Replies

1. 
   VTAndy_ | Feb 10, 2008 04:36pm | #1

   I tried the #7 (jointer) at Tools for Working Wood last spring and thought that it was wonderful. I've also used a friend's Lie-Nielsen. (I use a vintage Stanley with LN blade). They are comparable planes in many crucial respects ("Bedrock" frog seating and adjustment), except that the LN has an A2 blade and the Clifton has a forged high-carbon steel blade. I think that the exchange rates make it difficult for the Cliftons to be priced competitively in the US.
   -Andy

2. 
   ak | Feb 10, 2008 10:07pm | #2

   The first plane I ever bought was a Clifton #5. I still love it. I love the Bedrock style frog, the removable chip breaker is a real plus, and the weight and performance are great. I actually got to show it to David Charelsworth after I bought it, and he had me flatten the sole on a diamond plate and showed me how to really tweak it for optimal performance. I think they're a great buy.

   Adam

1. 
   Tony Z | Feb 10, 2008 10:11pm | #3

   My favorite of favorites is a Clifton #3. Took very little set-up fettling, the iron took and holds as edge very well and it justdoes what it is supposed to do!  I own probably in excess of a hundred planes, with many antiques, woodies but also with many, many modern Lie-Nielsen, Veritas, vintage Stanley, Sargent, etc.

   T.Z.

1. 
   sgwilliams | Feb 11, 2008 01:42am | #4

   Thanks for the response guys,So would you buy a Clifton over a LV or LN?Scott

1. 
   Jimma | Feb 11, 2008 01:46am | #5

   I love my Clifton shoulder plane, but I have a half-dozen LNs, too, and they're damn good products.

2. 
   Tony Z | Feb 11, 2008 03:30am | #6

   It's a matter of what feels good in the hand! If at all possible, you should try the plane before you buy.  For me and my size hands, the Clifton #3 just feels right.  Having a thick iron that takes and holds an edge adds to the value.  Some pundits don't like the two piece stay-set cap iron, but I don't see that as an issue.

   T.Z.

3. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Feb 11, 2008 05:46am | #7

   sqw, as an owner and user of Clifton's(#'s 3, 4 1/2, 5, 6. 7) , I can honestly say that they have the fit, finish and performance that you preceive in a quality plane. I bought them at a great financial advantage  years ago, but at retail today I would at least have the 3, 4 1/2, and 7 or 8 if they have one. I did buy a LN 5 1/2  as it could be had with a york high pitch frog and was a bit heavier than the Clifton 5 1/2, money was not a factor, only function. Paddy

4. 
   blewcrowe | Feb 11, 2008 05:12pm | #8

   I have a #7 and it was usuable out of the box. Very smooth. It's as good as any Lee or Lie, and I have around 15 of 'em.