@RobCosmanWoodworking yes, it's noticeable, but what do you think of the main tool brands, maybe an idea for a video. The old sandvik and bahco was great now snap on owned and Spain and Portugal made, doesn't seen the same
Thanks Rob for the honest review on the Clifton. We can always depend on you to get to the guts of a review,. I've got a friend that bought that same plane and was thumping his chest about how awesome it was. I asked him to bring it to my shop and let's have a chest thumping contest. It didn't take him long after he checked out my Lie Nielson 5 1/2 jack that I would win the chest thumping contest. I found the Clifton to be clunky and uncomfortable in my hand. He went home and ordered himself a Lie Nielson. He also tried out my Wood River No 7 and decided to order him one of those also. I have nothing what so ever against different brand hand planes. To me, it's all about how it fits my hand and how easy it is to maintain one and the job I need it to do on a board. Thanks again for your honest review.
Rob, I have a Clifton Nº5 Jack from over 20 years ago, made under Clico. It is the best tool I own and doesn't suffer from any of the problems you highlighted. It does have a few quirky things - back then Clico thought it was a really good idea to have a two part cap-iron (chip-breaker to you guys still living in caves), presumably to allow sharpening "on the hoof" without adjusting the plane settings...of course it doesn't work and is just an irritation. My plane has Bubinga for the tote and knob which could be lovely but that Clifton decided to dip them in some sort of lacquer which is now all cracked and crazed, at some point I will strip them down and maybe Tung oil them. There are a few things worth mentioning: All of the exposed edges on the toe, wings and heel of the plane are polished like a mirror, so no dinks to any paintwork (It's something I do now to all of my restored ancient planes). The plane iron is fantastic, not cryo treated but hand forged and takes an edge to almost perfection - at least for a short period. It is just about perfectly balanced, don't know whether by design or chance, but it is. It worked perfectly out of the box (they've obviously dumbed down on the box looking at what they sent to you). As an Englishman, I'm slightly disappointed that the version you have isn't as good as the one I have because I know they are some of the best tool makers there are, but I guess everything is run by accountants now.
@chrisjordan I have 4 Clifton planes from the same era (2002) and I can second every word you wrote. They are a #3, #4, #5 and #7. I bought them at a time I had a bit of a windfall and didn't know much about woodworking. 20+ years later, I know understand the value of them. Bubinga and two part cap-iron indeed.
@@maxnoach6666 I'm envious, always wanted the full range. It's curious, I seem to remember back then they all sold at the same price, £117.50, irrespective of size, obviously £100 a piece +VAT, which sort of implies Clico was run by engineers rather than accountants😊
@@chrisjordan4210 I can't remember what I paid for them, even to save my life. But they were certainly affordable, and a lot less than Lie Nielsen, even when bought in the USA and brought back in a suitcase. I'm a lot older now, possibly wiser, but not better 😀
I have all the original Clifton's and they are absolutely brilliant plane's, i have all the Stanley sweethearts and many types 11s and Sargent 's and all the Record SS plane's some Norris Preston's and Slater are Matheson Holland's of London and many many more, my Clifton's work beautifully.
I have the Clifton #5 1/2 and the #4 and love them both. In the UK the Lie Nielsen is £492 whereas the Clifton is £349, £143 cheaper. That can make up for the IMO very minor finishing issues and, for me, this makes the Clifton the best choice (plus I like to buy british). I guess due to import costs the prices are much closer over the pond and it becomes a tougher sell.
Yes Clifton is a premium plane, and you confirm my guess that in Europe the price and availability of Clifton make them the choice over Lie Nielson. For the same reason in North America I give Lie Nielson the edge over Clifton
@@RobCosmanWoodworking Yeah, would definitely go for Lie Neilsen or Veritas over there. Can't beat the Clifton price here though, only issue is they seem to have production issues as most bench planes are out of stock everywhere and have been for months. We can't get Woodriver over here but we can get Quangsheng which i believe are from the same factory and they are a good cheaper alternative if not quite as premium, I own a few of these.
I am a US/UK citizen so can buy in both places without a penalty. I own Lie Nielsen planes but the Clifton Block plane is better than anything LN have. People are put off by the price (which is high regardless of location) but it's truly the best on the market period.
Hi, I'm writing from Italy. I have a NO 6 Clifton which I also reviewed. I believe it is the best you can find in our market. I haven't been able to try Lie Nielsen yet because they are difficult to find in Italy. I have Veritas planes whose quality is very similar to Clifton. I really like the massive cast iron casting. In my example it is very well finished.
Yes Clifton is a premium plane, and you confirm my guess that in Europe the price and availability of Clifton make them the choice over Lie Nielson. For the same reason in North America I give Lie Nielson the edge over Clifton
@@RobCosmanWoodworking I think this is spot on. For those of us in the UK, it's best to buy British (where possible). For those in North America, buy North American and support great local brands.
Out of the box, this plane is miles above a Wood River. Every one of those surfaces that Rob points out “could be a little smoother” on this plane, he has to take a mill file and a diamond plate to on the Wood River. And that expensive granite reference slab is there because nine times out of ten the sole on the Wood River planes have to be flattened and re-polished. This plane is comparable to a Wood River AFTER it’s been Cosmanized (and he probably sends a third of them back to Qiangsheng in Changshu, China due to those commies’ lack of quality control) but this is a Clifton, made in Sheffield England, of British steel (and bronze). Notice that no one has to cull the defects, flatten, square, true-up and resell Lie Nielsen or Clifton planes. Unless you bought it from Rob, a Wood River is not remotely comparable to this Clifton.
My mentor had older (green) Cliftons #3 and #5 and they both had the two piece chip breaker. At the time, they were about 20% cheaper than the LN. They had beautiful metal work and rosewood for the knob and tote. Once they were set up, they were awesome, but the LN are usually good to go straight out of the box.
Outstanding review and information Rob. I learned some key points about checking tolerances which I’m sure are crucial especially for eliminating plane tracks. None of the other legends that I’ve researched have shared this information. Gratefully appreciate this video
Well, I tried my thumb on the plane, LIe Nielson, and it felt funny. Not the same leverage point as when my hand is on the front handle/tote or what ever it is called.... I do need to experiment some more.
