I have read through the various threads about planers on this site. I am preparing to shape my first board out of EPS block foam, and would like to use a hand tool, but it seems as if many people discourage surform use as potentially inaccurate Lowe’s has a 9 1/2 inch bench plane “contractor grade” by Stanley that has adjustable depth for $40. Would this be a suitable hand-held alternative to the $375 Hitachi for the majority of shaping? Would a smaller adjustable-depth block plane work as well? Is hand-shaping a realistic proposition for a 9-footer?Thanks in advance for any advice.
IMHO if your hot wire cut is reasonably close you really don’t need a power planer. Don’t get me wrong, they’re fun and part of the mystique…but, hand plane, surfoam, sandpaper wrapped around a block of wood is all you really need. Especially on #1. If you want a planer check out the Bosch reconditioned web site or the thread today on the Rigid cordless. Don’t lay out $325 to start.
ps. http://www.tylertool.com/bo333repl.html
this is the same planer I got reconditioned. works great, great price. I got mine here;
Hi Diryan,
Quote:
I am preparing to shape my first board out of EPS block foam, and would like to use a hand tool
The best hand tool I found for working with eps is some 36 grit sandpaper glued to a flat piece of wood. Others have mentioned a steel brush, but I haven’t tried those. I would suggest a good vacuum for the eps “dust” that is just impossible to sweep.
Cheers,
Rio
ditto what rio said on 36 grit stapled to a 2 foot long 2"x4".
or spend $35 on one of these velcro backed marine fairing boards if you want to get fancy
You can get one of these as well to use with 36 grit sand paper and screen
You can also go Sabs way and just use a select group of wire brushes to do the coarse work and a foam pad with some paper to clean things up.
no need for a planer with EPS. But if you do get the shapers barrel from these guys to use with EPS…