Thread: WoodRiver planes reviewed.

rsser - very true. That's why most recent Record planes don't have flat soles.....

Settle?? They were machining them while the castings were still warm.....

I learned my lesson - only Veritas or LN for me from now on.

Originally Posted by rsser

Interesting.

Isn't is the case that an iron casting needs time to settle before it's machined? So if a maker is in a rush and does it early, over time the sole and sides may well move and need more sustained fettling.

I'm no metallurgist, but in "FINAL TECHNICAL REPORT: AGE STRENGTHENING OF GRAY CAST IRON PHASE III" By Von L. Richards, University of Missouri-Rolla Metallurgical Engineering Dept, see http://www.osti.gov/bridge/servlets/...ive/812004.pdf

The authors suggest that "At the beginning of the program some existing specifications implied a thirty-day aging time. This work showed the most of room temperature aging occurs during six to ten days from casting."

If this is indeed the case, I don't think you have much to worry about.

I love google!

Well the Exec Summary makes no mention of movement over time. The focus is on time x hardening, strength, machinability.

Originally Posted by rsser

Well the Exec Summary makes no mention of movement over time. The focus is on time x hardening, strength, machinability.

This might be more helpful
http://books.google.com/books?id=Nbg...esult&resnum=7

Search within this article for distortion.

Also, see the Ductile Iron Society http://www.ductile.org/member/resear...y/complete.htm

Problem is, not knowing the exact makeup of the cast iron "alloy", it's too hard to be specific.

Anyway, I can't see that they would do any different with these planes than they would with other cast iron products. Do you think your table saw is any different, even allowing for a different type of casting.

It was only talk among woodies that I picked up on that one of the things that distinguishes a cheap machine with a cast iron table from a better one was how long they left the casting in the bone yard; up to a year was mentioned.

Well, do we know how long the others, Lie-Nielsen and Vertias, are in the bone yard? You might be able to find out from LN & LV, but at this point we don't even know who makes these. It's all a bit esoteric for me. I mean I'm not expecting to get a new BMW at used VW prices.

What about cast iron in automotive engines, do they age them?

Perhaps you might want to start a thread in the metalworking forum? I don't mind discussing the merits of aging cast iron, or red wine, only I just don't see how that progresses this review because unless we know how long they all age the iron for it is mere speculation. Which is what I was trying to avoid by spending my own money to test these planes.

The planes are flatter and squarer than any Stanley plane I have ever used and are as flat and square as my LN & LV planes. Will they stay that way, I'll let you all know in 100 years.

Sorry monoman, I didn't mean to carp about your review which I found to be very informative. Only wanted to make the point that more fettling may be needed within a year or whatever. And flattening a jointer sole is a PITA.

Not necessary nowadays, read this

Thanks Greg.

And do the industrious manufacturers from the PRC go to that trouble with WW hand and machine tools?

Originally Posted by Harry72

What about cast iron in automotive engines, do they age them?

I gather the more upmarket ones do. Was told that once but can't remember which
Jim

Great review George - thanks for taking the time (and expense) of doing this.

Its nice to see someone test them in the flesh rather than just pointing to other reviews or articles on the web.

Cheers,
Geoff

Originally Posted by ficfac

I'm still waiting for mine to arrive...

Common ficfac. You get yours yet?

Tell us about it.