Talking about planes.... Is a Clifton a....

[Benchwayze]

Hi folks,

I am seriously considering a new Clifton 5-1/2.
I was going to go for LN, but decided I should support British.

The Election has prompted my plunge. Not from patriotism on that front, (I have given up worrying which party might be in a majority, as I am sure nothing major will change. Except maybe the VAT rate.)

It's my luck that a new Government will actually reduce VAT! Yeah ok... Maybe pigs will fly!.

Hope I am making the right choice with Clifton.


Any observations folks?

Regards and TIA.

John

 

[Ironballs]

If I was in the market for a new high end plane I'd be looking for any reasons why I shouldn't buy a Clifton. I think they're very well made and offer a level of performance that is equivalent to LN and LV, so yep, support British factories and get that Clifton.

I have planes by all 3 and the only Clifton I have is a 3110 shoulder plane, very well made, super fine mouth, rock hard blade and top performance. When I finally get round to upgrading my scratty no mark number 4 Clifton will be my first port of call

 

[woodbloke]

If it suits John and you've tried one, I'd go for it - Rob

 

[jimi43]

At the Kentish Bashe I was most impressed by the low angle LN. That is one superb plane.

If you want to be patriotic you have no option but to go Clifton so that is a bit of a no-brainer there John.

Me... I am in the market for some more 01 steel from which I shall make a thick as possible iron for my Records and Stanleys and see how I get on. I am also intrigued by Hock irons...I need to get one of those too.

Jim

 

[seanybaby]

I just swapped my Record 5 1/2 for a Clifton and i'm very happy with the improvement.

They are very good planes, go for it, buy one. :lol:

 

[ondablade]

I've a relatively new Clifton number 5. It works well and is nicely made, and takes a good edge.

It was pretty flat, apart from a minor crosswise hollow just in front of the mouth which polished out pretty easily. Something isn't quite right on the side to side adjustment of the blade either - the lever has to be fairly well over to one side to get an even blade projection.

Not sure what the side to side issue is as i haven't yet taken the time to check it out properly...

 

[Benchwayze]

Thanks for all the innput folks.
It isn't completely out of patriotism that I chose to look at a Clifton.
I already have a LN, low angle 62.

For planes longer than a No. 4, I prefer a wide blade, so that means a 5-1/2. I am a little perturbed about the sideways adjustment issue, but I shall make sure I can send the plane back if it's out by too much.

Ian,

Your problem is usually down to the cutting edge being out of square with the long egde of the blade. On a normal frog, it can be caused by the frog being canted too. On a Bedrock design, (With which I am not all that familiar), I believe it can be caused by the seat being higher on one side than the other. But I'm not certain about that.


So I'll give the Clifton a try.

Thanks again folks.
Regards
John

 

[Woody Alan]

Something isn't quite right on the side to side adjustment of the blade either - the lever has to be fairly well over to one side to get an even blade projection.

One of mine is like that, I Can't remember now whether it was the hole in the lever offset or the pivot for the lever offset. definitely not anything more serious like casting or blade. That said it is an annoying little trait that I did intend to sort out (braze and redrill hole) . Now I think about it there is a little unneccessary slop in the movement. I can't look because I moved house 6 months ago and still haven't unpacked it all.
My personal experience of Clifton is if you get a good one then great, as my 51/2 is, but my 41/2 the sole was convex and this offset issue. I also have a 3110 and the clamping lever pin was machined in on the wonk so the "handle" and pressure on the blade was offset on that. I returned and they replaced it. I also had to narrow the blade considerably as it was extremely over width not just a few thou.
I think their quality control could do with a bit of a tighten up. All that said the other manufacturers have had the odd issue but their customer care has been second to none from what I've seen.

Alan

 

[bobscarle]

John

I have a Clifton number 4 and love it! I have to come and see you about that Japanese saw so if you are not in any rush I could bring the plane with me and you could try it out. Not sure when I will be over your side though.

Bob

 

[Paul Chapman]

I have four Clifton bench planes and two of their shoulder planes and they are all excellent

In the unlikely event of any problems, you'll find that their customer service is very good.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[Doug B]

I was very impressed with 5 1/2 Mark (Wells wood) took to the Kent bash, a real pleasure to use.

 

[paulm]

I was very impressed with 5 1/2 Mark (Wells wood) took to the Kent bash, a real pleasure to use.

Me too, that's what tipped me into ordering some.

Cheers, Paul

 

[Benchwayze]

Thanks folks. I'm convinced.

With the aftersales service being described as A-okay, I have placed an order, "sight-unseen", for a Clifton 5-1/2.

Much obliged for all the help.
Regards
John