It's interesting because in the UK the Clifton is £100 or so cheaper than the LN which rather tips the scales in the other direction. Of course importing the Clifton puts on extra that makes it the same as the LN.
Nice review. I'm American and really proud of Lie Nielsen and the work they do to make nearly flawless planes. Most of us in the US that know woodworking will pay the price to support them and make sure we never lose such a great company. That said I've been looking at this plane due to the huge casting. Some of it's looks because the weight is really the same as Lie Nielsen. I think the plane is beautiful and don't mind some of the minor details however I'd be more inclined if those details were the result of refinement by hand. Since these are like this off the machine that's a bit different. Still I can't buy because I'm compelled to buy Lie Nielsen as a sense of duty and in this case as usual I'd be buying the superior product.
WOW ! I can wait until the "Rob Cosman" plane comes out. It would take someone, like yourself, with over 50 years of experience to pick out the details you itemized.
No, the Clifton is more impressive than the woodRiver, especially with its flatness and squareness tolerances out of the box. As I said in the video the Clifton is in the class of a LN.
I agree with you on the pricing. The Clifton at Woodcraft is actually more than the Lie-Nielsen purchased direct from LN. Given that, I would definitely choose the LN. As it is, I’m quite pleased with my WoodRiver 5 1/2. I just got your new shooting handle and it’s a big improvement.
I own bench planes by Lie Nielson, Clifton, Clico and Veritas. A few old Stanley and record ones too. In the UK, clifton are priced more competitively than Lie Nielson. My 5 1/2 came perfect out the box. I did swap out the chip breaker, older two piece one, with one from Ron Hock, (that need a tickle to flatten the back too)but that is personal preference and have done the same on all the clifton I have. It is my go to bench plane. Real workhorse. I own a no. 4 and no. 6 by nielson, both needed work to get them working well, especially around the castings in front of the iron. Suppose as with most things mass produced, they don't all arrive as perfect as we would like.
When I got in to wood working I got a no.5 from grizzlie ( made by ? ) and later on a no.4 faithful the castings look the same along with the fit and finishes, my point is other than a diffrent tote and bedrock style frog the cost will be the deal breaker for me. An honest review Rob and team.
How does the Woodriver stack up against this one? Reviews on the webpage are vague. Seems castings are hit and miss. Shipping damage complaints also. Very educational and thorough tear down and review. Looking for my first high quality bench plane. Thank you!
Hi Rob. I have one of these as Im from Yorkshire originally and as this is where they’re made I had to !! Do any of your adjustars fit as i reckon that would be a great mod. I have lots of your tools They are all exceptional ,Especially the dovetail saw and I love your attention to detail and care. Im a surgeon by profession and appreciate your attitude and teaching All the best from Wales
Unfortunately the none of our adjustars do and we have three thread versions (WoodRiver, Lie Neilson and vintage Record and Stanley) I would have bet money Clifted was the same thread size as vintage Record as thats their heritage but we tested and the Clifton is an entirely different thread so our adjustars won't fit it.
so you are in the proces of making your own line pf planes? or just a no 5 1/2. ether or nice to hear, would love to see it with the ajustar and bearing and the hex screws and all that stuf
@@RobCosmanWoodworking If you are ever planning on being in Massachussetts, then you can request a tour on their website. It was kind of funny that we met Mr. Starrett, the President. He came out to apologize because they could not locate our intended tour guide. We ended up being paired with a millwright who was third generation Starrett. Great tour
The tote on my Qiangsheng is the most comfortable I’ve ever used. I can’t fault anything on the rest of the plane. It is a lot heavier than a Stanley. I would have liked to have seen the feeler gauge test with equivalent pressure as in the assembled iron and cap iron, to show if the gap was significant and needed attention. Law of diminishing returns with the most expensive tools. Comfort and use are my priorities. You get that with mid price. If your son had used the plane the roughness around the tote screw could have been his doing. So not fair to criticise that.
As a Brit I'm disappointed that the Clifton let themselves down. Quality control should be everything to a premium brand. For me, that casting is too thick on the side walls. I'm looking forward to seeing your plane Rob and can't imagine being disappointed as I was here. Thanks for a forensic review
I just came across your comment but made the same points exactly. I WANT to buy the Clifton but Rob's analysis made me cringe. It is why we have lost our place in manufacturing by being complacent. and not striving for 100% excellence. At this price point I do not think it unreasonable to have the issues raised by Rob addressed.
@@RobCosmanWoodworking you are the man Rob, I'm glad you reviewed it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with my faithful woodriver 5-1/2!! wood river makes really nice planes honestly.
Thank you for the review I purchased a no. 4 Clifton a year or so ago.you are correct about the tote it doesn’t feel as a good as a Stanley or lie Nielsen and they should update that you suppose a Stanley tote might fit on the Clifton?
Great review. Just received my Clifton 5 1/2 last week and did ‘your’ checking and tuning. Found the same little issue with the chipbreaker. Have been working the plane a few days now on Oak and it performs very good. It was worth learning your 32second to sharp-process, you should get a medal for publishing that! I ordered my Cilfton from a distributor in Germany and had it shipped to the Netherlands. A Lie Nielsen would have cost me 16% more! Thanks Rob, for all your video’s.
Great review, thanks for sharing your information, I am a biggest fan of Clifton I think best choice for me, another thing just wanted to say, the iron of Clifton needs to be wipe it with camilian oil before using, other ways get rust so easily.
Thomas Flynn bought over the Clifton name and production in 2014, they were made by Clico before then. They were much better made, a little lighter. They can be spotted by their green japanning.
Hello Rob, I actually am ending up with spaghetti-like shavings when I go thin enough. And at first I was thinking ''that's probably the grain structure of oak'' but now that I've done some pieces of pine, and still ending up with spaghetti. I started questioning whether my edge might be too rough. I only have a diamond medium coarse stone of DMT and that's actually the only thing I really trust to be accurate regarding grit contamination. But could this be the reason why I get the spaghetti or do you think something else is more likely?
If you want to get rid of the serrations in your shavings, you will need to move up to 16,000 grit. The diamond stones leave too coarse of a surface finish on the edge.
