I've been using my No. 5 Type 20 plane for about two years, and after restoring it from a rusty state, I've hit a tough spot with a pitted blade that's turning my shavings into ribbons. It's been a great learning journey for me in terms of setup, achieving shavings, and sharpenings. Now, I'm considering my options moving forward:
1. Stick with the current blade as is; might clean up some with my No. 4 (cost: $0).
2. Upgrade to a Lake Erie blade, though it could mean mouth filing (cost: $100).
3. Find a better-condition early type plane with a decent blade (around $60).
4. Go all out and get a LN No. 5 1/2 (cost: $450).
My main concern is, since I've only used my newer No. 4, I'm not sure if upgrading the blade or even going for a LN would make a significant difference. I'd love to hear thoughts from anyone with more experience!
6 Answers
Why not hit up a local tool swap or look for a new blade on auction sites? You might score one for about $10, or check out Hock blades if you're in the mood for a slight upgrade.
I recently switched my type 20 No. 5 with a new Stanley blade from Klingspors for about $20, and it's working great! My old blade had a twist I couldn't fix, and honestly, I don't think I'd notice the difference if I went for a $100 blade instead. I’d prioritize upgrading the whole plane if it were me.
I'd recommend grabbing a stock Stanley replacement blade; they're surprisingly good quality and won't break the bank. Save your money for an upgrade later on! You can find them at places like Home Depot for around $20.
Totally agree! I’ve got a new Stanley iron in my own plane, and it performs just fine. Plus, if you want to splurge later, Veritas PMV-11 irons are great too.
Lake Erie blades are solid but can be tricky to sharpen; you'll need high-grit diamond abrasives. Personally, I recommend the Hock O1 blades for great edge retention and ease of sharpening! They’re also priced reasonably compared to premium options. Hock chipbreakers are worth considering if you need one too, but Stanley's are just as good and won’t cost you more.
Have you thought about buying an old used blade in better condition? They’re super cheap on eBay. You can also check out tooltrader.net; it’s a good alternative if you’re not into eBay.
Honestly, just get a replacement iron instead of splurging on fancy blades. They’re usually good enough for everyday use without the hefty price tag!
I had no idea that was a possibility! I'll definitely look into that option. I remember checking out your jack and smoother deal a few months back!