Replies

1. 
   BruceS | May 19, 2008 09:40pm | #1

   I was at Hartville two weeks ago but didn't look at the planes,  no need to.   I use old Stanleys that I pick up at flea markets & antique stores for about $15 on the average.  Clean them, tune them and use them.   Be sure to go over them very closely and look for cracks and what not.  Go for the Older pre WWII vintage with rosewood knob and tote.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

2. 
   Knotscott | May 20, 2008 12:12am | #2

   I'd guess those are all cheap Chinese knockoffs, but in fairness I don't know for certain.  Check Ebay, Craigslist, free forum classifieds and local sales for bargains on the old Stanleys, Miller Falls, Craftsman, etc....there are lots of them at really good prices, and are usually really good users when tuned up. 

3. 
   SteveSchoene | May 20, 2008 04:50pm | #3

   No way to tell from the very skimpy catalog descriptions.  These could be from India where similarly priced planes under the Anant label are made.  In any event I would go with an older Stanley Bailey on Ebay.  Both new and old are likely to need tuning up to work well (or sometimes just to work at all) and there is no reason to think that the new planes will take less tune up than older Bailey's. 

1. 
   WillGeorge | May 20, 2008 09:01pm | #4

   These could be from India .. I have one and love it! Grots or something like that.. Low angle hand plane.. I use it ALOT! Casting is more than a bit rough to say the least However the blade is good steel! Holds the edge quite well! I think the steel is better in my old Stanley #7 though.. I hear the Japanese make their GOOD blades from old WWII ship anchors!

1. 
   BruceS | May 20, 2008 09:40pm | #5

   I thought most of their anchors were in Iron bottom  Bay.Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   WillGeorge | May 20, 2008 11:03pm | #7

   Most but not all..

1. 
   BruceS | May 21, 2008 01:48am | #8

   True,  Most won't have a clue about Iron Bottom Bay.  When I'am not here or in the shop I'am glued to one of the learning channels.  And I drag in the Grandchildren,  I have them addicted too.Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

2. 
   saschafer | May 20, 2008 09:49pm | #6

   "I hear the Japanese make their GOOD blades from old WWII ship anchors!"

   Just to clarify: The soft part of the laminated blades comes from ship anchors. The hard part (the cutting edge) comes from Hitachi Metals Ltd.

   -Steve

    

1. 
   WillGeorge | May 22, 2008 11:16pm | #10

   I stand corrected!  LOL.. You are right...

3. 
   JeffHeath | May 21, 2008 02:49pm | #9

   I hear the Japanese make their GOOD blades from old WWII ship anchors!

   Will, just an fyi.  The anchors that are used frequently for cutting tools are from the pre-19th century era, not WWII.  The reason being that during that period, no sulfur was used, and the steel is/was much, much more capable of holding an extremely strong and sharp edge.

   Jeff, an occasional provider of completely useless information.

1. 
   WillGeorge | May 22, 2008 11:17pm | #11

   AND I stand correct by Jeff also!.. Good info! Thanks...

    

   EDIT: Ain't it fun getting your butt whipped! AND Learning the FACTS!

   Edited 5/22/2008 4:19 pm by WillGeorge