On Thu, 23 Nov 2017 02:10:24 -0800 (PST), whit3rd
wrote:

On Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at 11:45:10 PM UTC-8, OFWW wrote:
I was just going through a few of my hand planes ...
I tested a few and was amazed at how smooth the wood was after it was
planed. Especially on 3/4" edges. I don't remember sanding getting
them that smooth.

My question is, when using my router to do the same thing I don't ever
remember the shapes being that smooth, so do the hand planes cut the
shapes as smooth as a flat plane does?

Routers (especially with carbide bits) have a less acute cutting edge than
the iron (steel, actually) of a plane. Yes, the cut of a plane is smoother,
but it also depends more critically on the wood grain and toughness.

Some edge ornamentation uses high-angle planes which are less sensitive
to grain. The most extreme are called 'scratch planes' because the edges are
as blunt as a carbide router bit.

Scratch planes, a new one on me, found this,
http://www.finewoodworking.com/2008/...-scratch-stock

Now I understand. Also very interesting. A good use for old saws.
It'll now be stuck in my mind, nice way of making a bead for cabinet
doors and stuff.

What you mentioned about grain patterns having a lot to do with what
happens when using a router and from what little I've read the Carbide
is less smooth /sharp then a high speed carbon steel bit. That the
steel bit just doesn't last as long before requiring service. But I
don't know that for a fact.