LN No4 - DCI or Bronze

[SVB]

Following a small success at work, SWMBO has sanctioned a new toy and I have decided to treat myself to a nice smoothing plane.

I have decided I would like a nice LN No.4 but must admit I am not sure what the pros n cons of DCI vs Bronze are.

If it is a case of pays yer money and takes yer choice I am tempted by the bronze as rust will not be a worry on the body and it looks as cool as ****.

Other than the shine factor, what should I really be thinking about?

Thanks
Simon

 

[Paul Chapman]

The bronze plane is heavier. In general, I think heavier planes perform better than light ones.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[Doug B]

The shine doesn`t last, unless you polish the plane regularly, well mine hasn`t

 

[Chems]

Why not get the 4 1/2 its meant to be the ultimate smoother. Not to much price increase either something like £30 on the CI version. Going to get myself one for Christmas.

 

[bugbear]

Why not get the 4 1/2 its meant to be the ultimate smoother.

There's competition for that title!

BugBear

 

[Anonymous]

Simmon

I have the iron #4.5 and the anniversary bronze #4.5 - i prefer the bronze plane for it's weight and it works slightly better too, however, the bronze sole did 'move' and I had to faltten it again after a few months whereas the iron is as it came 5 years ago.

 

[Modernist]

I had the same dilemma a few years ago and finally decided in the queue talking to the man himself (LN) at the Ax show.

I would definitely go for the 4 1/2 over the 4 and I prefer the iron planes personally. I have a 140LH also in iron which is the last plane I would want to be any heavier.

 

[SVB]

Thanks for all the replies.

I have decided to go for the Bronze No.4.

I have a 5.5 Stanley that I have tuned DC style with replacement blade / chip-breaker (although not to the same level of perfection I am sure!) so I have the larger plane covered . Most of my work is smaller, boxes etc so the No.4 should be perfect.

I am a little worried (after pressing the buy button) to hear about Tony having to re-flatten the sole of a LN as I thought that was one of LN's main selling points - have others experianced this or was Tony 'unlucky'?

Looking forward to the FedEx van now!

Simon

 

[newt]

Simon, you will not be disappointed.

 

[Anonymous]

I am a little worried (after pressing the buy button) to hear about Tony having to re-flatten the sole of a LN as I thought that was one of LN's main selling points - have others experianced this or was Tony 'unlucky'?

Simon

Simon

I spoke with Thomas Lie Nielsen about this (I am known to TLN as a somewhat 'regular' customer ) and it is the reason he only makes the smaller planes from bronze. They will move (my bronze block plane did too), but it is a very quick and easy thing to fix with a piece of sand paper on a flat surface and a few minutes effort. I have never had to flatten an iron LN sole despite having over a dozen but would not hesitate to buy bronze if I actually needed another plane

 

[SVB]

Hi Tony,

Thanks for your info, experience and feedback,

Would you expect or be prepared for a one off movement or is this a constant issue?

Also, (showing my inexperience here), what are the tell-tail signs a flattening is required?

Many thanks
S

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Tony,

Thanks for your info, experience and feedback,

Would you expect or be prepared for a one off movement or is this a constant issue?

Also, (showing my inexperience here), what are the tell-tail signs a flattening is required?

Many thanks
S

Hi Simon

The tell tale signs first materialised in my bronze no. 3 now I come to think about it. Basically, from new it performed poorly and I could not take fine shavings. I laid an engineers straight edge against the sole and saw it was not flat. i then laid the straight edge against all my planes and only the bronze ones were out. I talked to TLN about this and then lattened them in a couple of minutes on my table saw top with a piece of 180 grit wet and dry taped to it. I have only done this once with each of the planes and I guess I should check again, but they still cut beautifully and I suspect require no work.

Please note that the only bench planes where a flat sole really matters are block and smoothing planes which are often used to take very fine shavings and need to leave a perfect finish on the wood.

Might I suggest Chris Swarz's DVD Course, medium, fine - it changed the way I use hand planes for the better and is one fo the best DVDs on wooodwork I have seen