I absolutely love anything woodworking. I'm a very skilled diy guy. But I didn't understand half of what you were talking about. And I love it. I now want to learn all the terminology around planing. I also want everything that's behind you.
Once you tune one up yourself, and once you see different makes, it all makes sense naturally and becomes almost second nature. I was just like you and actually used an old crappy Handyman (stanley) just for tiny jobs. Long story short, when I'm curious about a sibject, I tend to dive in it. Free lessons from you tube, internet searches! But you gotta buy material! So I bought other cheap Stanleys, different sizes, even almost free other weird brands (kunz) and no names, between 5 and 10$. I did this our of curiosity. Bought a few 150 year old wood ones for next ot nothing. ALso got a few quality ones from Veritas and Lie Nielsen. After that you'll understand all the details, differences and why it makes a difference. Then you can get vintage Stanleys (pre WWII, ones after that aren't so good) and restore them knowing what you learned. Those are worth your time to restore as they will really perform well. Have fun!
Planing is pretty zen. It is useful with woodworking too. Planing you can sneak up on measurements. Cut everything a little long and plane it to the perfect fit.
For $125 I'd just buy an old Stanley. I got a English 5 1/2 for 80 bucks and it's in great shape. Not as collectible as an US one but works great nonetheless. But still love to see these videos. Thanks Jamie!
To be honest, I was thinking the same thing. You can buy old 5 1/2s from Stanley for about that price. Maybe 20 more or less depending on age and condition.
When I first started in hand tool woodworking, veterans referred to purchasing new (non-boutique) tools as "buying a kit." In other words, if you want it to work well, a lot of fettling will likely be needed. That includes flattening the key contact points on the sole as well as any mating surfaces (e.g., to fix the rocking in that plane's frog). As you note, for $125 you should plan on the plane requiring more work from the user to get it fettled than a higher priced equivalent. On a slightly related note, I've owned two old school #5-1/2s (both Type 11, if I recall correctly) and both of them were extremely used. I don't mean mistreated, just very high mileage (short irons, wear on the soles, etc.). In contrast, I've also had two #4-1/2s of similar vintage that were much less used. Two of each isn’t a good sample size but I still wonder if these two plane sizes appealed to completely different users.
Oh back in the day they may have for sure! I know currently most people I talk to stick to 1/2 sizes for the full line. so 4 1/2 and 5 1/2 and on the flip side 4 and 5. It is not often I hear someone owning a 4 and a 5 1/2 or a 4 1/2 and a 5.
I would love to see a review on the premium planes by Grizzly, I got some pictures of the components and they look really good, better than the Jorgensen but around the price as this plane, I think it sits at 139.99 for a no 5!
Hey Jamie! In the spirit of looking at more affordable planes... Have you ever checked out the Juuma brand planes? They look extremely well finished, and from what I've heard, have very accurate machining. For some reason I don't hear a whole lot about them? I was looking at their low angle block...Maybe an upcoming test video for budget friendly planes? Great vids👍
From what i know, juuma planes are made in the same usine than dictum (german shop with a good reputation ) , quiansheng (not sure about the spelling ), serie D and some others brand i forgot ) I have some dictum and juuma, and they are really good! Not as good as my veritas and Clifton but clearly enough.
@@hugofr2708 quangsheng also goes by Luban. I have both dictum and luban planes a apart from minor differnces like color and handles, they really look like they were made in the factory. The luban also look absolutely identical to the woodriver planes, so my guess is they just took a few features away from the woodriver and sell it under Luban name for european market.
Good to know! One of their standard angle block planes (unused, open box) popped up in a local ad for $70 CAD and I'm seriously considering it. Being a 'buy once, cry once' when it comes to tools, I was hunting for a low angle Veritas or Lie Nielson, but for the price, the Juuma looked really good after the ONE review I could find anyway! As mentioned, everything was flat checked on the video and the general build quality, look, and machining seemed super crisp. A lot of my mechanics tools are German (Knipex etc) and I love them. Just seemed to good to be true, even at new retail prices? Everytime I think I'm saving $, I wind up buying what I really want in the end and spend more. That's what I tell myself anyway. Justification tools I suppose;)
@@cblack1863 oh those brands arent german. Dictum is a german retailer that ships over europe, but those plane are chinese and they put their name on it.(just like woodriver).
