I recently had the pleasure of testing the Lie-Nielsen #7 Jointer plane at my local Woodcraft. Although I was intending to purchase the #8, they didn’t have it in the store.
I ordered the #8 because I tend to like the feel of the heaver planes. However, I would like to hear opinions from those who have used both the LN #7 and #8 Jointer planes. Ignoring the cost difference (about 10%) which is the favorite ? Pros & Cons?
Replies
G,
Your question about other's experience on #7 vs #8 has been answered a number of times here on Knots. Do you know how to do a search on Knots? You'll find enough answers to make your head spin..
Recently when the OP of this thread asked the question. a woman recommended the #8, and most of the men recommended the lighter and smalled #7. No kidding. The woman, Madison, is a very very good professional woodworker, who uses a #8. Rob Cosman recommends a #8. I have a #7 Stanley because it was available. It works fine. I called the Lie Nielsen company and asked your question. They said they sell many #7s for each #8.
Most people who ask the question really don't know what they want to do with the plane. Are you going to use it for jointing. I would rather use a motorized jointer. Are you going to use it for flattening and sizing lumber? Do you have access to a planer? If you are going to be using hand planes to size lumber, do you have a smoother, a Jack or a Fore plane and a scrub plane, in addition to the jointer. All have a place in that process.
I recommend you get Garrett Hack's "The Handplane Book". It is a great reference.
Hope that helps. If not, write back.
Mel
Measure your output in smiles per board foot.
Do you know how to do a search on Knots?
Oh.. Geee. Mel.
I think you starter the 'longer' post.. Hell, I have a hard time findig stuff I posted!
I have both the LN 7 & 8. I also have a old Stanley #7 pass down to me through the family. I use the #8 much more than the #7s. I love the feel of it, and find it a joy to use.
I received the LN #8 !! Having used both the #7, #8 here are my observations --
The #8 is a bit heaver than the #7, but both are well balanced. Since the blade is wider on the #8 it takes a wider cut. So, with the extra weight and wider blade it takes a bit more effort to get it moving, but it sails right through knots and imperfections better than the #7.
I like the extra weight and balance of the #8. I suspect that the extra length won't make much practical difference. It's a keeper !
I agree with your impressions. I have no idea concerning the length differences between the two but love the feel of the #8. I flattened a counter top the other day with it and it was quite a workout.
I prefer the #8, but that's because I also have a #6 set up as a jointer. Small work gets the #6, large work the #8. YMMV
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