Official Luthiers Forum!

There are 2 low angle block planes sold by Lie. One is about $150 and is adjustable the other is about $75, non adjustable and somewhat smaller. Which should I purchase?
Thanks,

You mean the bronze and the steel models, right? I'd be interested in some feedback there too, since I'm considering one of the two (although the veritas apron plane is also in the running)

I have both...from my furniture making days...the adjustable one is the way to go...yes, they're expensive but L/N is the BEST plane out there and they are ready to go right out of the box...now, this my be a different thread, but is anyone using the IBEX finger planes? If so, what size, and for what purposes? I'd like to research before I purchase...Thanks, Larry.

_________________
http://www.presnallguitars.com

How does the Veritas compare? I've heard some good things about it also but haven't tried it.

_________________
Scott Thompson
Port Townsend,WA

"In a perfect world we'd all sing in tune
But this is reality so give me some room"
-Billy Bragg

I have the Veritas and like it very much.

Heck I have been refurbishing old planes and chisels for years and turning them into real high quality workers, just for me.

I should have gone into business selling those. Missed my calling I guess.

Larry,

I just got one of those Ibex planes today. Figured i'd order one for carving fan braces, since I needed to order some Sloane machines anyways.

Its a nice little plane. For something no bigger than a quarter it sure has some weight to it. So far it does a good job. It was about $35.00, and I'll only be using it for fan braces, but wha the heck... carving braces is one of my favorite things to do!

best wishes,
Joshua

_________________
Instagram: @jfrenchluthier
Web: https://www.jfrenchguitars.com/

I love my little ibex. I think it's the largest of the small ones, got it from StewMac. Carved an entire electric maple top with one. Once. Changed methods after that. It can do it, but it's a pain. They're an absolute joy to carve braces with, have a nice heft, rounded edges, well-made tools, and bronze just develops a lovely patina with a little use. Right now, it's probably one of the most beautiful tools I own, as well as being a great one.

I have the Lie Nielson low angle adjustable block plane and wouldn't trade it for anything else I've seen. It's a great plane, nice weight to it, flat and true, and it is ready to use right out of the box.

I also have 2 of the Ibex finger planes. One of the is pretty small and I think the other one is the same one that Mattia has. I love them both. I use them mainly for brace carving, but they are handy anytime you have something where you can't get a full size plane in there.

I still don't have a really acceptable method for sharpening those curved blades though.

_________________
Dave Rector
Rector Guitars

I don't have a lie neilsen plane, but I do have 2 of the ibex finger planes. I have the 25mm and the 30mm planes. I think the 25 is too small, it is a little bigger than the tip of my index finger. The 30mm and the 36mm would probably be your best bet for shaping braces. John Mayes also uses it for shaping his neck instead of a spoke shave. So many uses for these cute little planes. I have found the best deal on them at International Violin. The prices just went up by $5 in the last month. Here is the link:
Ibex Finger Planes
Tracy

Dave, you have to sharpen as though it's a carving gouge...takes practice, but the idea is to develop a consistent "rolling" motion of your wrist as you sweep the bevel over a stone...(I use a combo waterstone 4000/1000 grit)...check the bevel often to see where it's actually contacting the stone and adjust as needed...I polish the bevel on an old piece of leather (a tongue from a "topsider" loafer) charged with jeweler's rouge. You can't ruin anything this way, the stone and leather are pretty gentle...of course, if your bevel is beat up you need to start with something coarser and work thru the grits...

_________________
http://www.presnallguitars.com

I have both the LIe Nielsen planes mentioned here and they are great. May I suggest the rabbet plane they make. It is great for adjusting the neck angle on your tenon shoulders cause the blade goes all the way to the edge. It is the way to go!