2 1/4" plane irons

[wachenga]

Hi all,

I've been browsing the forum for a while now, gleaning useful snippets here and there and seeing how you're such a knowledgable bunch thought it time I asked a question.

I have a 'new' Stanley 5 & 1/2, well it's new to me, but it's an old low knob version that's in need of a clean up and a new 2 1/4" blade. I'd like a nice one, e.g. Hock A2 but don't think they make a 2 1/4" blade. So what are the alternatives?

Oh, a little bit about me, I'm on the home stretch of my city and guilds 6955 handcrafted cabinet making course (level 2). Just had a load of lovely looking planks of unsteamed beech delivered to my college so I can start my final project, a workbench, erm not to sure where I'll put it once it's built though....

Thanks
Liam

 

[Frank D.]

Hi Liam,
Welcome to the forum!
Just a question: are you sure you need a 2 1/4" blade? If I'm not mistaken (I have been known for the odd mistake :wink a 5 1/2 takes a 2 3/8" blade. Lie-Nielsen blades are my favourites, but I haven't tried the Hock A2 blades.
Frank

 

[Alf]

Welcome to the forum, Liam.

I have a 'new' Stanley 5 & 1/2, well it's new to me, but it's an old low knob version that's in need of a clean up and a new 2 1/4" blade. I'd like a nice one, e.g. Hock A2 but don't think they make a 2 1/4" blade. So what are the alternatives?

Hock make's a carbon steel one though, and very nice it is too. I have one in my low knob #5 1/2 which I got via Mike Hancock at Classic Handtools. Might be cheaper to go direct though... The only alternative I can think of, apart from grinding down a 2 3/8" iron, would be to see if Ray Iles would make one. Or maybe Karl Holtey...? :wink:

Frank, the pre-1939 #5 1/2s had 2 1/4" irons. Makes for a slightly better proportioned plane in some people's opinion.

Cheers, Alf

 

[Chris Knight]

I prefer the Hock high carbon steel to the A2 steel I have in my LNs. It seems to take a better edge and is easier to sharpen. I haven't really noticed any great difference in edge holding longevity either

 

[Ian Dalziel]

Hi Liam,
you can get 2 1/4" irons here
http://www.spehar-toolworks.com/blades.html#

also he does cracking cap irons as well..

his delivery times are about a week

welcome to the forum

Ian

 

[Philly]

Not forgetting Vlad's great handsaws!!!! :wink:
Cheers
Philly

 

[Alf]

Hi Liam,
you can get 2 1/4" irons here
http://www.spehar-toolworks.com/blades.html#

D'oh! #-o Knew I'd overlooked at least one source. Thanks, Ian. Although, like Chris, personally I prefer carbon steel to A2 so at least I don't have to sit here kicking myself for getting the Hock. :roll:

Cheers, Alf

 

[wachenga]

Hi all, thanks for the help. I like the look of the Spehar Toolworks blade, the cap iron looks like a cracker too.

Cheers
Liam

 

[Anonymous]

Hello all --

I'm new to this forum, having expanded my horizons from the WoodCentral handtool board. Looks like you folks have some interesting discussions.

Re: irons for older 2.25" 5.5s -- I was recently in a similar situation with a KeenKutter K5.5 that I acquired with a 2" substitute iron and a badly deformed cap iron. As others have noted, Ron Hock stocks 2.25" carbon steel irons. What is not listed on his website, but is also available by special request, is a 2.25" Hock cap iron. You buy a 2-3/8" cap, and pay an extra $5 USD for them to grind it down to 2.25". Looks and works great, and was compatible with the existing screw. Just send an e-mail (to hock tools) to make a special request.

No affiliations just a satisfied customer,

Dave

 

[Alf]

Useful tip on the cap iron; thanks, Dave, and welcome to the forum.

Cheers, Alf

 

[Chris Knight]

Dave,
Welcome. It's nice to see folk coming this way as well!

 

[Newbie_Neil]

Hi Dave

Welcome to the forum.

Cheers
Neil

 

[Philly]

Dave
Welcome to the forum-Cheers for the advice!
Philly

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Dave and Liam. Welcome