"igor" wrote in message
...

Thanks. And, I s'pose I agree. But one initial bit of info I need(ed) is
why a low angle block plane versus a smoother versus a whatever? (For
that
matter, viaduct?) Many people post here asking, "What kind of X tool
should I buy?" w/o saying what they want to do. While my original post
included lots of requirements for a book/video, frankly I could start with
a good link to an article on planes -- types & functions. As you state, I
do expect that the real learnin' will start with tool in hand, as Onan
discovered. -- Igor

Well, just to get you excited, not the solution (pun intended) that you
seek, but good information.

http://www.amgron.clara.net/

Why a low-angle smoother? Because it works great on hard/soft/difficult
wood. Working some black ash with a lot of reversals today, and it's
working better than my favorite Stanley smoother. Using my LV Junior Jack
and the LN low angle afterward. On straighter grain, Stanley would do, but
I can work the low angle almost across the grain and get a shine. Also a
lot more hand room for the hand not otherwise occupied behind the LV design
smoother and LN low angle.