@@RobCosmanWoodworking You must be right. I really carefully sharpened my blade with sandpaper up to 3000, I don't have any finer paper. I got some diamond paste coming in once it's available again, 6 micron, and I also got the green stuff at 3 micron. I now get very fine lines with the 3000 finish
@@RobCosmanWoodworking I managed to go to 10.000 and I already plenty got the results I was after! amazing how this thing cuts now, its just a 15 euro plane I got second hand but with your help it's now an amazing tool
I got a Clifton blade for my Stanley number 3 bc I filed the mouth too big after getting a hock iron.. it was flat but the machine marks were deep and hard to get out… that was my only complaint
Great analysis of this tool. As a Brit I cringed somewhat as the shortcomings were all addressable but the QC processes in the UK have been poor. Which is why we no longer lead the world in engineering and Sheffield has lost its tool industry.
I have an almost complete set of the older green clifton planes and they are all beautifully made . they are very different to the new flinn planes you see today, I think the saw factory had alot of problems trying to make planes rather than saws. The old used green Clifton planes seem to be selling for more on ebay than their new ones. I don't agree with you on the lateral adjuster , the clifton is a traditional plane , so putting screws in as with the LN is abit naff IMO just like the chinese would do.
Im gonna experiment with some finer pieces of sandpaper on a glass plate, a flat one, see whether I can get rid of the spaghetti that way. Before buying another DMT
Years ago I found a large (approx 30mmx 160mm rectangular) plano convex glass lens from a scrapped industrial photo copier which is perfectly (optically) flat. Big enough to check a blade but not big enough to sharpen on. I also used it to initially check the flatness of my bigger sharpening float glass surface. Works for me. I suppose you could try a supported glass sheet from an old scanner as they seem to have good quality flat surfaces but I haven't personally checked that out.
I just purchased my first hand plane (5 1/2 jUUMA) and the adjuster knob does not spin so freely like on any Rob's videos I've seen. I have taken it apart and loosen everything up, to a point the blade stays in place but it does not help. Any ideas?
We make three versions, one fits Lie-Nielsen, one fits Woodriver and Luban and one fits Stanley. Trying it on anything else is a shot in the dark, sorry!
So who did the damage to the tote and knob? Was it the person at manufacturer or one of your workers. I would probably buy this from T. Flinn rather than the vendors in the U.S. When you opened the box I noticed that the wrapping was not to their standard practice.Can’t understand why you would let anyone else touch the plane prior to your assessment.
I don't normaly agree with you in your plane reviews. Hower in the case of the Clifton 5½ I found my self agreeing. I must say that knowing your preference for bedrock style bevel down planes I was expecting a an excelent review and you did not disapoint. My only concern was placing it in the premium plane category. However a look at the tool supplier websites here in the UK put that to rest. It is definatly in the premium price range so with the exception of the peening rather than screws on the lateral I fully agree with your review. If the plane was even £50 ($63) lower in price point it may have been acceptable with those niggles here in the UK however not as it is fully into the premium price bracket.
The comfort of the tote is a big deal - I like their heavy casting but think they should refine their tote. Ergonomics are so important when it comes to handle tools. I also agree that the front knob nut should be flush, the inset nut seems bizarre.
If you are in North America, LN is the best plane out there, WoodRiver is the best value plane. WoodRivers are sometimes challenges on passing the flatness and squareness checks, which is why we prepare every one we sell to ensure they are flat and square.
Pity they threw out the tool and just kept the name when they acquired them from Clico. Now it's not a trad drop forged blade, ductile iron, no stayset, no racing green... my bench planes are all Clico, but if I ever wanted to replace my (pilfered) No 6 I'd go LN.
I just finished flattening an 8' hard maple roubo with a Clifton #7. I also had issues with the chip breaker and the tote. After a few hours of initial setup and sharpening it performed wonderfully. The extra weight was both a blessing and a curse! Thanks for another great video Rob! Can't wait to see your new planes
Yes the hefty weight of a Clifton works both ways. Try not picking up the plane when finishing your stroke, just pull it back on the wood. That should help a little
It’s my understanding that Clifton Planes are grey cast iron and WoodRiver and Lie Nielsen are ductile iron. If I am being fuzzy…haha I prefer ductile iron.
Extremely relevant. Ductile iron has greater tensile strength and shock resistance, ie if you drop grey iron on a concrete floor, it will break. Not so with Ductile iron.
Your not the only one whose noticed that Adrian. I have two Clifton's. A 420 shoulder and the little bull nose. Both are perfectly ground flat and have excellent durable Iron's that hold an edge well. Nielsen planes are show ponies for poseurs. Their body's are to soft in Bronze and distort when the lever cap is tightened ! I tried using a friend's one once and hated it. The Iron's are some crudy tool steel that's hard to get to a keen edge and it doesn't hold it long either. They are pretty. Pretty overrated. Clifton's are the real deal made for real woodworking. The only thing I changed on my bullnose was making a larger wedge out of crab apple to make it easier to hold. Indispensable for trimming rebates on window's and drawer stop slip adjustment. Most North American tools are marketed for hobby guy's who are easily sucked in by hype and bling. Lots of useless gimmicks. Nobody uses shooting boards in the trade. What a time waster.
That's about the nicest shaving I can remember coming from a plane you've reviewed. Looked as nice as your daily driver 5-1/2. If I was buying tho, I'd get one of yours. Thanks for the honest review. Of course I never expected anything else. 😉 I have to go back and watch the live stream from last night. I fell asleep. Gettin' old is a bummer. As always, thanks for posting.
And another thing I started using Shapton glass stones bc of your reviews but only had up to 8000 grit.. well I keep hearing that the shapton rockstar stone is the same as the glass just 10 mm of stone instead of 5mm glass and 5 mm stone.. but anyway the shapton rockstar 16000 is selling for $ 60 on Amazon so I just had to try one because they are 120 plus everywhere… have you ever tried one?
How was this the first I've heard of you making a plane! YOU'RE known for planing and dt's so I'm sure you would make a beautiful machine with very tight tolerances!
Well we have been working on it for about two years now and I would say we are 75% there, still cannot predict when it will be available for sale. We are fixing everything that I consider annoying in planes.
