The Modern Benchplanes

[Anonymous]

John - this has been discussed a few times on the forum recently. I tend to favour conventional frogged planes and for that reason like the LN range of Bedrock planes. If I were in your positition then I would probably opt for a LN No5, a No4 smoother a 9 -1/2 adjustable mouth block (which I have already) and if I wanted to push the boat out as well, a No8 Try. I also like the Mitre shooting plane for use on the shooting board and am tempted when funds permit.
Others will be along shortly with views on low angle, BU planes of which I have no experience. Paul Chapman is a big fan of Clifton planes and has several, inc a No7 - Rob

This would be my advice too

 

[Alf]

This would be my advice too

Beware the advice of a man with two bevel-up jointers... [-X :lol:

I shall declare my connection to Veritas before I start - not that LV actually pay me except for a couple of things for their newsletter, but best declared anyway. On which basis I shall scatter a few wild thoughts to the winds and you may gather them as you desire:

I'm sure someone has mentioned the grey iron downside to the Cliftons? On the other hand British made, which is nice if only for the rarity value.

For traditional bevel-down planes and (in the main) looks, LN IMO. For bevel-up, the 112 scraper and affordable utility then Veritas.

To be honest I'm not even going to attempt a bevel-up sell on you, John. I'm guessing, given your experience with the Woodrat, they're probably just not for you. You strike me as more of an "in the box" woodworker than an "outside the box" one and I think that coupled with long exposure to traditional plane types makes it unlikely you'd go for them. Which is fair enough and you'd not be the only one. But they're far, far removed from the Paramo Planemaster - trust me.

Cheers, Alf

 

[Anonymous]

For traditional bevel-down planes and (in the main) looks, LN IMO. For bevel-up, the 112 scraper and affordable utility then Veritas.

Once more, that would be my advice too :wink: :lol: (don't know about the LV scraper though but am happy with the LN version)