Replies

1. 
   gdblake | Jan 15, 2010 11:44am | #1

   Zen2:

   Lee Valley has the Veritas plow plane that is said to be good. I've never gotten to try one to know for sure. Here's the link: http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=57678&cat=1,41182

   I have a Record 405 (which is the same plane as the Stanley #45) that serves me well as a plow plane. I also use it for rabbits and beading. these come up on eBay from time to time and can usually be had for aroung $250 or less. You have to be careful though to make sure the plane is complete including the standard set of cutters and in good condition.

   gdblake

1. 
   Eef | Jan 15, 2010 02:36pm | #5

   gd,

   hello again. some years back i bought a stanley 45 at a yard sale for 100 bucks. all of its cutters included. as you know from our last conversation, i am new and inexperienced with the hand plane. after purchasing the 45, i read some disparaging articles which basically said the 45 was very, very difficult to use and set up. so i never bothered, rank amateur that i am. would you mind sharing some of your experience with the 45? did it require fettling? it would be very nice to hand plough my drawer bottoms.

   thank you,

   eef

1. 
   gdblake | Jan 15, 2010 10:46pm | #9

   eef:

   The only thing I had to do with my Record #405 was hone the cutters. Given the design of the Stanley #45, unless there is some sort of damage that needs repaired, I don't see a way to tune them. I think the two biggest mistakes people make with these planes is that they set the iron too deep for each pass and they try to use the plane like a standard bench plane. Rather than begin your plow (or rabbit or bead, or whatever profile) at the close end of the board, you start the cut on the end where the cut exits the board and then work your way back to the traditional starting point(finish the profile by taking full length shavings just like you would do with a standard bench plane). Also (assuming you are right handed) use the right hand to push the plane forward and the left hand to hold the fence tight against the stock. There use to be a You Tube video or two out there that showed how to use the plane. I tried to find it to send you a link, but I couldn't locate it. Woodcraft sells a reprint of a good little book titled "Planecraft" that describes using Record planes (all of which are Stanley clones). It has a chapter on how to use the Record #405 which is the best written instruction I have found.

   gdblake

1. 
   JeffHeath | Jan 16, 2010 06:22pm | #13

   Eef

   gd gave you the best advice, and also pointed out the number one mistake that woodworkers not in the know make when plowing a groove, or cutting a bead, or any other profile with a moulding or plow/plough/fillester plane. Start about 6" back from the exit end, and work your way back. Once the plane completely bottoms out, you're done. You won't remove any more material than the depth stop will allow. Use a shallow cut, and down press down too hard. Let the plane do the work.

   Jeff

2. 
   derekcohen | Jan 15, 2010 12:46pm | #2

   Gregory has given you good advice.

   For a comparison of the Veritas, Record #044 and Record/Rapier #043, there is this article ..

   http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolReviews/The%20Veritas%20Small%20Plow%20Plane.html

   Regards from Perth

   Derek

3. 
   Lataxe | Jan 15, 2010 01:15pm | #3

   Z,

   How about one of these:

   http://www.dlbarrettandsons.com/ploughgallery.html

   :->

   Lataxe

1. 
   DanCC | Jan 15, 2010 01:43pm | #4

   And when did you buy one? I was not aware you were that wealthy.

2. 
   jhonbaker | Jan 15, 2010 02:50pm | #6

   Adding these to the list of planes that I will likely never own - or need to own, even out of obsessive collecting sake.

1. 
   Lataxe | Jan 15, 2010 05:44pm | #7

   You lads, hangin' on to yer
   You lads, hangin' on to yer dollars. Get 'em spent!

   However, just to keep you happy, here is another example from the other end of the price spectrum. I can recommend this one also on the grounds of excellent functionality, as I have one. I ain't got one of them other ones - although you never know what good fairy might send you one.

   http://mujingfang.com/eng/itemdetails.asp?id=AH1204%2D033&SpecialOffer=&rec=3&sql=select+%2A+from+Item%5Fe1+WHERE+Status%3C%3E%27Hidden%27+and+ItemClass1%3D%27Woodworking+Tools+Series%27+and+ItemClass2%3D%27Specialty+Planes%27

   Lataxe

1. 
   jhonbaker | Jan 15, 2010 08:01pm | #8

   I don't have this particular
   I don't have this particular plane; I have, however, received a few planes from this maker from my woodworking wrench turning father. I must say I am quite happy with the line and may have to spend a few of the horded dollars on this one. Only due to your high recommendation of course - at least this is what I will tell my wife!