Nice review Rob, it quickly became apparent that the Clifton is an okay plane at a premium price. Sure, the machining is accurate, the fit is solid, the appearance is blocky. Nice to hear you're making your own. I have a hunch it will be premium on both counts, price and quality, but at least we'll get what we pay for, a rare thing these days.
Let me be clear, the Clifton is a premium plane in the class of Lie Nielson planes which puts it at or near the top of the pile. From a function point of view its an awesome plane. For the price, in the U.S. I think the Lie Nielson edges it out. I suspect in Europe it's the opposite effect, the price of the Clifton would edge out the Lie Nielson. But is significantly better plane than OK. Most of my complaints were very very fussy ones.
Dear sir, How dare you espouse such scorn for the artifacts of our finest craftsmen? Have you gone mad? I will be having tea and crumpets with the King and will relay this vulgar display of unbridled ingratitude and disdain for our glorious industries. I shall also see to it that you are properly punished by denying you entry into our dearest mother England. Perhaps, it will instill a proper reverence for our magnificent and noble history as your former colonizer.
Actually it depends if you are in North america or Europe. In Europe the LN is significantly more costly, and the Clifton is the probable pick. The super will in fact be super.
Is your new intro made using AI? The cartoon plane there is a horrible mess and I don't see how anyone would have drawn that and thought "yeah that looks good"
I'm told Clifton has always been a meh product, not the best but not the worst. Think it was a pride product so Bristol could have its own toolmaking back inthe day!
Honestly I think you’re just too picky about things 99% of woodworkers wouldn’t notice. Does it shave wood well ? Yes it does . Importing heavy stuff is expensive and every pair of hands that touch it has to make money.
Just a observation For thousands of years mankind worked wood and created some of the most amazing forms of art out of wood with the most rudimentary tools and now days every review on TH-cam, not only yours, is dissecting the tool and talking about how things should have being done. How about sharpening the iron, put it to work and then say if it works for you or not, no need to make it so ambiguous, it's a tool for wood working, not a model on a fashion show, Just saying
Luv the video, but please stop with the inches en pounds it doesnt make sense start using the metric system for everybody sake. Keep up the good content
I have the 5 and 5 1/2 clifton here in the UK as well as two LN planes. The Lie Nielsen are far superior and I wouldn't by anything from Thomas flynn including there badly set saws again
@RobCosmanWoodworking UK still has capacity for specialist steel making, only just though. Could also be cast in Taiwan, think Flynn has a factory there.
@@RobCosmanWoodworking requirement in UK law for 50% of product OR a substantial value of the product to be made in UK. That's why I say the cast iron body is overseas made as the value is in the other parts.
My understanding is that they are still cast in sheffield , it shows them doing it on there promotional video. They are members of "made in sheffield" which means everything has to be made in the city.
Thank you for the review I purchased a no. 4 Clifton a year or so ago.you are correct about the tote it doesn’t feel as a good as a Stanley or lie Nielsen and they should update that you suppose a Stanley tote might fit on the Clifton?
Hey Rob, the way you nitpick hand planes always puts a smile on my face. 😁
Yes, I am picky about planes, saws, and chisels
@RobCosmanWoodworking yes, it's noticeable, but what do you think of the main tool brands, maybe an idea for a video. The old sandvik and bahco was great now snap on owned and Spain and Portugal made, doesn't seen the same
Thanks Rob for the honest review on the Clifton. We can always depend on you to get to the guts of a review,. I've got a friend that bought that same plane and was thumping his chest about how awesome it was. I asked him to bring it to my shop and let's have a chest thumping contest. It didn't take him long after he checked out my Lie Nielson 5 1/2 jack that I would win the chest thumping contest. I found the Clifton to be clunky and uncomfortable in my hand. He went home and ordered himself a Lie Nielson. He also tried out my Wood River No 7 and decided to order him one of those also. I have nothing what so ever against different brand hand planes. To me, it's all about how it fits my hand and how easy it is to maintain one and the job I need it to do on a board. Thanks again for your honest review.
Very well said
Rob, I have a Clifton Nº5 Jack from over 20 years ago, made under Clico. It is the best tool I own and doesn't suffer from any of the problems you highlighted.
It does have a few quirky things - back then Clico thought it was a really good idea to have a two part cap-iron (chip-breaker to you guys still living in caves), presumably to allow sharpening "on the hoof" without adjusting the plane settings...of course it doesn't work and is just an irritation.
My plane has Bubinga for the tote and knob which could be lovely but that Clifton decided to dip them in some sort of lacquer which is now all cracked and crazed, at some point I will strip them down and maybe Tung oil them.
There are a few things worth mentioning:
All of the exposed edges on the toe, wings and heel of the plane are polished like a mirror, so no dinks to any paintwork (It's something I do now to all of my restored ancient planes).
The plane iron is fantastic, not cryo treated but hand forged and takes an edge to almost perfection - at least for a short period.
It is just about perfectly balanced, don't know whether by design or chance, but it is.
It worked perfectly out of the box (they've obviously dumbed down on the box looking at what they sent to you).
As an Englishman, I'm slightly disappointed that the version you have isn't as good as the one I have because I know they are some of the best tool makers there are, but I guess everything is run by accountants now.
Great comment. The reality is they likely had to make hard choices to keep their desired price point.
@chrisjordan I have 4 Clifton planes from the same era (2002) and I can second every word you wrote. They are a #3, #4, #5 and #7. I bought them at a time I had a bit of a windfall and didn't know much about woodworking. 20+ years later, I know understand the value of them. Bubinga and two part cap-iron indeed.
@@maxnoach6666 I'm envious, always wanted the full range.
It's curious, I seem to remember back then they all sold at the same price, £117.50, irrespective of size, obviously £100 a piece +VAT, which sort of implies Clico was run by engineers rather than accountants😊
IIRC, the two piece cap iron was a rollover from Record.
It's a shame that British tooling is a thing of the past for the most part.
@@chrisjordan4210 I can't remember what I paid for them, even to save my life. But they were certainly affordable, and a lot less than Lie Nielsen, even when bought in the USA and brought back in a suitcase. I'm a lot older now, possibly wiser, but not better 😀
CAN'T WAIT for a Cosman Plane!!
me either. But it could be a while yet
I believe it's going to be electric LOL!
A Cosman Clifton colab would be amazing.
