Cheap Chinese Planes in Sydney

**MOM** · 23rd September 2003, 11:12 AM

An item of interest for Sydney CBD woodworkers. Paul’s City Hardware in Castlereagh Street near David Jones is getting rid of a selection of Mujingfang brand Taiwanese/Chinese style wooden planes at $20.00 each. I bought a number of different styles and sizes when they were first reduced in price a couple of months ago. The blades needed a little work. The seat for the blades seemed to be true and square and the throats on some of the larger models have a brass insert ahead of the blade. After a little work they performed very well in some test runs, but I haven’t yet had the opportunity to see how they stand up to persistent use.

The present batch on offer does not include the impressive “jointer” style (about 14-16 inches) or the boxy “European style” plane. I think there are about three or four different styles on offer ranging from a tiny one of about four inches to about nine or ten inches. Some of the larger ones have a cross-bar (removable). These are apparently intended to be used in the “push” mode. There are some pictorial instructions on the packaging which suggest how the planes can be used, both in push and pull modes. The cross-bars take some getting used to but I found that they helped in maintaining the correct angle when planing edges.

At the price you’d have to seriously consider getting one or two just for the heck of it.

**Dan** · 23rd September 2003, 11:27 PM

Sounds like they are the same style as HNT Gordon planes. I thought that HNT planes were of a unique design. If they look the same (I haven't seen one) could they be copied from a HNT or has this design been used in days gone by? I've also noticed that you can now buy a re-calibratable square from Crown, that is if you haven't already got one from Colen Clenton

**derekcohen** · 24th September 2003, 02:25 AM

The Mujingfang planes received a very favourable review on Badger Pond, a now defunct Forum, last year. They strongly resemble the HNT Gordon planes. One difference lies in the blade thickness, which is less that the HNT Gordon's 1/4".

If you can pick the large smoother up for $20, then buy as many as you can! Buy me one too (I'm serious).

Regards from Perth

Derek

**colh** · 24th September 2003, 01:07 PM

just back from Pauls hardware ...

they have four different model planes - the largest is 28 cm, there are two different models at 18 cm, and one at 12 cm. All are $20, and they still have reasonable numbers left.

the packet of the small one says "plane body made of high edony and rose wood. Plane blade is made of high speed steel."

Pauls dont expect to have any more when these are sold.

Pauls phone number is 9264 6200.

Colin

**MOM** · 24th September 2003, 03:46 PM

I am just back from my lunchtime constitutional via Pauls. There are still some planes left. I also noted a box of assorted blades - same brand. There are blades for rebate planes, moulding planes, small planes, big planes. Some are 3mm thick - thicker than the ones in the packaged planes. All priced at $10.00 - for some of the smaller blades that is $10.00 for a package of two.

These might be of interest for someone who is thinking of trying his/her hand at making his/her own planes. Although, at $20.00 for the complete plane, why would you bother?

**Wood Borer** · 24th September 2003, 07:09 PM

If anyone in Sydney wants to get plane for Derek, I will be in Sydney next week and catching up with Derek in Perth in two or three weeks time.

I will be staying in Sydney near the airport but I won't have a chance to get into the city during business hours. I reckon I might be able to give Derek a few $$'s credit if anyone wants to drop a plane off at Alexandria during the day or at an airport hotel in the evenings.

- Wood Borer

**colh** · 25th September 2003, 09:19 AM

Derek

the largest one is 28 cm - does that constitute a large smoother?

Colin

**mkcl** · 25th September 2003, 10:38 AM

Hi Colin,

What's the difference between the two 18cm models?

Michael.

**MOM** · 25th September 2003, 10:44 AM

Form memory, I think one has the cross-bar thingy and the other doesn't. I don't know if there are any other differences. I think the 18cm ones both have a back iron and a wooden wedge. I think the smaller ones just had a steel wedge.

**colh** · 25th September 2003, 10:53 AM

Hi Michael

since I satrted writing this reply, MOM's post has popped up.

one (the one I bought) has the blade roughly in the middle of the body, at 45 degrees, and the blade is long, like a Stanley plane blade, with a backing iron.

I also bought the 12 cm one, and I am fairly sure the other 18 cm one is the same - it has the blade at 60 degrees and is a short one-piece blade like the Gordon plane. I think it might also have the blade set in the front half of the body rather than the middle.

The package for the 12 cm one says the blade is HSS.

Colin

**derekcohen** · 25th September 2003, 12:34 PM

Colin

Not actually ever having seen these particular planes (let me know if there is a website) my guess (based on the info I have)would be:

The 28 cm plane is a Jack plane

The two 18 cm planes are both smoothing planes, one at 40 degrees (for soft wood) and the other at 62.5 degrees (for hard wood).

The 12 cm plane is a mini smoother or perhaps a block plane.

I would be keen to get the Jack plane and a 62.5 degree smoother.

Regards

Derek

**Wood Borer** · 25th September 2003, 06:28 PM

Wood Borer will probably be going to Newcastle next week instead of Sydney. I won't be able to get Derek's plane.

- Wood Borer

**derekcohen** · 25th September 2003, 09:58 PM

WB

Don't fret, I have it in hand. Many thanks for your concerns and consideration. It is much appreciated.

Incidentally, here is the plane review that included the Mujingfang smoothers. As you will see, it received very high praise (particularly when you realise that the only plane that beat it cost around 10 times - !!!!! - as much).

http://www.woodcentral.com/bparticles/haspc.shtml

Regards from Perth

Derek

**Iain** · 27th September 2003, 09:34 AM

Thank you peoples, phoned Pauls with my magic numbers and are on their way to sunny (?) Melbourne.
I hope I will not be dissapointed.
I was told there were 5 models with an option of rosewood or ebony on the smallest one.
Ordered all 5 and eagerly await the arrival.

**Jay** · 28th September 2003, 12:42 AM

Bought 2 of the planes. New at the game. Where do read on setting the planes right before using them?

Jay

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