A simple question

**sumu** · 16th October 2007, 04:49 AM

Hello

,

I wonder how it will be, would Lee Valley or Lie Nielsen, or some other proper and decent plane manufacturer ever introduce their (improved) version of #45 with all those irons and features in one packet if kindly asked?

It is again another type of plane I do not have (yet), only because I have heard things about quality issues just because those #45s are becoming oldish. I have heard there is over-aging issues considering wearing, lack of spares and such, which are "blurring" the potential usability when a woodworker like me asks for it's logical behaviour in all those situations it is used.

Ok, there seems to be reasonable amount of #45s in the market and with a bit searching, at least the most of the parts for it can be found, too. But now, when this consumer is only after a good plane with no further intention to sell it forward, only topics to be considered are really usability issues. That's why I am now wondering this here.

I'm not at all affiliated with any tool manufacturer, but just wondering and trying to sort of educate myself in this #45 thing.

sumu

**Hardenfast** · 16th October 2007, 09:06 AM

I wouldn't hold your breath, Sumu. Whilst the LV and LN planes always seem to be quite good quality, they're also fairly "minimalistic". They seem to do best at copying the more successful (and popular) Stanley models with their own little improvements, and I would think that the #45 and #55 may be a little daunting - even for them.

I'm not an expert or a devotee of LV and LN - I've only owned 1 of each and have since re-sold them both. I can't say that I was particularly impressed with either - other than their visual attraction. True, they were very nicely manufactured and were quite heavy etc, but they were also very expensive by comparison. I am happy to work with my collection of old Stanleys and Records. When properly tuned they (and I) work just as well as the more expensive copies.

Further, they're generally still economical enough to occasionally brutalise a particular blade or guide to suit one's own techniques or project requirements. Apricotripper (Jake) and others have been known to do this from time to time as the need arises.

I bet they wouldn't be doing it with a shiny $500 Lie Nielsen.

But you never know, Sumu. Maybe if enough people contact LN/LV with indicative orders for the #45 copy they would consider doing a production run of them. However, I would suggest that you are sitting down when they quote the cost.

Wayne

**thumbsucker** · 16th October 2007, 06:11 PM

Veritas has released what they call a Veritas® Small Plow Plane Rob Lee has indicated that they are working on a Veritas® Large Plow Plane this being the case I do not see it as improbable that Veritas will further expand their plow range. Giving an option for custom blades.

Sumu with your skill in plane making why do you not make one yourself. I think it would be a great project.

**sumu** · 17th October 2007, 02:29 AM

"...ground control to sumu, Scotty does not beam you up today.."

You are right, guys. Besides, oldies just look better with the patina, just tweak the functional surfaces. What was I thinking, silly me...

TS, Thank You for your encouraging words. It really is so, even #45 is no more than a plane (speaking solely from technical aspects, of course, not lifestyle

)

Looks like I'm gonna be on this mission for a while. Damn, I have two homebrewing infills on the way, too...

kippis,

sumu

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