I have a TayTools shoulder plane I bought some years ago. I've yet to need one, but I checked the sole to the sides and the milling appeared to be well done. No idea if the iron will hold an edge. I'm all set on planes, I have more than I need, but I'm still curious about how new offerings perform. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Veritas is my go to for every plane (bench, joinery, specialty, etc), if money was no issue I would be going with modern made Cliftons for bench planes but joinery and specialty would probably be Veritas still because I love their innovation
Good video, I have always wondered if TayTools planes were any good. I have a block plane from them I do not have any problems with it, though that is probably because it sits on the shelf next to my veritas one. But when I used it, I had no major problems with it. It does seem like one could get an old Stanley for that price but those come with their own set of concerns. I generally like things I get from Taytools, and I find them better than most woodworking specialty shops online.
The most I've ever spent on any plane is $20. I don't think I have $200 into my entire collection. I've gotten planes for as little as 25 cents. If they're that cheap I'll just buy them on principal to see if I can get them working again. I usually can too.
@@Fusion_Woodworking I have made some woodworking tools myself. I have never made a plane though. They're too easy to find. Well, lately I haven't seen as many as I used to.
I admit to being ignorant of current tool prices. But $125 does seem a little high for a loose plane. With a soft iron. I'd advise just go for an old Stanley 5 or 6. The 5 is narrower and the 6 is longer. But I'm not sure there is any good reason for a 5.5 anyway. And if you are so inclined, get a new high dollar, sophisticated, stays sharp forever replacement iron for your old Stanley. I have an old Stanley 5C with its original iron and am happy. And a cheap, old 5 from some Stanley copy company with its original iron and its good too.
A couple things made my ears perk up in your video. You mention the body isnt square on one side and also the iron rocks. I would bet its a bad casting. Someone had mentioned recently about modern plane makers not letting the bodies "season" long enough and they warp. I cant remember if it was Rex or someone else. Either way, I would say that potentially the only fix is to either replace it or get out a file...but I wouldnt do that
That iron clacking around is concerning. I'm sure it is something that could be addressed though. I guess if you know someone with a surface grinder you could square the body up too?
@@BatCaveCreations I don't think tuning planes up is out of the ordinary. Perfect planes from the factory is the less common thing to expect. Unless you are in the premium market, that is. Which I would say this plane is not. i wouldn't consider any defects this plane has to be a deal breaker. It does plane wood.
@@BatCaveCreations frankly even at this price point I'd like to see it a bit better. But perhaps that is asking too much today? Really this isn't much better than what I'd expect out of the lowest end new planes available for a fraction of the price. I'd have to see the scratch pattern on the sole after it's been lapped to really make that call.
@1pcfred comparing this to others it is better made than the ones at a lower price point BUT the iron is thw same if not worse than those lower level planes. I don't know that I ever had an iron lose its edge this fast :/
It's like a project plane except instead of a pile of loose parts you buy a completed plane, and then do all the fenagling they should have done at the factory. That iron sounds like it was made with cheese. I like cheese, just not in my plane.
I really really wish the iron was better. That would have a HUGE impact on my thoughts around this plane because 100% you have to upgrade the iron and with the cost of one ur close to a better all around quality plane
I absolutely love anything woodworking. I'm a very skilled diy guy. But I didn't understand half of what you were talking about. And I love it. I now want to learn all the terminology around planing. I also want everything that's behind you.
Hand tool woodworking is so satisfying, and the hand plane is the king
Once you tune one up yourself, and once you see different makes, it all makes sense naturally and becomes almost second nature. I was just like you and actually used an old crappy Handyman (stanley) just for tiny jobs. Long story short, when I'm curious about a sibject, I tend to dive in it. Free lessons from you tube, internet searches! But you gotta buy material! So I bought other cheap Stanleys, different sizes, even almost free other weird brands (kunz) and no names, between 5 and 10$. I did this our of curiosity. Bought a few 150 year old wood ones for next ot nothing. ALso got a few quality ones from Veritas and Lie Nielsen. After that you'll understand all the details, differences and why it makes a difference. Then you can get vintage Stanleys (pre WWII, ones after that aren't so good) and restore them knowing what you learned. Those are worth your time to restore as they will really perform well. Have fun!