@@AllodialTitle I think they're going to make it independently, working with anyone else would only lower the quality in my opinion
I couldn't afford a Cosman plane!
Wow! I just started woodworking. If I knew 10% of what you know, I'd be happy. Great video. I subscribed.
I have all the original Clifton's and they are absolutely brilliant plane's, i have all the Stanley sweethearts and many types 11s and Sargent 's and all the Record SS plane's some Norris Preston's and Slater are Matheson Holland's of London and many many more, my Clifton's work beautifully.
I have the Clifton #5 1/2 and the #4 and love them both. In the UK the Lie Nielsen is £492 whereas the Clifton is £349, £143 cheaper. That can make up for the IMO very minor finishing issues and, for me, this makes the Clifton the best choice (plus I like to buy british). I guess due to import costs the prices are much closer over the pond and it becomes a tougher sell.
Yes Clifton is a premium plane, and you confirm my guess that in Europe the price and availability of Clifton make them the choice over Lie Nielson. For the same reason in North America I give Lie Nielson the edge over Clifton
@@RobCosmanWoodworking Tarrrifs for trade most likely
@@RobCosmanWoodworking Yeah, would definitely go for Lie Neilsen or Veritas over there. Can't beat the Clifton price here though, only issue is they seem to have production issues as most bench planes are out of stock everywhere and have been for months. We can't get Woodriver over here but we can get Quangsheng which i believe are from the same factory and they are a good cheaper alternative if not quite as premium, I own a few of these.
I am a US/UK citizen so can buy in both places without a penalty. I own Lie Nielsen planes but the Clifton Block plane is better than anything LN have. People are put off by the price (which is high regardless of location) but it's truly the best on the market period.
@samuelagboola how do you avoid the high US taxes, even Boris Johnson was forced to renounce his US citizenship to avoid taxes
Hi, I'm writing from Italy. I have a NO 6 Clifton which I also reviewed. I believe it is the best you can find in our market. I haven't been able to try Lie Nielsen yet because they are difficult to find in Italy. I have Veritas planes whose quality is very similar to Clifton. I really like the massive cast iron casting. In my example it is very well finished.
Yes Clifton is a premium plane, and you confirm my guess that in Europe the price and availability of Clifton make them the choice over Lie Nielson. For the same reason in North America I give Lie Nielson the edge over Clifton
@@RobCosmanWoodworking I think this is spot on. For those of us in the UK, it's best to buy British (where possible). For those in North America, buy North American and support great local brands.
Can't wait to see the new Rob Cosman premium hand plane. I am sure it is going to be 5-1/2 size.
“Super” 5 1/2, ode to Super Dave!
I just take your word for it, the level at which you work is unbelievable, this is why I bought the wood river 5 1/2
Out of the box, this plane is miles above a Wood River. Every one of those surfaces that Rob points out “could be a little smoother” on this plane, he has to take a mill file and a diamond plate to on the Wood River. And that expensive granite reference slab is there because nine times out of ten the sole on the Wood River planes have to be flattened and re-polished. This plane is comparable to a Wood River AFTER it’s been Cosmanized (and he probably sends a third of them back to Qiangsheng in Changshu, China due to those commies’ lack of quality control) but this is a Clifton, made in Sheffield England, of British steel (and bronze). Notice that no one has to cull the defects, flatten, square, true-up and resell Lie Nielsen or Clifton planes. Unless you bought it from Rob, a Wood River is not remotely comparable to this Clifton.
Eager to get the Cosman Plane. Great analysis for the plane.
My mentor had older (green) Cliftons #3 and #5 and they both had the two piece chip breaker. At the time, they were about 20% cheaper than the LN. They had beautiful metal work and rosewood for the knob and tote. Once they were set up, they were awesome, but the LN are usually good to go straight out of the box.
Even the LN need to be sharpened, but they are the best you can buy in North America. I highly recommend them
It would have been Bubinga tote and knob
Outstanding review and information Rob. I learned some key points about checking tolerances which I’m sure are crucial especially for eliminating plane tracks. None of the other legends that I’ve researched have shared this information. Gratefully appreciate this video
The flatness and squareness checks are the most critical for a good working plane
Thanks for that, very honest opinion.
Well, I tried my thumb on the plane, LIe Nielson, and it felt funny. Not the same leverage point as when my hand is on the front handle/tote or what ever it is called.... I do need to experiment some more.
I love the clifton block plane.
Tell us more details on it. I have never touched one
It's interesting because in the UK the Clifton is £100 or so cheaper than the LN which rather tips the scales in the other direction. Of course importing the Clifton puts on extra that makes it the same as the LN.
Nice review. I'm American and really proud of Lie Nielsen and the work they do to make nearly flawless planes. Most of us in the US that know woodworking will pay the price to support them and make sure we never lose such a great company. That said I've been looking at this plane due to the huge casting. Some of it's looks because the weight is really the same as Lie Nielsen. I think the plane is beautiful and don't mind some of the minor details however I'd be more inclined if those details were the result of refinement by hand. Since these are like this off the machine that's a bit different. Still I can't buy because I'm compelled to buy Lie Nielsen as a sense of duty and in this case as usual I'd be buying the superior product.
WOW ! I can wait until the "Rob Cosman" plane comes out. It would take someone, like yourself, with over 50 years of experience to pick out the details you itemized.
Hopefully it will be out in 2024
Great video as always, Rob! I look forward to seeing/using your plane if you decide to make your own!
well we are 75% through the design process. Hopefully we will have it done within 2024.
@@RobCosmanWoodworkingplease do something better than lie Nielsen but affordable 😊
So better and cheaper?
@@RobCosmanWoodworking Can't wait! With how picky you are, I know it'll be the closest thing to perfection we'll achieve in this lifetime😁
So, about Wood River quality? For the price, Lie-Nielsen for sure.
No, the Clifton is more impressive than the woodRiver, especially with its flatness and squareness tolerances out of the box. As I said in the video the Clifton is in the class of a LN.
I agree with you on the pricing. The Clifton at Woodcraft is actually more than the Lie-Nielsen purchased direct from LN. Given that, I would definitely choose the LN. As it is, I’m quite pleased with my WoodRiver 5 1/2. I just got your new shooting handle and it’s a big improvement.
