Paragraph 86. The block plane is very much smaller than the smoothing plane. Besides its size, it has certain other features which distinguish it from other planes and adapt it to the particular class of work which it is intended to do. Block planes are usually made almost entirely of iron. The particularly characteristic feature is the method of putting in the blade. A block plane blade has its bevel on the top side and the blade is not provided with a break bit. The purpose of this plane is to smooth the end of a board. You can readily see that since its purpose is to cut across the grain, it would not require a bit for the purpose of breaking the shavings.