes within the $30 and $150 price range.