Looking to buy a block plane

Adam W. · 14 Aug 2023

I bought one of the new Record block planes for use on sit, it was utter rubbish and I couldn't use it at all.

Jacob · 14 Aug 2023

Mine's a fairly old (1975) Stanley 220 which I use more than the others I have. In fact it's one of the few planes I've used so much that it's on its second blade!
Later 220s have a button instead of a wooden knob and are inferior IMHO.
I have a red handled 102 which is primitive but occasionally is just the job.
Best to buy something basic like the 220 and you find you don't really need anything supposedly better or finer.

Jameshow · 14 Aug 2023

Adam W. said:
I bought one of the new Record block planes for use on sit, it was utter rubbish and I couldn't use it at all.

Was it painful to sit on!!

I bet they are made by sobo with no QC!

rob1693 · 14 Aug 2023

Jacob said:
Mine's a fairly old (1975) Stanley 220 which I use more than the others I have. In fact it's one of the few planes I've used so much that it's on it's second blade!
Later 220s have a button instead of a wooden knob and are inferior IMHO.
I have a red handled 102 which is primitive but occasionally is just the job.
Best to buy something basic like the 220 and you find you don't really need anything supposedly better or finer.

I've extended life of my 9 1/2 iron by lengthening slot, not that I'm a tight Yorkshireman or anything

RobNichols · 14 Aug 2023

I have a few second hand block planes of different types and sizes. I was surprised at the diffence between a genuine Record 220 and an almost identical acme plane. The Record blade was held securely and the plane worked well. The acme just wouldn't hold the blade in place.

So the Record was my go to block plane ... until I went to a Wood Workers Workshop open day a few months ago and tried a new Veritas block plane. Night and day difference. I bought one - the most I've spent on a hand tool - but well worth it IMO.