Hand router plane...
- Thread starter pe2dave
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I got one of these a while ago. Very well made and easy to use with a little care. Very good value, I think, compared to the quality competition
The Hongdui plane looks very nice, but it is just a standard router plane with a nice depth stop and height adjuster.
IMO This looks much more interesting:
That's the Woodpecker version. However there looks to be a very similar Blue Spruce Toolworks plane entering the market too:
More expensive tool, but something a little different to the standard. They look to be modelled on the old Preston design rather than the more standard Stanley.
IMO This looks much more interesting:
That's the Woodpecker version. However there looks to be a very similar Blue Spruce Toolworks plane entering the market too:
More expensive tool, but something a little different to the standard. They look to be modelled on the old Preston design rather than the more standard Stanley.
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The Hongdui plane looks very nice, but it is just a standard router plane with a nice depth stop and height adjuster.
IMO This looks much more interesting:
That's the Woodpecker version. However there looks to be a very similar Blue Spruce Toolworks plane entering the market too:
More expensive tool, but something a little different to the standard. They look to be modelled on the old Preston design rather than the more standard Stanley.
They’ll be good, but they’re about twice the price of the Hongdui/KM.
pe2dave
Established Member
Get what you pay for perhaps?
Blue Spruce version is currently $230 ($270 RRP) on their site. Woodpeck looks to be the same price. Hongdui is $140 ($300 RRP). So more expensive but not twice the price. As @pe2dave says - you get what you pay for. TBH I think $230 is a good price. It's comparable to the Veritas large router.
As I see it the cost problem at the moment is that no one seems to be selling them this side of the pond - so the shipping cost is likely to bump up the cost significantly.
I'd also add, I think the Hongdui is a good buy. If I wanted a Stanley style router it would be at the top of my list.
But I have two Stanley stype planes already. What I like about the Blue Spruce/Woodpecker ones is the versatility. The wide base and facility to hang the cutter off the edge at different orientations.
The Hongdui is good - I just don't think it is as innovative as the Blue Spuce / Woodpecker plane (though even that looks to have roots in the Preston design.
As I see it the cost problem at the moment is that no one seems to be selling them this side of the pond - so the shipping cost is likely to bump up the cost significantly.
I'd also add, I think the Hongdui is a good buy. If I wanted a Stanley style router it would be at the top of my list.
But I have two Stanley stype planes already. What I like about the Blue Spruce/Woodpecker ones is the versatility. The wide base and facility to hang the cutter off the edge at different orientations.
The Hongdui is good - I just don't think it is as innovative as the Blue Spuce / Woodpecker plane (though even that looks to have roots in the Preston design.
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Possibly, but they’re Hongdui is extremely well made from good quality materials, so you’d want to know what it is that would merit the extea
pe2dave
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An easy comparison.
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$99 shipping when I just looked. The Hongdui ships free from Banggood.
I’m not arguing that the Hongdui is better than the others - just that it’s a great choice for someone who wants excellent quality at a very good price.
I guess what we can all agree on is that it's a good time to buy a router plane.
Oh, and I'd add the Melbourne Router plane as another option. Again the Hongdui is the more obvious option to the Melbourne, but the latter's blade setup is interesting. Easier to sharpen. Akin to the Paul Sellar kit configuration (yet another option)
Oh, and I'd add the Melbourne Router plane as another option. Again the Hongdui is the more obvious option to the Melbourne, but the latter's blade setup is interesting. Easier to sharpen. Akin to the Paul Sellar kit configuration (yet another option)
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We can get the Woodpecker or Blue Spruce in for anyone who is interested, just send us an email for a price. [email protected]
The Melbourne Tool Company router plane is a great price at £169.96 and includes 1/2" cutter the ambidextrous fence with additional cutters in 3,6,8,10 and 12mm. Based on the Old Woman's Tooth it's is easy to sharpen and has a more natural feel when in use.
https://woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/melbourne-tool-company-large-router-plane/
Might be out of stock after Harrogate but still unpacking, have a new delivery due in shortly.
Cheers
Peter
The Melbourne Tool Company router plane is a great price at £169.96 and includes 1/2" cutter the ambidextrous fence with additional cutters in 3,6,8,10 and 12mm. Based on the Old Woman's Tooth it's is easy to sharpen and has a more natural feel when in use.
https://woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/melbourne-tool-company-large-router-plane/
Might be out of stock after Harrogate but still unpacking, have a new delivery due in shortly.
Cheers
Peter
thanos999
Established Member
i got the hongdui km17 pro today from banggood orderd it sunday arrived 2 days ealy all for £117 it was well packed in that foam stuff they use it was sharp strait out the box it comes with 1/2inch blade and a v shaped blade the instructions are ok very fine adjuster nob takes ages to set it to correct depth if using the full 70mm depth tomorrow i will try it against my old record 71
thanos999
Established Member
just found this review on youtube
Orraloon
Established Member
That was good to see how they all compare. I have an old stanley so have never used any of the modern ones. Like the guy mentioned the shoe thingie on the stanley is not really doing much and is never on my plane. I have got used to the shortcomings of it so will likely never buy another router plane. The video did fill in a few knowledge gaps for me and should be a good guide for anyone looking to get a router plane.
While on the subject I have noticed that old stanleys and records with all the parts are going for crazy money so its good there is some other choice out there.
Regards
John
While on the subject I have noticed that old stanleys and records with all the parts are going for crazy money so its good there is some other choice out there.
Regards
John
Paddy Roxburgh
Established Member
I bought one of these earlier this year from Banggood and I gotta say it’s a fantastic tool. I already have a record one, but wanted 2 so I could keep one at final depth (the depth stops on the Stanley/record are woefully bad). Tbh, with the Hongdui I only really need one as the depth stop works wonderfully.
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