Edge jointing long boards

[Karl]

Hi All

I am new to the forum - but have much enjoyed sifting through the considerable mass of historical posts.

I have a question for the wise - I am in the position of being able to purchase a new plane - and want to make it a gud 'un! However, it must be able to perform more than one task - i.e. be able to joint long(ish) boards (say upto 6 feet), be used for surfacing, and be used on a shooting board. I have read on Terry Gordon's website that his trying plane (18" - same as a No 6) can be used with the aid of a shooting board to plane edges upto 6 feet. Anything longer than this, and a jointer plane is required.

I am tempted by either a LN or Clifton No6 - I know it's not a popular choice, but as none of my work involves stock preparation over 6 feet, it may be suitable. I am sure many of you will suggest a No7 instead but, if it doesn't do anything any better than a No6, is it worth paying the extra for?

I await your responses with great anticipation/trepidation!

Cheers

Karl

 

[newt]

Welcome, I have tried a Clifton no 6 and for me it seemed perfect for balance and weight. I will purchase one when I have had the OP on my back. I expect Paul will be along in a moment, he has the whole Clifton range.

 

[bugbear]

Hi All

I am new to the forum - but have much enjoyed sifting through the considerable mass of historical posts.

I have a question for the wise - I am in the position of being able to purchase a new plane - and want to make it a gud 'un! However, it must be able to perform more than one task - i.e. be able to joint long(ish) boards (say upto 6 feet), be used for surfacing, and be used on a shooting board. I have read on Terry Gordon's website that his trying plane (18" - same as a No 6) can be used with the aid of a shooting board to plane edges upto 6 feet. Anything longer than this, and a jointer plane is required.

I am tempted by either a LN or Clifton No6 - I know it's not a popular choice, but as none of my work involves stock preparation over 6 feet, it may be suitable. I am sure many of you will suggest a No7 instead but, if it doesn't do anything any better than a No6, is it worth paying the extra for?

I await your responses with great anticipation/trepidation!

Cheers

Karl

I think (too lazy too look) that the LN and Veritas low angle jointing planes are in the same ball park for cost as the "Bedrock" #6. These would be reasonable options for the tasks you describe.

BugBear

 

[Waka]

karlley

Welcome to the forum.

Can I suggest that you take a look at the LV low angle bevel up jointer, it will ceetainly do all the tasks that you have mentioned, also with the extra blades it will tackle just about any wood.

I this sinot to your liking then the LN 5 1/2 or LV low angle jack will also suit your requirements.

Let us know what you choose in the end.

 

[engineer one]

i would guess personally the major problem would actually be whether you have actually planed lumps 6 feet long before. i can at this time do about 3-4 feet, but a 6 foot length, means at least two foot movements i would think.

i have an LV no 6 and it is nice, and probably not much different in price from a clifton. to me though the lv adjustments are somewhat better and easier to use. in particular on my clifton no 51/2 i find the adjustments around the back of the frog more difficult. but it is a decent plane and does what it says on the tin.

what else do you intend to do ? and how are you going to hold the piece flat and level.

if all you will use the plane for is edge planing these long bits, then maybe a 7 is a better bet, but if you want it to be more flexible, then go for the 6 whose feel and shape you prefer,but try both the LV and LN too.

i also agree with bugbear that the bu planes also are useful and valuable, i really like the LN 62.

paul :wink:

 

[Newbie_Neil]

Hi Karl

Welcome to the forum.

Cheers,
Neil

 

[Karl]

I have built a jig similair to that offered by Michael Connor of in Australia - his is used by Terry Gordon for edge jointing of boards. Very simple really - a piece of conti-board for the plane to ride on (on it's side obviously), another piece for the piece which is to planed to sit on, and a final piece on top with a couple of holdfasts to hold the workpiece down. Not sure how I attach a picture to this otherwise I could show you........

Anyway, this jig works fine with my No 5, but a No 5 isn't long enough for the jointing of longer boards. So I was planning on going bigger. A No 7 would seem to be the obvious answer, but as the plane will also need to be used for smoothing and general work (at least until such time as funds permit further planes) I was a bit concerned about the weight and comfort issue. Which led me to thinking about a No 6 instead.

Also, the LV BU Jointer won't work with my jig - the plane must be flat sided. Obviously there is the LN BU Jointer to consider - which I most certainly will !

BTW - my wife has just informed me that I have an LN surprise on the way for my b'day in a couple of days.........oh, the suspense!

Anyway, I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

[Paul Chapman]

I expect Paul will be along in a moment, he has the whole Clifton range.

Well, not exactly the whole range, only four. I have the #6 and #7. They are both excellent on the shooting board and both very nice, well balanced planes for normal use. If you are going to joint long boards, then I would say go for the #7. Despite it's length, it is also very nice to use on smaller work.

As always, I would say try before you buy. A lot comes down to personal preference and what I like might not be what you like. But others have tried ny #6 and #7 Cliftons and also like them both.

Cheers :wink:

Paul