I use shoulder planes for many jobs, from trimming tenons, to refining dadoes and rabbets, to cleaning up machine marks. Lie-Nielsen has introduced a midsize shoulder plane called the 042 that traces its roots back over a century to the classic shoulder plane design of Edward Preston, and more recently, Record. Though the lineage is clear, Lie-Nielsen has made some improvements.

The bronze cap, which also serves as a palm rest, is a bit higher, making the tool more comfortable to hold and giving more hand clearance. The foot of the cap extends closer to the blade’s bevel, improving its dampening abilities. The premium A2 steel blade is thick (0.150 in.). And the mouth is more precise and easier to adjust.

The plane is 7-3/4 in. long, 3/4 in. wide, and weighs 2.35 lb. At its highest point, it stands 3-3/4 in. tall. It fits the hand well and has heft, but is not so heavy that it’s tiring to use.

The plane was perfect out of the box. After just a few minutes honing the blade, the tool’s performance was first-rate. It sells for $175 at www.lie-nielsen.com.

Photo: Thomas McKenna

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