I have a cheap Mastercraft replica of a Stanley No4 plane that I tuned as recommended in FWW article (works great) and 2 wood planes Krenov style (24″ and 9″ long with Hock blade) that I made. I find myself needing a something smaller in some situation and plan on getting a block plane like the Stanley no-9 1/2. Of course if budget was not an issue, I’d love a Veritas or a Lie Nielson. My question is about the Indian brand Gröz that looks so much like the Stanley. Is it really as good or it just looks like it? Anybody tried one and can comment on it?
Poilu
Edited 4/18/2008 11:14 pm ET by Poilu
Replies
I bought one a few years ago. It works fine, especially considering the price. Not as nice as an older Stanley but probably better than the new ones. Mine seems to hold an edge pretty well. Because the mouth is adustable, I think Indian low angle block planes avoid many of the problems associated with their bench plane cousins.
Having said all of that, I think of mine as a placeholder until I can justify something better.
Thanks a lot guys. That's helpful. My understanding is that it might require a little tuning but it's not a bad choice. Poilu
Edited 4/21/2008 8:01 pm ET by Poilu
First off.. I use mostly power tools.. That said, I do use some good and not-so-good planes.. I have a small Gröz hand plane I use.. ROUGH around the edges but with a little work works better than just OK.. The blade is fine.. The castings a bit rough. However it cuts great!
For an inexpensive block plane, I would recommend the Stanley from any of the big box stores. The Groz planes are a little hit or miss, in my opinion. I have a Stanley block plane from Lowes that with just a little attention works quite well and I have 2 Groz planes, a smoother and a Jack. With a lot of attention and new Hock blade and chip breakers the Jack works great but the smoother not so good. I'd stay with the cheap Stanley. Hope this helps.
mike.........
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