Block Planing
About Block Planing
You obviously want a smooth finish when it comes to your DIY projects. This is particularly true if you’re working with wood materials. Fortunately, you have the handy little block planes for block planing in today’s world. It’s versatile enough to perform all kinds of shavings and cutting tasks. But remember, only a good quality block plane gives you the desired results. Here in this article, we give you an insight into a few trending types of block planes to purchase. Plus, we also offer some quick tips to help you buy the block plane online in UAE in a hassle-free manner.
The block plane, also known as the jack plane, is a simple tool that’s capable of turning any rough plank into a smooth, regular lumbar. It consists of parts that work together to provide you with an even cut you can use. Today, several people own this ubiquitous tool more than any other hand plane because they come in a variety of configurations. Besides, it’s small in structure, relatively inexpensive and even kind of cute. But it definitely isn’t a toy to play with. If properly set up and tuned, a good quality block plane can handle all sorts of shop chores and wood DIY projects. That said, let’s take a look at their types next.
The different types of block planes
Block planes, in general, come in two major types – standard and low- angled. Both use a blade that’s set at a 25-degree angle. However, the base of each model differs in a huge way. For instance, the standard block planing tool has a bed that rests at a 20-degree angle. The bed angle and the blade angle combine to create a total of the 45-degree angle where the blade meets the wood. This angle tends to be perfect for shaving off very thin pieces of wood. But, they do not remove a lot of wood. On the other hand, the best low angle block plane reduces the best angle to 12 degrees. It helps the blade to remove a much larger amount of wood materials. Below we’ve compiled a few trending types of block planing tools for you to invest in.
The best overall Stanley block plane
The model from Stanley is our pick for the best block plane out there. The manufacturers have cast the block and frog as one. This makes them both accurate and durable. Furthermore, you’ll see that the base of the product is a precision machine that offers a smooth and accurate planing surface. Apart from that, the heavier body of the product makes it easier and smoother to move it on the wood material. Moreover, the adjustable mouth lets you set the perfect blade sharpness for different types of wood. Typically, you’ll see a 3 mm thick blade fixed in a 6.5-inch entire unit.
The best value Japanese wood block plane
This extremely sharp and lightweight Japanese block planing tool is the best for the money you spend. With 5.5 inches in length and a little over 2 inches in width, this tool is one of the handiest among the others. While definitely feel that Senkichi is the best value for money model, there are two major problems with the tool. The first is that they’re little towards the smaller side and can become uncomfortable to hold. The second is that it requires some setup before you get it operating properly. That’s why it isn’t for a beginner but is ideal for an experienced planer.
The premium choice low angle block plane
The low angle block plane from WoodRiver is the best when it comes to premium models. Based on a classic design, the model comes with the bed at a 20-degree angle and the blade set at 25-degrees. The product also has a knuckle shaped cap, chrome-plated that looks sleek. This feature is not only attractive but also allows you to easily hold the plane while you’re working. Apart from this, the high carbon steel blade comes with an extremely sharp edge and allows you to make very thin shavings. The entire product is about 7.8 inches long and 3.4 inches wide. Therefore, it’s a perfect size for small and medium wood works.
The Sheffield 3-inch small hand plane
The block planing tool from Sheffield, with its handy structure, is one of the best small block plane available on the market today. It comes with a contoured body that’s easy to grip and comfortable to hold. Besides, their unique two-piece design adds strength to the tool. Apart from that, the large screws present on the product allows you to make adjustments to the model when needed and enables you to complete your project easily. Moreover, it’s only three inches long and you can fit the product in any toolbox easily.
Tips on how to buy Block Planing Tools
Now that you’ve gathered the required knowledge about the types, their uses, pros and cons, it’s time for some tips. It’s always important to know what to look for in a product before you buy them. To make things simpler for you, we’ve gathered those important factors and a few essential tips that you should keep in mind in order to get the best one.
- Know the purpose – While choosing your product, the first thing to do is to understand the purpose of the tool and your requirement. On what kind of wood are you planning to use these block planing tools? How long do you plan to use them? These are some of the essential questions that you should try answering yourself to pick the perfect block plane.
- Research a bit – Getting to know the product before you start your search online is mandatory. Try and understand the various aspects of the tool. Check out the various available brands and places from where you can get your ideal plane. In short, the more you know about your product, the better it is.
- Explore the types – With the use and advancement in technology, you can find several types of block planes with different configurations. It’s best to understand their specifications and characteristics given online. Also, a deep understanding of the product types and the available choices help you sort out the best ones from the lot.
- Evaluate the quality – The value for money is something worth looking for when buying your products online. You do not want to end up spending a fortune on something that wouldn’t stay with you for a long time. It’s important to invest in a good quality block planing tool to ensure the durability and longevity of the tool.
- Pick branded products – One of the best ways to make sure that you have the best quality block planing tool is to pick them from well-known brands. Check out the brands like Stanley, Dewalt, Craftsman, Tactix, Draper, Bosch, and Makita to buy premium quality jack planes online from various stores.
- Go for a convenient and comfortable model – Always look for models that are handy and comfortable to handle. The product you buy must be easy to use. Today you can find both large and small size models of a block plane. See which one suits you the best before you buy them. A firm gripping product is ideal in any type of planing process.
- Consider the price – The block planes have different configurations and that explains why you’ll find them at different price ranges. You’ll find both expensive and cheap block planes. Therefore, it’s best to set aside a budget for yourself before you start your search online. Also, you could get some block plane for sale online in UAE if you’re a serious economiser.
- Read reviews online – Many wood working enthusiasts take time to review the block planes that they buy online. It’s a great idea to take a look at these comments and feedback penned down by them online. Look at the positive and negative comments carefully before you make the decisions. These comments help you assess the performance of the product you intend to buy.
Having these tips at the back of your mind helps you pick out your ideal jack plane without any hassle. Nevertheless, it always comes down to your personal preference and choice. Some may like to handle bigger models while others prefer the small handy ones. Either way, you must make sure that you choose a model that suits your needs and requirements.
Question & Answer
What block plane should I buy?
This depends on the purpose and your personal choice. Once you decide your purpose, you can then decide on size, type, and budget. That’s where personal choices come into the picture. Ideally, you should get a block plane that’s of premium quality, one that’s adept and offers you optimum performance. Besides that, you should make sure that you get your hands on something that’s very easy to handle, convenient and comfortable to work with.
Can you use a block plane on MDF?
Yes, you can use block planing tools on MDF boards. However, the kind of block plane you use depends on the thickness and configuration of the MDF boards. A thick board might require you to use low-angle planes, as they help you perform both smoothening and shaving processes in an adept manner. Only the right block plane will give you the desired results. So, not every block plane on MDF boards is fitting to work. You need to look for compatibility before working. There may be less to more consequences, depending on the work performed.
How to sharpen a block plane?
Whether your block planing tool is just out of the box or has had a few miles on it, you need to know how to put a sharp edge on their blade to take your carpentry to the next level. So how do you do it? Well, it’s simple! You need to first disassemble the plane to separate the blade. Next, use a sharpening jig to get a precise bevel angle on the blade. Then, draw the jig and blade across progressively-finer-grit stones. This helps you put a mirror finish on edge. You can also watch some videos online to get more explanations. The steps will remain the same, but you can at least get the visuals.
Where to buy block plane online in UAE?
Today several online stores bring you a plethora of block plane options. You could also check out the unique and premium quality collection on Shops.ae, for a hassle-free shopping experience. Better yet, our product search engine allows you to compare the prices of various types of block planning tools from popular brands. What’s more, you can purchase them from your favourite online stores too. So, check out now, explore, compare, and buy the best.