I think the angle of set would depend on your use for the tool. If you intend to crown a road it helps a little. My main use is to smooth and plane lawn areas flat, I don't want the material drifting to the edge.
If I need to build a crown and/or cut a ditch I use a rearblade, much more control over what happens.
Makes sense...mebbe I'll try "both"....angle the front cutting edge and put the rear cutting edge square.. With the power rake, I can only see using this for driveway maintenance, spreading gravel, etc... the PR isnt for jobs like that.
Speaking of Rear Blades, started one of those too...see attached pics. I got the front "hitch frame" done...welded in the sleeve for the blade rotator...
Another difference in my plane is the blades are set flush with the bottom wearstrips. It isn't necessary to make the plane dig in as much as to have it shave off what is sticking up. Recognize the plane skids or runners will dig in slightly on their own, so setting the blades down lower only means it scrapes all the time While this may appear to be doing more it is moving dirt needlessly.
I was first thinkin of making mine adjustable....but after hearing what you said, it makes PERFECT sense...
Adding the ripper teeth so that you can use them when desireable would be a good addition for rough gravel drives. My plane is heavy enough that it works well without them most jobs. I think it is a good idea to add the rippers though.
If I build another full size plane I will add a hydraulic scarifier toothbar to it.
Like the Hyd. scarifier option...if you wouldnt mind, I would like to see more pics of how the linkage and such works on your BB1284. No rush tho..
I remember looking at your pics of the power rake and was impressed with your abilities, have considered doing this myself. What did you do about the teeth as I cant find any carbide points to work with?
Thanks for the kind words. Teeth...ended up using AR steel....didnt break the bank and did the trick. Like my bro said...even with A36 steel, if you wear out 2" worth of steel, chances are you'll have gotten your money's worth and have enough left in your pocket to go buy a Harley rake. BUT even then at that point I could probably just re-tooth this one and have it for another 10 years. I used it alot this spring/summer and theres no appreciable wear on the teeth. Carbide would be nice, but at the same time I dont think the ROI is there for a guy like me...