Planing is pretty zen. It is useful with woodworking too. Planing you can sneak up on measurements. Cut everything a little long and plane it to the perfect fit.
For $125 I'd just buy an old Stanley. I got a English 5 1/2 for 80 bucks and it's in great shape. Not as collectible as an US one but works great nonetheless. But still love to see these videos. Thanks Jamie!
To be honest, I was thinking the same thing. You can buy old 5 1/2s from Stanley for about that price. Maybe 20 more or less depending on age and condition.
@@timothymallon #5-1/2s in decent shape for $20? You must live in old tool heaven.
@@mikel5582 didn’t he say $120?
@@Stashmo I was referring to the "maybe 20 more or less" comment.
@@mikel5582He said $20 more or less than the $125. So $105-145, depending on age and condition.
When I first started in hand tool woodworking, veterans referred to purchasing new (non-boutique) tools as "buying a kit." In other words, if you want it to work well, a lot of fettling will likely be needed. That includes flattening the key contact points on the sole as well as any mating surfaces (e.g., to fix the rocking in that plane's frog). As you note, for $125 you should plan on the plane requiring more work from the user to get it fettled than a higher priced equivalent.
On a slightly related note, I've owned two old school #5-1/2s (both Type 11, if I recall correctly) and both of them were extremely used. I don't mean mistreated, just very high mileage (short irons, wear on the soles, etc.).
In contrast, I've also had two #4-1/2s of similar vintage that were much less used. Two of each isn’t a good sample size but I still wonder if these two plane sizes appealed to completely different users.
Oh back in the day they may have for sure! I know currently most people I talk to stick to 1/2 sizes for the full line. so 4 1/2 and 5 1/2 and on the flip side 4 and 5. It is not often I hear someone owning a 4 and a 5 1/2 or a 4 1/2 and a 5.
I would love to see a review on the premium planes by Grizzly, I got some pictures of the components and they look really good, better than the Jorgensen but around the price as this plane, I think it sits at 139.99 for a no 5!
I have wanted to try one of theres, i will see if anyone has one i can borrow! Thank you!
Hey Jamie! In the spirit of looking at more affordable planes... Have you ever checked out the Juuma brand planes? They look extremely well finished, and from what I've heard, have very accurate machining. For some reason I don't hear a whole lot about them? I was looking at their low angle block...Maybe an upcoming test video for budget friendly planes? Great vids👍
Ooh I never heard of them! I'll look them up!! Thank you!!
From what i know, juuma planes are made in the same usine than dictum (german shop with a good reputation ) , quiansheng (not sure about the spelling ), serie D and some others brand i forgot )
I have some dictum and juuma, and they are really good! Not as good as my veritas and Clifton but clearly enough.
@@hugofr2708 quangsheng also goes by Luban. I have both dictum and luban planes a apart from minor differnces like color and handles, they really look like they were made in the factory. The luban also look absolutely identical to the woodriver planes, so my guess is they just took a few features away from the woodriver and sell it under Luban name for european market.
Good to know! One of their standard angle block planes (unused, open box) popped up in a local ad for $70 CAD and I'm seriously considering it. Being a 'buy once, cry once' when it comes to tools, I was hunting for a low angle Veritas or Lie Nielson, but for the price, the Juuma looked really good after the ONE review I could find anyway! As mentioned, everything was flat checked on the video and the general build quality, look, and machining seemed super crisp. A lot of my mechanics tools are German (Knipex etc) and I love them. Just seemed to good to be true, even at new retail prices? Everytime I think I'm saving $, I wind up buying what I really want in the end and spend more. That's what I tell myself anyway. Justification tools I suppose;)
@@cblack1863 oh those brands arent german. Dictum is a german retailer that ships over europe, but those plane are chinese and they put their name on it.(just like woodriver).