Thanks for the comment on "The grip" its a shooting board game changer
Looks like the yellow cedar from Exotic Woods in Burlington Ontario!
I own bench planes by Lie Nielson, Clifton, Clico and Veritas. A few old Stanley and record ones too. In the UK, clifton are priced more competitively than Lie Nielson. My 5 1/2 came perfect out the box. I did swap out the chip breaker, older two piece one, with one from Ron Hock, (that need a tickle to flatten the back too)but that is personal preference and have done the same on all the clifton I have. It is my go to bench plane. Real workhorse. I own a no. 4 and no. 6 by nielson, both needed work to get them working well, especially around the castings in front of the iron. Suppose as with most things mass produced, they don't all arrive as perfect as we would like.
When I got in to wood working I got a no.5 from grizzlie ( made by ? ) and later on a no.4 faithful the castings look the same along with the fit and finishes, my point is other than a diffrent tote and bedrock style frog the cost will be the deal breaker for me.
An honest review Rob and team.
Thanks for the comment
How does the Woodriver stack up against this one? Reviews on the webpage are vague. Seems castings are hit and miss. Shipping damage complaints also. Very educational and thorough tear down and review. Looking for my first high quality bench plane. Thank you!
Hi Rob. I have one of these as Im from Yorkshire originally and as this is where they’re made I had to !! Do any of your adjustars fit as i reckon that would be a great mod.
I have lots of your tools They are all exceptional ,Especially the dovetail saw and I love your attention to detail and care. Im a surgeon by profession and appreciate your attitude and teaching
All the best from Wales
If you're a surgeon check out one of Shane Skeltons saws , put them against anything out there .
Unfortunately the none of our adjustars do and we have three thread versions (WoodRiver, Lie Neilson and vintage Record and Stanley) I would have bet money Clifted was the same thread size as vintage Record as thats their heritage but we tested and the Clifton is an entirely different thread so our adjustars won't fit it.
so you are in the proces of making your own line pf planes? or just a no 5 1/2. ether or nice to hear, would love to see it with the ajustar and bearing and the hex screws and all that stuf
We are working on our own 5-1/2. How well or poorly it does will guide our decision whether or not to take on a second plane
Am wondering as I watch how James May would've done it as "The Reassembler". Some in-depth stuff, this.
Took a tour of the Starrett factory in Athol, Massachusetts. Quite the experience !
I would love to do that
@@RobCosmanWoodworking If you are ever planning on being in Massachussetts, then you can request a tour on their website. It was kind of funny that we met Mr. Starrett, the President. He came out to apologize because they could not locate our intended tour guide. We ended up being paired with a millwright who was third generation Starrett. Great tour
The tote on my Qiangsheng is the most comfortable I’ve ever used. I can’t fault anything on the rest of the plane. It is a lot heavier than a Stanley. I would have liked to have seen the feeler gauge test with equivalent pressure as in the assembled iron and cap iron, to show if the gap was significant and needed attention. Law of diminishing returns with the most expensive tools. Comfort and use are my priorities. You get that with mid price. If your son had used the plane the roughness around the tote screw could have been his doing. So not fair to criticise that.
Greetings from the BIG SKY. I have one in my wood shop.
As a Brit I'm disappointed that the Clifton let themselves down.
Quality control should be everything to a premium brand.
For me, that casting is too thick on the side walls.
I'm looking forward to seeing your plane Rob and can't imagine being disappointed as I was here.
Thanks for a forensic review
I just came across your comment but made the same points exactly. I WANT to buy the Clifton but Rob's analysis made me cringe. It is why we have lost our place in manufacturing by being complacent. and not striving for 100% excellence. At this price point I do not think it unreasonable to have the issues raised by Rob addressed.
that's nuts, I was literally just thinking about getting one.
which is why we reviewed it!!!!
@@RobCosmanWoodworking you are the man Rob, I'm glad you reviewed it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with my faithful woodriver 5-1/2!!
wood river makes really nice planes honestly.
Thank you for the review I purchased a no. 4 Clifton a year or so ago.you are correct about the tote it doesn’t feel as a good as a Stanley or lie Nielsen and they should update that you suppose a Stanley tote might fit on the Clifton?
Anxious to see if a cosman plane will measure up opinions are a matter of interpretation and are all over the place no two are alike
Agreed, but now you know mine so you can rest assured my plane will meet all the factors that I consider important
Great review. Just received my Clifton 5 1/2 last week and did ‘your’ checking and tuning. Found the same little issue with the chipbreaker. Have been working the plane a few days now on Oak and it performs very good. It was worth learning your 32second to sharp-process, you should get a medal for publishing that!
I ordered my Cilfton from a distributor in Germany and had it shipped to the Netherlands. A Lie Nielsen would have cost me 16% more! Thanks Rob, for all your video’s.
Great review, thanks for sharing your information, I am a biggest fan of Clifton I think best choice for me, another thing just wanted to say, the iron of Clifton needs to be wipe it with camilian oil before using, other ways get rust so easily.
yessss I've been hoping for this!
We have had lots of requests to review a Clifton
Thomas Flynn bought over the Clifton name and production in 2014, they were made by Clico before then. They were much better made, a little lighter. They can be spotted by their green japanning.
That intro I gave in the video was as stated from the Clifton website confirmed by some research on the web.
They use the same casting patterns as clico so exactly the same!
Great video, I'd love to see the lie nielsen review. Cheers
Can do!
Hello Rob, I actually am ending up with spaghetti-like shavings when I go thin enough. And at first I was thinking ''that's probably the grain structure of oak'' but now that I've done some pieces of pine, and still ending up with spaghetti. I started questioning whether my edge might be too rough. I only have a diamond medium coarse stone of DMT and that's actually the only thing I really trust to be accurate regarding grit contamination. But could this be the reason why I get the spaghetti or do you think something else is more likely?
If you want to get rid of the serrations in your shavings, you will need to move up to 16,000 grit. The diamond stones leave too coarse of a surface finish on the edge.
