Hi Folks,
I posted back in Sept or so that LV's customer service confirmed via email that the new router plane cutters were useable in the Stanley 71.
I promised a follow up when/if I got a set, so here goes.
Disclaimer #1: I'm not affiliated with LV in any way, other than as a satisfied customer
Disclaimer #2: I'm *far* from an expert on using a Stanley 71.
I've got the full set of three Veritas cutters, and an old 71. The 71 came off of ebay, so I don't know how old -- maple(?) knobs, and an '07 Patent date, if that helps.
Fit and finish of the three cutters was excellent, as would be expected.
For the two half-inch cutters (VEE and straight) - no problems at all. The cutters fit as one would expect; adjustment was straightforward. On mine, there's a slight cyclical bind from the adjustment nut (I assume it has a slight thickness irregularity). Not enough to be any issue at all, though. The blades are sharp, right out of the packaging.
The 1/4inch cutter has been slightly problematic. It seems that the slot that the adjustment nut engages, is slightly more narrow than the other two cutters. I measured it at about .152 vs about .156 from the original Stanley cutter that I've got. This causes the adjustment to be a little bit 'fiddly' -- there's more binding than the slight hitch I get with the two half-inch cutters; this also seems to prevent the cutter from sitting back onto the adjusting nut fully.
I've filed the slot slightly, and that's been a definite improvement. I'm not sure though -- I may be removing more material from the file than from the cutter slot (I'm using a cheapie HF needle file). I think a few more minutes though, will take care of it. Really - it's not bad, just more noticeable than the other two cutters.
Bottom line - I'm satisfied. The price is certainly right (~$22 for the set of three) - and even if it means a few minutes work on my part to fully coerce the one cutter to seat properly - it's not a big deal. If you are looking to replace cutters on a 71, I don't think you can go wrong here.
Oh, yeah .. I was able to cut some pretty nice routs in some scrap wood laying around.
Hope you find this useful.