If you polish up your plane's blade (iron, right?) at the correct angle, to 8,000 grit, why does an expensive plane garner such praise for it's cutting ability? Isn't how the plane cuts due to it's flatness, and other tuning parameters rather than whether or not it's made from an exotic wood or has brass inlay? WHAT is it about a better plane that makes it work better than a cheaper brand? Assuming that the user applies the same careful attention to tuning the cheaper plane.I already know about the "pride of ownership", and all that jazz, but on a purely scientific basis, why do the pricier planes cut better? Please assume the SAME blade, honed to the nth degree when explaining the difference the plane itself makes. Any chance that the "break the bank" plane is perceived as better because it's owner lavishes extra attention to setting it up properly, whereas a cheap Stanley gets the once-over?I'm not disputing any facts; just trying to understand what to look for when shopping for planes. Is the best bang for the buck below L-N, like Veritas?Anyone tired of discussing this topic ( I know it's been dealt with before) please by adult enough to just ignore the thread. Thank you!dave

Not a real plane user like some of the guy here but I will take a stab at itand put in my 2 cents. First is the blade, cheaper planes will have cheaperblades, so they need more attention and care to work the same. That beingsaid, The most basic item is quality of material and design. One of myold crapsman planes broke the rear handle, I replaced it with one that Imade myself to fit my hand, a little longer and thicker, slightly differentangle, then the original, no finish except body oil and sweat, the planecuts better now then ever before. It looks about the same but the bettergrip I get is a big difference. I have two jackplanes one a Stanley andone a who knows slightly different weight of castings, throat is a littledifferent, the Stanley has better fittings all around but same basic design,not a dimes worth of difference to look at them, but the Stanley cuts a lotbetter because it was made with more care and concern for the end product.The better quality planes are like...

Other than ease of adjustments, appearance, and "cachet", why does an expensive plane work better?

Nov 05, 2003 62 Replies

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George 22 years ago

Memories!

A coil of magnesium wire cleverly hidden in the candle snuffer made chapel more exciting....

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Robin Lee 22 years ago

I think he makes most of his cash as "Conan"....

I think he makes most of his cash as "Conan".... :)

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Dave Balderstone 22 years ago

I remember vividly my Grade 11 chem teacher spitting water into a tray on the front bench. Nobody except him knew there was a piece of sodium metal in the tray.

Ah, the good old days!

djb

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