I have a TayTools shoulder plane I bought some years ago. I've yet to need one, but I checked the sole to the sides and the milling appeared to be well done. No idea if the iron will hold an edge. I'm all set on planes, I have more than I need, but I'm still curious about how new offerings perform. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Veritas is my go to for every plane (bench, joinery, specialty, etc), if money was no issue I would be going with modern made Cliftons for bench planes but joinery and specialty would probably be Veritas still because I love their innovation
Good video, I have always wondered if TayTools planes were any good. I have a block plane from them I do not have any problems with it, though that is probably because it sits on the shelf next to my veritas one. But when I used it, I had no major problems with it.
It does seem like one could get an old Stanley for that price but those come with their own set of concerns. I generally like things I get from Taytools, and I find them better than most woodworking specialty shops online.
Taytools is awesome and i agree the price of vintage vs soemthing like Taytools they will both work and 1 doesn't need cleaned hahaha
Great video thanks for sharing
Looks similar to benchdog 5-1/2 which is on sale for $200 at the moment.
The most I've ever spent on any plane is $20. I don't think I have $200 into my entire collection. I've gotten planes for as little as 25 cents. If they're that cheap I'll just buy them on principal to see if I can get them working again. I usually can too.
@@1pcfred that's great. Some woodworkers make their own tools. All roads lead to Rome.
@@Fusion_Woodworking I have made some woodworking tools myself. I have never made a plane though. They're too easy to find. Well, lately I haven't seen as many as I used to.
Put the iron on a flat surface and then tap it. Easiest way I know of to tell if the iron is warped or frog not true.
Thank you!!!
I admit to being ignorant of current tool prices. But $125 does seem a little high for a loose plane. With a soft iron. I'd advise just go for an old Stanley 5 or 6. The 5 is narrower and the 6 is longer. But I'm not sure there is any good reason for a 5.5 anyway. And if you are so inclined, get a new high dollar, sophisticated, stays sharp forever replacement iron for your old Stanley. I have an old Stanley 5C with its original iron and am happy. And a cheap, old 5 from some Stanley copy company with its original iron and its good too.
Late last year I bought a Stanley 62 for £125 inc tax and delivery and it is very good, so maybe the 5 1/2 should be better
The mouth won't be as brittle at least. Haha
A couple things made my ears perk up in your video. You mention the body isnt square on one side and also the iron rocks. I would bet its a bad casting. Someone had mentioned recently about modern plane makers not letting the bodies "season" long enough and they warp. I cant remember if it was Rex or someone else. Either way, I would say that potentially the only fix is to either replace it or get out a file...but I wouldnt do that
Ah that is a good point! Thank you!!
For us poor folk even taytools are expensive
That iron clacking around is concerning. I'm sure it is something that could be addressed though. I guess if you know someone with a surface grinder you could square the body up too?
True, I borrowed this plane. It is possible the owner may just exchange it for a new one
@@BatCaveCreations I don't think tuning planes up is out of the ordinary. Perfect planes from the factory is the less common thing to expect. Unless you are in the premium market, that is. Which I would say this plane is not. i wouldn't consider any defects this plane has to be a deal breaker. It does plane wood.
@1pcfred I agree, if it was my own I'd keep it as is. Now of ur paying $300+ for this plane I'd send it back haha
@@BatCaveCreations frankly even at this price point I'd like to see it a bit better. But perhaps that is asking too much today? Really this isn't much better than what I'd expect out of the lowest end new planes available for a fraction of the price. I'd have to see the scratch pattern on the sole after it's been lapped to really make that call.
@1pcfred comparing this to others it is better made than the ones at a lower price point BUT the iron is thw same if not worse than those lower level planes. I don't know that I ever had an iron lose its edge this fast :/
First! Hey Jamie!
Hey!! You won!!! Lol
In other words - get a decent plane from Lee Valley and be done with it.
It's like a project plane except instead of a pile of loose parts you buy a completed plane, and then do all the fenagling they should have done at the factory.
That iron sounds like it was made with cheese. I like cheese, just not in my plane.
haha deff cheese and not even sharp cheddar.... :(
Good video. That plane is a waste of money. Save and buy a higher quality tool
I really really wish the iron was better. That would have a HUGE impact on my thoughts around this plane because 100% you have to upgrade the iron and with the cost of one ur close to a better all around quality plane