On Tue, 26 Oct 2004 19:13:10 -0400, "Jacobe Hazzard"
wrote:

wrote:
Is there any reason why a block plane with a 12 degree blade angle is
unsuitable for planing a face or edge?


block planes are fine for that application.

So you don't agree that a lower blade angle is less ideal for face grain?


there are better tools for that, but often for a quick lick a block
plane is fine. better for edges than faces, for sure, but if what you
need is to work a lump off of a face before running through the
thickness sander or as prep for paint you can open the throat and use
it as a scrub. a dedicated scrub plane will work better, sure, but if
what you have is a block, use it.

the block plane is _versatile_. it should probably be the first plane
you buy for that reason. soon after though you should probably be
shopping for a smoother, a jointer and a card scraper.

bottom line is get your block plane nice and sharp and tuned up and
see how far you can take it. it's fun....