> Greetings all. In the Record line of planes, "9 1/2" and
> "60 1/2" are model numbers; they do not refer to the bed angle
> of the blade. If I'm not mistaken, the "60 1/2" has a blade
> angle of 12 1/2 degrees, and the "9 1/2" is machined at 20
> degrees (but heck, it may be the other way around, the "60 1/2"
> is 20 degrees, etc.). These are the common angles for "low
> angle" and "standard" block planes, while bench planes are
> usually around 45 or 50 degrees.

> Lee Valley Tools' Veritas brand makes and sells their own low angle block
> plane with an adjustable mouth and several really nice features. At US$70
> it is less than half the cost of the comparable Lie-Nielsen model (which
> BTW is worth every penny) and a huge improvement over the Records and
> Stanleys. The Veritas plane can be seen via the link below, then select
> "Our Newest Woodworking Products". I got one recently and it's
> pretty sweet.

Damn!, Don't you just hate that when right after you buy something along comes something better. I bought a Stanley, had used it a little, then while surfing, learning how to make it scary sharp, I came across the Veritas low angle plane. It looks nice. I guess I'll have to live with the Stanley. With the mirrored, scary sharp steel, I must say I'm actually very pleased.

Gary B