@@RobCosmanWoodworking You must be right. I really carefully sharpened my blade with sandpaper up to 3000, I don't have any finer paper. I got some diamond paste coming in once it's available again, 6 micron, and I also got the green stuff at 3 micron. I now get very fine lines with the 3000 finish
@@RobCosmanWoodworking I managed to go to 10.000 and I already plenty got the results I was after! amazing how this thing cuts now, its just a 15 euro plane I got second hand but with your help it's now an amazing tool
I got a Clifton blade for my Stanley number 3 bc I filed the mouth too big after getting a hock iron.. it was flat but the machine marks were deep and hard to get out… that was my only complaint
Yes its the thickest blade I have encountered...but thick is a very nice feature in a blade
Great analysis of this tool. As a Brit I cringed somewhat as the shortcomings were all addressable but the QC processes in the UK have been poor. Which is why we no longer lead the world in engineering and Sheffield has lost its tool industry.
I have an almost complete set of the older green clifton planes and they are all beautifully made . they are very different to the new flinn planes you see today, I think the saw factory had alot of problems trying to make planes rather than saws. The old used green Clifton planes seem to be selling for more on ebay than their new ones.
I don't agree with you on the lateral adjuster , the clifton is a traditional plane , so putting screws in as with the LN is abit naff IMO just like the chinese would do.
Hello, plane guys make planes :-)
The same ones employed by clico!
Im gonna experiment with some finer pieces of sandpaper on a glass plate, a flat one, see whether I can get rid of the spaghetti that way. Before buying another DMT
Some cosmetic problems. Seems to work well enough. Price would be the deciding factor.🙂🙂
I agree with you
Where did you get the granite, and is there an equally accurate way to measure flat?
Years ago I found a large (approx 30mmx 160mm rectangular) plano convex glass lens from a scrapped industrial photo copier which is perfectly (optically) flat. Big enough to check a blade but not big enough to sharpen on. I also used it to initially check the flatness of my bigger sharpening float glass surface. Works for me. I suppose you could try a supported glass sheet from an old scanner as they seem to have good quality flat surfaces but I haven't personally checked that out.
Google surface plates. They come in all sizes and grades.
You can find granite reference surfaces with a quick internet search
Starritt do them
I just purchased my first hand plane (5 1/2 jUUMA) and the adjuster knob does not spin so freely like on any Rob's videos I've seen. I have taken it apart and loosen everything up, to a point the blade stays in place but it does not help. Any ideas?
We make three versions, one fits Lie-Nielsen, one fits Woodriver and Luban and one fits Stanley. Trying it on anything else is a shot in the dark, sorry!
@@RobCosmanWoodworking Thank you for taking the time to reply, I appreciate it!
Do you know why they abandoned the two piece chip breaker? A quick google search didn't turn up anything useful.
So who did the damage to the tote and knob? Was it the person at manufacturer or one of your workers. I would probably buy this from T. Flinn rather than the vendors in the U.S. When you opened the box I noticed that the wrapping was not to their standard practice.Can’t understand why you would let anyone else touch the plane prior to your assessment.
“Damage?” Do you mean the sanding scratches?
I don't normaly agree with you in your plane reviews. Hower in the case of the Clifton 5½ I found my self agreeing. I must say that knowing your preference for bedrock style bevel down planes I was expecting a an excelent review and you did not disapoint. My only concern was placing it in the premium plane category. However a look at the tool supplier websites here in the UK put that to rest. It is definatly in the premium price range so with the exception of the peening rather than screws on the lateral I fully agree with your review. If the plane was even £50 ($63) lower in price point it may have been acceptable with those niggles here in the UK however not as it is fully into the premium price bracket.
I am not familiar with plane prices in the UK, but one listener stated that LN are $150-$200 more expensive than Cliftons.
Better tools always makes a better product.
The comfort of the tote is a big deal - I like their heavy casting but think they should refine their tote. Ergonomics are so important when it comes to handle tools. I also agree that the front knob nut should be flush, the inset nut seems bizarre.
I concur with you
I truly appreciate your honest reviews. For a plane in that price range I would definitely expect high quality on every part.
Could the marks on the totes be due to Rob's son taking it apart?
Ummmm.......possible but I think unlikely
Rob is your plane being manufactured in Canada?
What part did Rob say he was making a plane I missed that part ?
At the beginning he said they were working on making their own planes! Can’t wait to see that!!
@@remyvallieres6428 Cool I must have missed that part 😂I will go over it again , good to see different makers .
Yes we are working hard to ensure we are able to designate it a "Made in Canada" product.
Yes we have been developing our own 5-1/2 plane for about two years now. Still working on it. Cannot say when it will be ready for market
Thanx for the review! Is it worth going with a Lie Nielson or the Woodriver you use could be a good choice too? Between the 3 ? Thanx
If you are in North America, LN is the best plane out there, WoodRiver is the best value plane. WoodRivers are sometimes challenges on passing the flatness and squareness checks, which is why we prepare every one we sell to ensure they are flat and square.
Pity they threw out the tool and just kept the name when they acquired them from Clico. Now it's not a trad drop forged blade, ductile iron, no stayset, no racing green... my bench planes are all Clico, but if I ever wanted to replace my (pilfered) No 6 I'd go LN.
Pretty glad I purchased the Lie Nielsen after watching this. Every part of it appears to be just a bit less quality than the Lie Nielsen.
I just finished flattening an 8' hard maple roubo with a Clifton #7. I also had issues with the chip breaker and the tote. After a few hours of initial setup and sharpening it performed wonderfully. The extra weight was both a blessing and a curse! Thanks for another great video Rob! Can't wait to see your new planes
Yes the hefty weight of a Clifton works both ways. Try not picking up the plane when finishing your stroke, just pull it back on the wood. That should help a little
It’s my understanding that Clifton Planes are grey cast iron and WoodRiver and Lie Nielsen are ductile iron. If I am being fuzzy…haha I prefer ductile iron.
I cannot imagine where that's relevant? Is it, or just an interesting factoid?
Extremely relevant. Ductile iron has greater tensile strength and shock resistance, ie if you drop grey iron on a concrete floor, it will break. Not so with Ductile iron.
@@RobCosmanWoodworking the clifton castings go through further heat treatments and can survive a high drop onto the concrete floor.
1st!!! Never came across one those in the wild but heard decent things
Clifton planes are very good planes, great heritage, and exceptional quality where it is needed
One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that, Rob doesn’t like anything that isn’t made in north America, such a shame 🤷♂️
Definitely not true. Woodriver (Quangsheng) planes and chisels are made in the PRC.
