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Looking to Give a Low Angle Plane as a Gift - Need Advice

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gregaz

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Sep 7, 2017
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Phoenix, AZ
I am going to Europe in a week to see the fam, and my father has hinted that he would like a low angle plane as a gift. He is a hobbyist building wooden boats.

Now, truthfully, he would be happy with a $15 Home Depot plane, but since I have the bug, I want to get him something that I would feel is special, and that would give him better performance.

I have been surfing eBay for options, but for the most part this is a dark forrest for me.

Below are some options I am looking at, would appreciate your thoughts, and perhaps even further suggestions.

Thank you!

Stanley seems to be the golden standard here. This is one of the less desirable models, but I assume the functionality is close to the more expensive ones. This one would need some love - which I don't know if I have the time to give it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Vi...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

I know Dunlap has it's small group of fans, and the near NOS aspect of this is very appealing. Functionality is key for him.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Du...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Same as above, but used and $10 cheaper.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Du...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

This appears to be brand new, and recent. BUT, Made in England, and probably made by Stanley?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
 
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JimH74

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Jun 26, 2015
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South Central Texas
There are many good older choices available, and if your father likes older planes and doesn't mind fettling them, you may do well on eBay.

If you want an older plane, in good shape, look at Woodnet.net in the Tool Swap and Sell, and contact "Admiral". He frequently sells older, good quality planes, at fair prices. Tell him what you're thinking, and he can give you some good advice.

If you want new, in my book, look for Lie Nielsen or Lee Valley's Veritas line.

I am not nearly as knowledgeable as many of the "Neanderthal woodworkers", but I think this is a fair overview. I personally have some older Stanleys, and some newer Veritas.

Regardless of which direction you go, most likely your father will be thrilled because his son thought to get him something special.

Have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Jim
 
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Firebrick43

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May 12, 2015
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West central Indiana
I have some Stanley's, never use them. In low angle block planes I use my lee valleys. They are a world apart on difference. Even after flattening the soles on the old planes(trust me, it won't be flat, you need to still get an aftermarket blade such as a hock and it will be alright but you have spent a **** load of time and it's adjustment mechanism isn't as nice as the veritas.
 
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jimreed2160

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Tallahassee FL
Depends on your price range. The best low angle blocks are Lie Nielsen and Lee Valley. But if you are willing to go spendy, look at the Lie Nielsen #140 and the Lie Nielsen #62. The #140 is a skew rabbet block plane with a fence. The #62 is a low angle jack plane. I use both and love them equally.
 
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BikerDad

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Utah
If you can find one, a Veritas NX-60. It is a BEAUTIFUL plane, and also a fantastic tool. There is a "lesser" version that works just as well, but isn't quite a purdy, the DX60. Otherwise, both the L-N 60 1/2 and the L-N Rabbet Block Plane qualify as special. If your father has big hands, the Veritas LA Block Plane is a good choice.

Other than the NX60, you can find the others new from their manufacturers, and in the case of L-N, a few retailers.

Full Disclosure: I have Lie-Nielsen 60 1/2, Rabbet Block Plane and the Veritas NX-60. Love and use them all.

 
OP
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gregaz

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Sep 7, 2017
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Location
Phoenix, AZ
exmaxima1 said:
A basic Stanley low angle block plane works fine for most DIY end grain tasks. The blade is not the best, but with the adjustable throat it's more than usable. And it's in your price range:
Click to expand...

Thanks - I looked at these on Amazon, and the Mexico made ones get really bad reviews. Price range isn't the biggest issue, but I do think that some of the high end stuff above is overkill - he just isn't the kind to appreciate something like that. His specific request was "If you find one of these at one of your garage sales - pick one up for me." The special part is that it comes from me, and that I put some thought and effort into it.

SO, at present I am looking at vintage Craftsman planes. They appear to be an amazing bang for the buck, because collectors don't want them, but in reality they were made by Stanley, Millers Falls and Sargent.

Specifically:

Sargent:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

Millers Falls:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-CR...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Stanley:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-CR...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Alternatively, Admiral from Woodnet.net recommended this one at Home Depot for $35 (I believe it's the same one that is linked on eBay above?)

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley...H=REC-_-rv_search_plp_rr-_-NA-_-203727261-_-N

What do you guys think?
 
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alinc100

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May 26, 2013
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Dearborn,MI
I would get the LN ,the Veritas planes at Lee Valley are nice as well, I don't own any of the Veritas planes,I am familiar with their store and other tools,great company.I do own several LN planes and love the 60 1/2 low angle. Also be sure Dad is equipped to keep it sharp otherwise they don't bring as much joy.
 
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derosa

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Oct 19, 2010
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Oceanside, NY
although I've held stanley 60s my go to is there 220, it has a good ease of adjustment and just does a beautiful job. The real upside is their average price, I payed less then a 100 for one that a gun engraver had done both sides of beautifully and 20.00 for the another. 20-40 is common. Someone else mentioned a 140 above, I have an original early version that belonged to my great grandfather who was a shipwright and it is an interesting design plane that is very useful for boat building. However a new one might cost less then a complete and fully functioning original. The
 
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bubinga

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Location
Bridgeport Ohio. (Across River From Wheeling WV)
Can't Go wrong, with an older Stanley, well tuned 60 1/2 IM0
I have several, love them all.
have a Hock Blade in one, Stays sharp longer.
Hock Blade wasn't working just right in my Plane, Ron Hock saw my thread on another group, wrote me, sent me a different Blade (I sent old one back of course)
and it worked out Purr-fect.
How's that for service.
Thanks Ron!
 
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Jim C.

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If you want to go old school, I’d look at a pre-1950 Stanley #60 or #65. If you want something more current I’d go with a Lie-Nielsen #60 1/2.

Jim C.
 
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