|
|
Planes
Nov 15, 2009 10:45:30 GMT -6
Post by runningmike on Nov 15, 2009 10:45:30 GMT -6
I have a question about the difference between a rabbet plane and a shoulder plane. I know I need a plane to fit tenons, clean up rabbets and the like. What is the difference?
If I were to buy one plane to get started, what would you suggest?
|
|
|
|
Planes
Nov 15, 2009 10:58:17 GMT -6
Post by TDHofstetter on Nov 15, 2009 10:58:17 GMT -6
The difference is... a rabbet plane is designed to cut long grain while an shoulder plane is designed to cut end grain - two totally opposite modes of cutting. A rabbet plane's iron usually stands at a much higher angle than that of a shoulder plane.
I'm positive that a shoulder plane will do a rabbet plane's job better than a rabbet plane will do a shoulder plane's job, so my recommendation (if you're going to buy only one) would be for a shoulder plane.
|
|
|
|
Planes
Nov 15, 2009 14:07:46 GMT -6
Post by runningmike on Nov 15, 2009 14:07:46 GMT -6
Thanks! I can only afford one thing at a time right now and I'm trying to fill in the handtools I need first.
|
|
sawduster
Moderator 
The Motley Crew
Posts: 1,831
|
Planes
Nov 15, 2009 15:13:47 GMT -6
Post by sawduster on Nov 15, 2009 15:13:47 GMT -6
Technically speaking, you would want to use a rabbet plane for the faces a tenon, and use the shoulder plane for the shoulders of the tenon. But, like Timmer said, if you can have only one, then go with the shoulder plane. Easier to cut long grain with a lower angle than it is to cut end grain with a higher one.
|
|
lexrex
Forum Management 
Posts: 822
|
Planes
Nov 16, 2009 8:36:18 GMT -6
Post by lexrex on Nov 16, 2009 8:36:18 GMT -6
I agree. I have cut tenon cheeks with a shoulder plane before, it works well enough that you don't really need both to start. Nice to have? Absolutely, but there is no reason you can't acquire them separately.
|
|
tw
WoW Member
Posts: 126
|
Planes
Nov 20, 2009 1:01:07 GMT -6
Post by tw on Nov 20, 2009 1:01:07 GMT -6
I would definitely buy a rebate (rabbet) plane first. It is used for cutting rebates along the grain as well so it is more versatile.
Actually I do still not own a shoulder plane. I trim tenon shoulders with a sharp chisel.
|
|
lexrex
Forum Management
Posts: 822
|
Planes
Nov 20, 2009 11:58:13 GMT -6
Post by lexrex on Nov 20, 2009 11:58:13 GMT -6
I would definitely buy a rebate (rabbet) plane first. It is used for cutting rebates along the grain as well so it is more versatile. Actually I do still not own a shoulder plane. I trim tenon shoulders with a sharp chisel. I have also done this. By no means is a plane required to trim cheeks/shoulders. It's just a bit faster if you are set up correctly. |
|
