Bench References

Hand Plane Iron & Bed Angle Catalog

Granular specifications for classic cast-iron and low-angle planes, indexed by steel type and cutting angles.

Smoothing Plane

Steel Grade: A2 Tool Steel

Bed Angle: 45 degrees

Cutter Width: 2 inches

Target Timber: Soft to Hardwoods (400 - 1800)

Bedded at 45° with ductile iron body; requires 30° secondary bevel for figured maple.

Low Angle Jack

Steel Grade: A2 or O1 High Carbon

Bed Angle: 12 degrees (Bevel-Up)

Cutter Width: 2 inches

Target Timber: All species including end-grain

12° bed combined with 38° iron produces 50° York pitch, virtually eliminating tear-out on interlocking grain.

Jack Plane

Steel Grade: PM-V11 Powder Metallurgy

Bed Angle: Variable Frog (40° to 55°)

Cutter Width: 2 inches

Target Timber: Dense hardwoods (1200 - 2800)

PM-V11 steel retains wire-edge durability twice as long as A2 when working abrasive exotic hardwoods.

Traditional Guild Reference