I think the email thread below says all that needs to be said. Note the time stamps.
Tom,
>
>
>Thank you for the email and for the nice compliments regarding our tools.
>Sorry to hear about the handle on your brand new plane, it certainly doesn't
>sound like something that should have passed inspection.
>
>
>If you could please email your address to me, I'll simply send you a new
>handle, no charge of course. I can get that out right away.
>
>
>Again, I apologize for the troubles.
>
>
>Jennifer
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Tom Banes
>Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 5:00 PM
>To: snipped-for-privacy@lie-nielsen.com
>Subject: LN 4 1/2 Plane Question
>
>
>
>I've been the happy owner of a couple of LN planes (a scrub plane and a
>rabbet plane) for some time, so when WoodCrafter put your 4 1/2 smoother on
>sale I went to SWMBO and explained how critical it was that I have one. She
>acquiesced, under protest, and that'll cost me a few pairs of lady's shoes. > >
>It arrived late last week, but I was out of town on business and didn't get
>it unpacked until yesterday - it was BEAUTIFUL. I popped the iron off,
>spent about 1/2 hour honing it to a really nasty edge (that's one step up
>from scary sharp), adjusted everything and put it on the plane shelf, ready
>for this weekend.
>
>
>When I put it on the shelf, I kinda went "Huh". On the back of the tote,
>just about where the web of your hand would fit, was an angled mark. Taking
>it down and looking carefully it became apparent that the tote wood had an
>imperfection that had been filled with some kind of filler before
>finishing. I have posted pictures at
>
REMOVED
>
>Two points -
>
>
>1. The imperfection is glaringly obvious once you look at the right angle.
>2. I have no way of telling how deep the imperfection goes and whether this
>critical area of the tote will, at some point in the future, split or give >way entirely.
>
>
>As I said above, I've been a happy and satisfied LN customer and user, but
>right now am not real happy with this latest purchase.
>
>
>How do you suggest I proceed?
>
>
>Regards.