yankeewoodworker

Sort of ironic that a bunch of luddites are arguing about which hand tool is the most authentic, works best, designed best, feels best, looks best, made from best stuff.
I purchase antique users all the time- just found a great set of spar planes from MJ Donnelly auction. The amount of time it takes me to make an old user user-friendly is pretty tough to swallow. Normally it makes a whole lot more sense to purchase a LN new if the same plane is offered.
Truth is it's comforting for me to see the support for Lie Nielsen. I've been to the factory many times, not always to buy but always to see what's new, learn something different, play. I've made a practice of giving gifts of LN hand planes. I see those same hand planes being used every day and I know with satisfaction I've given my friends something beyond dollars and cents. I'm not sure the same could be said for the chinese version. I can't be certain because I've never held one or used one. One thing I can say is that it frightens me each time i open a box containing an item made in China and smell that cutting oil/ degreaser smell. I was told once by an engineer who used to make bicycle parts in Taiwan what that smell is and how that same cutting oil/ degreaser is forbidden here in the US. Could be I am wrongly informed and merely paranoid, dunno.
This world is struggling to learn valuable lessons about consumerism run amuck; cheaper, faster is the name of the game; seems like cheaper faster makes it into the garbage can/ landfill faster too.
I like good tools. I like reaching for a tool that works great every time I reach for it. I like tools designed to do what they do well. I also like knowing that each time i've dropped a LN plane they've been willing to fix my mistake free of charge. I like knowing that the same fellow who's been sharpening plane blades at the factory store is there each time I go. So my choice? Not even close....LN all the way.

Very nice piece! I especially like the cherry, always been drawn to its color and figure. I get my favorite stock from Lou Irion in Pa. He has a wide variety of wonderful cherry and maple. I plan to make a copy of this soon- little one, hopefully, here in september. That said, any insight into the finish would be appreciated, esp. the mix and how long it takes to dry completely.

On a different note I read with great empathy your response to the Whitney show back in 1986. I went to the show and was instantly entranced despite at that time having no woodworking experience. I have two copies of that catalog; use the dog-eared one to lend out to friends and the nicer one for me to find the inspiration when it's lacking. Works every time: ha, for me it's the handle on the serving spoon.