I'm looking to replace the blade and cap iron on my No 7 Stanley plane since both parts are in pretty rough condition. I was considering purchasing a blade from Lake Erie, but it seems like they don't offer chip breakers or cap irons. Would a Hock or Veritas cap iron be a good match? Any suggestions from those who have made similar replacements?
2 Answers
Have you thought about giving your original cap iron a go first? They’re made of relatively soft metal, so it’s pretty easy to fix up. Keep in mind that if it’s bent and ground down, like yours, it might not be salvageable.
I've tried using Hock cap irons, and honestly, they’re the best among modern options! They allow for more adjustment, which is key for a good fit. The Stanley chipbreaker is nicely shaped too, but the Hock gives you more control. If you're getting Lake Erie irons, just be sure to have diamond stones available for sharpening—you'll need them!
What do you like most about the Hock cap irons?
Yeah, I want to try but it's too damaged. My other plane doesn't have one at all.