As I slowly get into hand tools I am thinking of picking up a rabbet, maybe
a #78 Stanley to try out.

Any comments on hand planed rabbets? what to look for in a plane? which ones
are any good/bad?

My rabbets will most likely be 1/4" to 1/2" wide by the same deep.

B.

On 29 Nov 2003 at 17:02, Bruce Chrustie wrote:

> As I slowly get into hand tools I am thinking of picking up a rabbet,
> maybe a #78 Stanley to try out.
>
> Any comments on hand planed rabbets? what to look for in a plane?
> which ones are any good/bad?
>
> My rabbets will most likely be 1/4" to 1/2" wide by the same deep.

When doing rabbets, I usually reach first for one of my woodie rabbets.
This one in particular has been "boxed" sort of, with a piece of L-angle
steel along the working edge. It's got a heavy, skewed blade and works
like a champ. Oh - here it is now:

http://home.att.net/~ilikerust/Images/ThePlane.jpg

I recommend a woodie skew rabbet. They're common as mud, and can be had
quite cheaply. I think the most I've paid for one is $15.

A 78, on the other hand, can work, but usually goes for more money, and
almost always have something missing. I also find it a bit more finicky
to use, and have to figure out where to put my left hand. With a woodie,
my left hand wraps conveniently around the front of the plane.

What to look for:

If we're talking woodie, make sure the wedge is in good condition and
fits properly, the iron isn't all rusted and pitted, and the mouth
hasn't been all chewed, chiseled and filed. Also make sure the sole is
clean and straight. If it's a bit trashed, pass - there will be another
right behind it.

Good luck.

- Bill T.