11-SA High Angle Smoother.
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The original Norris mitre planes had a bed angle of 20° and this in combination with an average honing angle of 30°
gives an angle of attack of 50°. This angle (slightly steeper than the usual 45°) is best suited to
smoothing and is known to a few as York pitch. Plane makers have found that high angles of attack produce planes with
less tendency to tear the wood when working with difficult hardwoods.
In this new plane the blade is reversable, allowing the bed
angle to be elevated, as honing angle is no longer a major component of the attack angle. With the 11-SA plane I have gone
slightly beyond York pitch with an attack angle of 59° and with the blade reversed the angle is 89°. This has resulted
in a plane which will be ideal for the finishing of difficult grains in cabinet and instrument making.
The reversing of the blade has allowed a steeper shorter blade to be used which gives a much improved hand hold behind the blade.
The 11-SA is available with a choice of Rosewood, Ebony or Boxwood infills as shown in the pictures, with gunmetal sides and steel sole.
A few will also be available dovetailed but all in steel. The plane is 6 5/8" long with
a 1 ½" wide blade. The blades are A2 - S53 replacement blades will be available soon.
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