HP-12 Dual Angle Bench Plane

In Stock Breaking Tradition with Amazing Versatilty! The HP-12 Dual Angle Bench Plane, designed by John Economaki, is unlike any other smoother past or present in the quality, workmanship, and performance. We believe this dedication to quality and performance will rub off in your work. This lightweight plane is one of the most versatile and usable planes and may be the only bench plane you'll ever need! The Ergonomically Designed Front and Rear Totes The rear tote is investment cast 304 stainless steel with the two interior cavities painted black. Shaped to invoke the illusion of movement. The highly polished curved surfaces add a nice reflective contrast to the colors of the plane components. The variable chamfer at the top of the tote ties in nicely with the graceful chamfers of the plane sides. The angle is perpendicular to the iron edge directing the forward motion of the plane straight at the cutting edge. All metal front and rear totes which fit nicely in both small and large hands. The front tote "mushroom" is turned from aluminum, bead blasted and anodized black. This shape is more hand friendly than the more common "balloon" totes and is threaded into the throat plate allowing for precise adjustment of the mouth.   Unique Blade Retention Mechanism Simply pull the sculpted "D" lever and the entire blade retention mechanism swings out of the way to facilitate iron removal. It is fast, fun, the pressure is adjustable, and you have never seen anything like it. There are no free parts - the mechanism is integrated into the body.   Iron Adjustment Both cutting depth and cant (iron angle) can be adjusted by the lead screw under the lever easily and precisely. Cutting Depth Adjustment The iron is engaged to the depth adjuster via a pin nut attached to a 0.5mm thread pitch lead screw. One full revolution of the lead screw increases the depth of cut by 0.1mm (0.004"). The lead screw is housed in a split pivot nut turned from solid brass and the result is a backlash free mechanism that is field adjustable by hand. This mechanism is as smooth as butter in use. Iron Cant Adjustment Iron canting can be achieved by shifting the lead screw side to side but in practice this is not as preferable, or as fast, as canting with the fingers through the sides of the plane body.   Dual Ground lrons The robust irons (0.225"/5.7 mm thick) are a full two inches wide (50.8 mm) and hardened to Rc 60-62 from A2 tool steel. They are lapped to a mirror finish--no flattening required. The HP-12 Dual Angle Bench Plane comes with two irons with four unique purposes. The available grinds eliminate the need for multiple planes. This plane, with these attack angle choices, may be the only bench plane you will ever use or need. The attack angle of 42 degrees is used for low angle work. The attack angle of 47 degrees is used for standard work. The attack angle of 60 degrees is used for woods you like to swear at. Lastly, there is a scrub iron grind. It is included and designed to be used for quick cross grain flattening of wavy or difficult grained stock.   Blade Guard When bedded, the non-business edge is protected with an aluminum blade guard which is mandatory when sharpening to avoid injury. The guard attaches to the iron with rare earth magnets.   Ability to Add Depth Skids The single distinguishing feature of the HP-12 over any other plane made today is the ability to add depth skids; essentially turning your plane into a 2" thickness planer. The ability to thickness plane to a precise thickness is an incredible benefit for box makers, for making louvers, models, musical instrument makers, inlay strips...tc. The skids feature rounded soles which not only reduce friction but allow you to set them at different depths for creating accurate tapered stock (louvers) without having to sand. Either straight or tapered, you cut until the plane no longer makes a shaving-it is fun and the accuracy is amazing. It is entirely possible, and easy, to make multiple components with a thickness that does not vary more than 0.002" (0.05mm)!