Clifton vs LN vs LV bench planes

[AndyT]

They don't actually take plastic - you'll need cash or a cheque - so if you did mean 'bank card' do take it so you can pop out to a cash dispenser!

 

[tobytools]

They don't actually take plastic - you'll need cash or a cheque - so if you did mean 'bank card' do take it so you can pop out to a cash dispenser!

Lol, makes sence. I'll just have to settle with two planes instead
Cheers
TT

 

[Vann]

As others have said, Lie-Nielsen, Veritas and Clifton are all premium tool brands. You won't go wrong with any of them - it's more a matter of taste. Veritas are modern and innovative. To me Lie-Nielsen look more classic than Clifton. I prefer Clifton because they're British (even though I'm not #-o ).

I have their No.3 because I already had a No.4 (or two - not Cliffies) at the time. I really love it and use it for fine smoothing. I still have my No.4 for coarser work.

I also bought a Clifton No.4 1/2, which I wanted because every No.4 1/2 I bought off online auction sites turned out to be flawed, but I find I very seldom reach for it.

I've also bought Clifton irons to upgrade other planes in the "fleet". I've mostly used Classic Hand Tools because they really excelled themselves with my No.4 1/2 - though for the No.8 irons I had to go to Germany for the cap-iron, and the USA for the cutting iron, as there were no stocks left in the UK by 2010.

I very much doubt you'll ever regret buying yourself that Cliffie No.4, but if you get the opportunity, try the No.3 as well before you hand over the folding stuff.

Cheers, Vann.

 

[Benchwayze]

Am I coming in late?

As usable tools, there's little wrong with Clifton. However my one issue with them is the handle design. I just don't like it, and it feels awkward to me. So for that reason alone, I went to LN for a 'posh' Jack.

(Results from both are almost as good as my ancient, fettled Record! ) 8)

And I still can't sell the Clifton. So it's on a shelf going to waste.

 

[Kalimna]

I have an interest in your Cliffie, but right now it would be tricky to slip it under the nose of Mrs S. I already have a No6, so an expansion of the set would be nice.

Cheers,
Adam S

 

[woodbrains]

Hello,

Handles seem to be the deal breaker with these tools. I have heared most dislike of the Veritas rear handles and it might be that Clifton may not suit everyone either, if Benchwayse is not alone I his preference. I have a Veritas LA jack and get on very well with the handle. It seems that the less angled and less curved handle is a modern development that is actually meant to fatigue the user less. See Bridge City Tools take on the subject. However, if you are used to the more curvaceous handles on Bailey style planes, they might be too radical a difference to get along with. Definitely find some test examples before making up your mind, as the Veritas planes themselves are absolutely fabulous in manufacture and function.

Mike.

 

[Muina]

I've never tried a Clifton, but having tried Veritas and Lie Nielsen I found the LN ran circles around the Veritas (obviously this is personal preference). I can't imagine the Cliftons being horrible to use, the only reason I went American was that I read somewhere (don't know how true this is) that the Cliftons are prone to smashing if dropped, whereas the others are not as brittle. Even though I treat my LN like a hemophiliac new born accidents do happen!

Only thing I can say is that with any tool, you really need to use them to find which one will suit you best, so if you can find someone with a Clifton to try I know the Warrington Axminster has a hand tool event on November 30th where they'll most likely have both LN and Veritas planes to try out.

Thank you

Anthony

 

[G S Haydon]

Hello Toby,

I'm 99% going the clifton route too via Workshop Heaven, most likely #4, a post Christmas purchase after some tool vouchers :ho2 . I've started a Clifton page on pinterest if you want to take a look, hopefuly add some more tonight http://www.pinterest.com/joinery/clifton-hand-planes/ . I'm looking forward to your review.

 

[Jacob]

.... (don't know how true this is) that the Cliftons are prone to smashing if dropped, whereas the others are not as brittle. ....

I doubt it as they seem to be made if ductile steel and are soft compared to an old cast iron Record. So they scratch easily instead, as do LV, both in my experience.

 

[Paul Chapman]

the only reason I went American was that I read somewhere (don't know how true this is) that the Cliftons are prone to smashing if dropped, whereas the others are not as brittle.

Not true. I have a video where Clifton tested some of their planes by dropping them 20 feet onto a concrete floor and they didn't bend or break. They are very well made tools.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[tobytools]

This might interest some
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iLTzsIDXHeY

That's a job would do
Sorry boss this one is ruined I'll bin it you just relax lol

TT

 

[tobytools]

Hello Toby,

I'm 99% going the clifton route too via Workshop Heaven, most likely #4, a post Christmas purchase after some tool vouchers :ho2 . I've started a Clifton page on pinterest if you want to take a look, hopefuly add some more tonight http://www.pinterest.com/joinery/clifton-hand-planes/ . I'm looking forward to your review.

Cheers buddy,
I'll have a look and review to the best of my ability,
Mine is going to be an early Xmas present to
No4
I can't wait,
Saying that the misses is now blackmailing me

Thanks TT