The Stanley No. 60½ is the low-angle version of the block plane — 12° bed.
The lower effective cutting angle (12° + bevel angle) produces a cleaner cut across the grain, on veneer, and on hardwood. Adjustable mouth. Preferred for end grain and chamfering hardwood.
Character
The lower bed angle is the key difference from the standard No. 9½. Effective cutting angle depends on the iron's bevel — with a 25° bevel the total is 37°, versus 45° for a standard-angle plane. This makes a noticeable difference when cutting across the grain and on end grain.
The adjustable mouth — same as on the No. 9½ — allows fine-tuning of the mouth opening.
Use
- End grain — clean cut without tear-out
- Chamfering hardwood
- Veneer and thin stock
- Fine cleaning of cross-grain surfaces
In the collection
The example in the collection comes from a lot of four block planes (2024) together with No. 9½, No. 19 Sweetheart, and a Craftsman block plane.