Problem with Lee-Valley low angle block plane

Take off the sliding mouthpiece and make sure that there is no crud in there or file off any burs on the mouth puiece or the mating surface.

Idunno, but that is the first place I would look.

-Steve

I've had a similar problem with block planes before, but I finally realized that I was causing the problem with how I gripped the plane. If you put your index finger on the knob, it's possible in use to actually loosen the knob.

If that's not the case, you should contact Lee Valley. They have such oustanding customer service that I'm sure they can figure out a way to help.

Chuck Vance

Hmmm. Interesting thought, and that may indeed be exactly what I'm doing. But, isn't that what the knob is there for? It's even got a nice index-finger-tip-sized depression machined into the top of it to encourage such use.

If you haven't already put a slight bevel on the leading edge of the bottom of the mouth, that might help.

JP

Yes, it is the best pace for your index finger to go (and I assume it is intended that way). You just need to be aware of the fact that you can wind up torquing it enough to loosen it. Play around with your grip and notice what your finger does when it's in position.

Chuck Vance

Good advice in many circumstances ;)