Record StaySet - opinions

[worker]

Hi

Does anyone use Record StaySet planes/irons? What are your thoughts on them?

Basically wondering whether it's worth buying a StaySet plane for the sake of not having to dismantle the iron and chipbreaker each time for sharpening (which I find myself having to do quite often for oak).

 

[Dave65]

I have a couple of stay set planes, bought for the plane rather than it being stay set. Can’t really see the benefit, doesn’t take much effort to remove the cap iron to sharpen then re assemble. I’ve just upgraded my 5 1/2 to a hock cap iron and Ray Iles blade, it’s made a big difference.

 

[Amplidyne]

Not bothered personally. Use two or three irons and cap irons already set up. just change them, and then have a session sharpening. Personally I always keep the sharpening angle short, grinding it back fairly regularly, so they don't take much to sharpen and hone.

 

[1275gt]

I use a stay set plane as one of my daily users. For me it's not a deal-breaker in regards to sharpening and the lever cap needs to be stiff to ensure the removable part seats on the iron efficiently. However the thicker cap iron does feel nicer in use imo.

 

[Jacob]

I've got a couple with Clifton stay-set cap irons. Does slightly speed things up if you do trad sharening "a little and often" and they do fit well by being pivoted and not sprung. Trad sharpening removes least metal so they do actually stay set for some time.
It's not that obvious but they also seem to be pivoted side to side in the slot with the pin, so even if the blade is twisted or otherwise out of order, the cap iron will still sit tight at the sharp end.
They are not essential but if you have one it's worth hanging on to.