Your not the only one whose noticed that Adrian.
I have two Clifton's. A 420 shoulder and the little bull nose. Both are perfectly ground flat and have excellent durable Iron's that hold an edge well.
Nielsen planes are show ponies for poseurs. Their body's are to soft in Bronze and distort when the lever cap is tightened ! I tried using a friend's one once and hated it.
The Iron's are some crudy tool steel that's hard to get to a keen edge and it doesn't hold it long either.
They are pretty. Pretty overrated.
Clifton's are the real deal made for real woodworking.
The only thing I changed on my bullnose was making a larger wedge out of crab apple to make it easier to hold. Indispensable for trimming rebates on window's and drawer stop slip adjustment.
Most North American tools are marketed for hobby guy's who are easily sucked in by hype and bling.
Lots of useless gimmicks.
Nobody uses shooting boards in the trade. What a time waster.
@@Ryan-ui9vs
Garbage.
@@joschmoyo4532 I have the Clifton 5 1/2, love it 👍
That's about the nicest shaving I can remember coming from a plane you've reviewed. Looked as nice as your daily driver 5-1/2. If I was buying tho, I'd get one of yours. Thanks for the honest review. Of course I never expected anything else. 😉 I have to go back and watch the live stream from last night. I fell asleep. Gettin' old is a bummer. As always, thanks for posting.
You know they really need to make a pill for that getting old stuff. Its affecting me too!
And another thing I started using Shapton glass stones bc of your reviews but only had up to 8000 grit.. well I keep hearing that the shapton rockstar stone is the same as the glass just 10 mm of stone instead of 5mm glass and 5 mm stone.. but anyway the shapton rockstar 16000 is selling for $ 60 on Amazon so I just had to try one because they are 120 plus everywhere… have you ever tried one?
Yes we considered them and decided not to carry them. Don't think they are a worthy substitute for the Glass stones
Thank you for the info I appreciate your honesty. I’ll give it a try
How was this the first I've heard of you making a plane! YOU'RE known for planing and dt's so I'm sure you would make a beautiful machine with very tight tolerances!
Well we have been working on it for about two years now and I would say we are 75% there, still cannot predict when it will be available for sale. We are fixing everything that I consider annoying in planes.
Да че уж тут базарить Клифтон он лучший
Nice review Rob, it quickly became apparent that the Clifton is an okay plane at a premium price. Sure, the machining is accurate, the fit is solid, the appearance is blocky. Nice to hear you're making your own. I have a hunch it will be premium on both counts, price and quality, but at least we'll get what we pay for, a rare thing these days.
An ok plane ?
Let me be clear, the Clifton is a premium plane in the class of Lie Nielson planes which puts it at or near the top of the pile. From a function point of view its an awesome plane. For the price, in the U.S. I think the Lie Nielson edges it out. I suspect in Europe it's the opposite effect, the price of the Clifton would edge out the Lie Nielson. But is significantly better plane than OK. Most of my complaints were very very fussy ones.
Dear sir,
How dare you espouse such scorn for the artifacts of our finest craftsmen? Have you gone mad? I will be having tea and crumpets with the King and will relay this vulgar display of unbridled ingratitude and disdain for our glorious industries. I shall also see to it that you are properly punished by denying you entry into our dearest mother England. Perhaps, it will instill a proper reverence for our magnificent and noble history as your former colonizer.
Nitpicking or not i am with you 100%. The amount of money these planes cost it should be picked over. I can't wait until the super 5-1/2 comes out
Actually it depends if you are in North america or Europe. In Europe the LN is significantly more costly, and the Clifton is the probable pick. The super will in fact be super.
Holy shit it's like $470
Again, in North America go with a LN
I have no knowledge what type of iron clifton uses. Good question though
Is your new intro made using AI? The cartoon plane there is a horrible mess and I don't see how anyone would have drawn that and thought "yeah that looks good"
I dont know. A friend of my son in law did that
I disagree, it looks really nice
@@Argentuza it has a blob of metal like a burger on the front.
I'm told Clifton has always been a meh product, not the best but not the worst. Think it was a pride product so Bristol could have its own toolmaking back inthe day!
Several commenters talk about how good the brand was 20+ years ago.
Honestly I think you’re just too picky about things 99% of woodworkers wouldn’t notice. Does it shave wood well ? Yes it does . Importing heavy stuff is expensive and every pair of hands that touch it has to make money.
Just a observation
For thousands of years mankind worked wood and created some of the most amazing forms of art out of wood with the most rudimentary tools and now days every review on TH-cam, not only yours, is dissecting the tool and talking about how things should have being done.
How about sharpening the iron, put it to work and then say if it works for you or not, no need to make it so ambiguous, it's a tool for wood working, not a model on a fashion show,
Just saying
Luv the video, but please stop with the inches en pounds it doesnt make sense start using the metric system for everybody sake.
Keep up the good content
No
You need to watch my TH-cam video on imperial vs metric !!!!!
@@RobCosmanWoodworking
I will ;)
I have the 5 and 5 1/2 clifton here in the UK as well as two LN planes. The Lie Nielsen are far superior and I wouldn't by anything from Thomas flynn including there badly set saws again
Interesting. Thanks for the comment
Suspect the casting is made in India or China, and everything else is made in UK
I do not know....maybe!
@RobCosmanWoodworking UK still has capacity for specialist steel making, only just though. Could also be cast in Taiwan, think Flynn has a factory there.
@@RobCosmanWoodworking requirement in UK law for 50% of product OR a substantial value of the product to be made in UK. That's why I say the cast iron body is overseas made as the value is in the other parts.
My understanding is that they are still cast in sheffield , it shows them doing it on there promotional video. They are members of "made in sheffield" which means everything has to be made in the city.
Made in UK!
Thank you for the review I purchased a no. 4 Clifton a year or so ago.you are correct about the tote it doesn’t feel as a good as a Stanley or lie Nielsen and they should update that you suppose a Stanley tote might fit on the Clifton?
Maybe. But Totes are pretty dang easy to make yourself from a blank piece of wood. Don't be afraid to try do that.