Anyone out there know anything about ECE planes?
I found quite a score at a garage sale today–a box with a variety of planes and spokeshaves, including a LN scrub, a Record compass, a butt-mortise plane, and two ECE wooden planes, all for a smokin deal. (I almost feel guilty)…almost.
One of the ECE planes appears to be identical to their adjustable block plane, only it has a radius sole (like some sort of fixed compass plane?). I researched it on the net but could only find its flat-soled counterpart.
Has anyone seen this before?
Thanks in advance,
Max
Replies
Mad,
"One of the ECE planes appears to be identical to their adjustable block plane, only it has a radius sole (like some sort of fixed compass plane?)."
That sounds like a chairmakers plane-for shaping the scooped out seats.You better get cracking - kick off with a set of 12 chairs, to relieve your guilt complex.Finf a suitable rear end to use as a template.
I have had an ECE smoothing plane for about 10 years. I paid around $100 for it. It is a very nice tool that I use only for special jobs. I got a bargain at an auction on a Lie Neilson chisel plane the other day. It may have been used once and when I got home and in the shop to try out my prize, I found out why. This tool is nearly useless. A nice looking tool but worthless. Catalog price is $120 and I paid $35 so I guess I'll keep it anyway.
Interesting comments on the chisel plane. I built one a couple of weeks ago because I though it would come in handy on my current project. I haven't given up on it yet, but I too am not impressed with the performance. While your LN version may at least have looks going for it, the homebrewed version is pretty ugly to boot.
-Chuck
Perhaps you don't have the chisel plane set up correctly. I use mine all the time for cleaning up tight spaces in corners, and for removing glue squeeze out on table tops. No tool finer for those jobs, in my opinion.
Fiddle with it a little more, and adjust the cut for super fine shavings, and perhaps your opinion will change.
Jeff
I have the smaller chisel plane, I've found it useful for all of the things mentioned already as well as shaving plugs and pegs flush.
It's a bit fussy to adjust and the iron shifs side to side in a way I don't care for, but I like it!
David C
I had a few. There tool steel is, as Ron Hock said, "That chrome vanadium garbage." The Primus line they make is OK, but the steel just doesn't hold an edge as well as the Lie Nielens, Hocks, Lee Valleys, etc. And I hate sharpening.
Max,
Please allow me to share your guilt. Send half of those planes to my address and feel the weight lift from your shoulders.
No need to thank me.
-Chuck
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