Hi all, first post here and a long one too, sorry! I've been lurking now for a long time, what a great site! I'm just curious to hear from other tool users on their experiences of quality control when purchasing tools from the quality makers like Clifton, Veritas and in particular LN.
I've had issues with my most recent purchases of LN planes, a LN No. 4 and a LN 5 1/2. Both were bought from different online suppliers in the UK. The no. 4 had a "sloppy" Y lever which I wasn't happy with; the supplier referred me directly to LN USA who dealt with the issue, but were quite adamant that the part in question was "within tolerances". Having paid so much for a quality tool I wasn't happy and they eventually shipped a replacement part which was far superior in fit and finish; job sorted.
My most recent experience in purchasing a 5 1/2 was also disappointing. The plane's packaging was badly damaged during transit which immediately set me in "detective mode"! On examination of the plane I found that the spring on the lever cap was loose and inclined to move when the lateral adjustment lever was operated. I notified the supplier and a replacement plane was delivered, without quibble. The replacement duly arrived and imagine my disbelief when I found that the "play" on the second lever cap was even worse! Ok, I'm a craftsman I could simply peen over the rivet and see if this improved things, or so I thought. I tried it, it didn't work and I didn't want to mess up an expensive tool. Again I got back onto the supplier and a replacement was sent out, again without quible (their customer service was excellent and I'll buy from them again). At last the lever cap was satisfactory and I could finally use my plane, after more than a month of patient waiting!
To sum up I think I'd have to think long and hard before I'd buy LN again; ok, when you get a good one it's a beauty and so nice to use and own, but if my experiences of quality control are typical well then that's another matter.
By contrast I've a number of planes from Veritas and one from Clifton; all were perfect from day one and more than met my expectations.
Anyone else got a story to tell?
I've had issues with my most recent purchases of LN planes, a LN No. 4 and a LN 5 1/2. Both were bought from different online suppliers in the UK. The no. 4 had a "sloppy" Y lever which I wasn't happy with; the supplier referred me directly to LN USA who dealt with the issue, but were quite adamant that the part in question was "within tolerances". Having paid so much for a quality tool I wasn't happy and they eventually shipped a replacement part which was far superior in fit and finish; job sorted.
My most recent experience in purchasing a 5 1/2 was also disappointing. The plane's packaging was badly damaged during transit which immediately set me in "detective mode"! On examination of the plane I found that the spring on the lever cap was loose and inclined to move when the lateral adjustment lever was operated. I notified the supplier and a replacement plane was delivered, without quibble. The replacement duly arrived and imagine my disbelief when I found that the "play" on the second lever cap was even worse! Ok, I'm a craftsman I could simply peen over the rivet and see if this improved things, or so I thought. I tried it, it didn't work and I didn't want to mess up an expensive tool. Again I got back onto the supplier and a replacement was sent out, again without quible (their customer service was excellent and I'll buy from them again). At last the lever cap was satisfactory and I could finally use my plane, after more than a month of patient waiting!
To sum up I think I'd have to think long and hard before I'd buy LN again; ok, when you get a good one it's a beauty and so nice to use and own, but if my experiences of quality control are typical well then that's another matter.
By contrast I've a number of planes from Veritas and one from Clifton; all were perfect from day one and more than met my expectations.
Anyone else got a story to tell?
