Thread: Hello and a couple plane questions.

Get one from Lee Valley for US$39. (new) Don't really think there's much diff between old and new on the block planes.

Dan

Schtoo;

I just went up on the Lee Valley site and couldn't find any block planes for less than $65 (US) and that was the Apron Plane. Their low angle block sells for $99 (US). I've heard that Lee Valley block planes are very good but I don't personally own one.

However, if you ever wish to step up to a larger plane I can highly recommend their Low Angle Jack Plane. I have that one and it is my "go to" plane. With the optional HA blade, it handles a number of jobs for me such as smoothing, jointing, and as a shooter. I also have the Low Angle Smoother with two optional HA blades. I use to use #4's and 4-1/2's for smoothing but find my Lee Valley plane usually does a better job.

I'm not affiliated with them in any way, just another satisfied customer (who is now broke).

Originally Posted by Possumpoint

couldn't find any block planes for less than $65 (US)

Didn't look too hard Possum. Look Here

Dan

and HERE


P

That still doesn't answer what the heck is at Bunnings though...

Here's the thing, my folks are coming here in a few weeks, so if he can pick up an old LA block for a few bucks, I getit without having to shell out for shipping and I don't have to deal with all the BS tuning up a new one. I've seen the new ones, and I wouldn't take one even it were cast in gold.

If he can't find anything, then I'll just get the LV LA block with an extra blade and be done with it.

Oh yeah, can't buy any tools you guys seem to take for granted. That starts at cast iron planes and goes all the way up to a table saw. I can get them, but have serious problems paying 2-3 times the regular price anywhere else on the planet.

Schtoo,

I wasted more than 50 years of my life while not owning a LV LA block..... don't do the same.

If you can afford it you MUST do it.

No contest.

No need for any more discussion.

None.

End of Thread.

P

Therein lies another problem.

I 'could' swing for it, but it might be pushing it just a tad.

Especially when you have a 2-somethingHP router in the works, at local (for here) prices...

DanP and Bittingmidge;

Your both right, I missed both of them because of personal prejudice. I consider new planes made by Stanley to be c**p, useful as paper weights only. I'll include new planes by record in the same status. I very seldom use wood body planes because I'm just not that familular with the blade adjustment.

Therefore, when I recommend something to someone it's based on my belief that it is a good to excellent product and something I use or would use.

I'm not saying I would get one. Schtoo asked about the Stanley. I've ordered the LV LA Block plane in the Great Canadian Bessey Heist. (for half the price they are here I couldn't resist)

Dan

I'll tackle the question in the order originaly posed. The 'old' Stanley (& Record) planes were reasonable & 'state of the Art' when they werer first brough out.

Somewhere around 1945 they started to cut corners, use cheaper materials & generally did not try to improve their product. Recent efforts are "C##P" & will take a lot of time & effort to correct to the stage where you will get results. Unfortunately, second hand planes are likely to be pretty beaten-up & will require just as much time & effort, if not more, to get to 'running condition. So, if you want a hobby of fixing up planes, rather than woodwork, get a beat up or new Stanley, Record or whatever. Clifton (UK) planes seem to be an attempt to match the quality of the 'old' Stanleys. You can find them at the LV site.

If, on the other hand, you want something that works pretty much straight out of the box, will last for yonks, has parts readily available etc. then get a Lee Valley plane. If you want something that is just as good but more expensive & is say a Rolls Royce compared to a Mercedez or a Bentley, then get a Lie-Neilsen plane. They are all on the 'Net, and you can order direct.

Well, not much of this helps me very much, but thanks anyway.

I'll tell him to pick up what he can, and grandpa is on the hunt too so the should turn up something. I hope.

Knowing grandpa's luck, he will pick up a #1 with a box for $10...

Plus, I'll try and wangle a LV LA block when I send in that order. Gotta get some brass knobs and hinges. Can't even buy them here, I kid you not.

And the question still remains, what did dad see at bunnings? He isn't answering, and I wondered if you guys might know what the heck he was on about.

And the question still remains, what did dad see at bunnings?

He must be wearing his foil cap, because I'm buggered if I can read his mind...

What Midge said.

This is the best advice you will ever get in your life.

Just do it.

Forget the $$$$$

Buy One and be happy forever.

Originally Posted by outback

What Midge said.

Yeah, what midge said. it'll be more expensive if you buy the stanley now because you'll just end up buying the LV later anyway. I appreciate the need for a low angle plane in japan because most japanese planes are not designed for endgrain work. However I find it odd that you seem to be hurting for tools in the one nation that most of us would kill to buy our tools. what about a ryobi / makita table saw?

-Ryan (not bieng critical, just wondering )

P.S. how much would you charge to ship me a makita portable timberframing hollow chisel mortiser . no, really (you can't get them outside of japan)