   PS - when you meet this Fairy - give them my address.

   EDIT: This is the must have for the serious woodworker.

   http://mujingfang.com/eng/itemdetails.asp?id=KF1001-005&SpecialOffer=&rec=2&sql=select+*+from+Item_e1+WHERE+Status%3C%3E%27Hidden%27+and+ItemClass1%3D%27Gift+Sets+%26+Craftsman%27%27s+Collections%27+and+ItemClass2%3D%27Planes+with+decorative+touch%27

1. 
   Lataxe | Jan 16, 2010 04:18am | #10

   J,

   That little plough plane from Mujingfang was a mere £14.95 (about $25 over there perhaps). It includes 5 blades of various widths.

   One would expect it to be ticky-tacky for that price but not so. The technology is simple - crude even. However, it works amazingly well. Those blades also take (and keep) an excellent edge.

   Of course there is the need to adjust the thang with a plane hammer. At first the procedure is frustrating and correct blade-depth elusive. Once one has the knack it is easy. And then the wee plane does an excellent job.

   China. What a fine manufacturing nation. :-)

   ****

   Now, have ye noticed what the blade of that dragon plane goes through? That is a very strange concept and has given me a queer dream (I mean disturbing, not the other thing).

   Lataxe, who has a Mujingfang price list secreted upon his computer.

   PS Any fairies bearing gifts are mine. I attach a fairy-puller to them, once they have called, as you never know when you might need one. A quick tug, with the right incantation, summons one straight away. Mind, they can be tricky. I once spent a whole week with an indescribable itch after annoying one. (I think it was the fairy).

2. 
   jhonbaker | Jan 16, 2010 04:46am | #11

   ya know, I had not noticed that, it strangely makes that particular plane all the more alluring to me though. I spent about 15 minutes looking around the web for that plow plane and was unable to locate it, I'll keep looking as my interest is growing for it. I do enjoy the few Mujingfang planes I have, though admittedly I've not put them to an actual project - only fussed about with odd board that I am squaring - practice ya know, it's good to keep everything in shape.

   I seem to have an affinity for the prior methodology and tools - I don't think it is wise to lose touch with the cutting edge technology of yesteryear.

3. 
   Lataxe | Jan 16, 2010 12:30pm | #12

   Jhon,

   Perhaps you and the OP might be interested in pics of a plow doing its thang? I've been in the shed today, making the housing grooves in the bottom rails for the Barnsley chest front & back panels.

   Here it is, all full of shavings (3/8" housing 1/4" deep).

   View Image

   Of course, the blade must be set with a plane hammer (this is a home made one) although a groove in the blade-back does help the blade to register square and central on the skate / in the mouth.

   View Image

   I like to ensure the fence doesn't slip towards the blade as I'm gripping the wee thing. Stuffing a piece of wood of the right thickness atween the plane body and the fence keeps everything in place.

   View Image

   It makes a thick shaving easily. One has soon dug the trench.

   View Image

   Even without scoring the intended housing sides before starting with the plane, it leaves clean top-corners, even in this fibrous oak.

   View Image

   In truth, there can be the odd ragged top-corner; but on this Barnsley chest one is seeking such "features", which will be scalloped smooth with a gouge in Cotswold fashion.

   The blades are 5 in number. from 1/8" to 5/8"

   View Image

   They take and keep a very good edge indeed, despite being crude-looking forgings.

   View Image

   You can buy Mujingfang direct from China although the carriage can be more expensive than the planes! Just email the address in that web catalogue with a list of those in which you have an interest and they will send you back a quote, including carriage costs.

   Lataxe

4. 
   Eef | Jan 16, 2010 06:47pm | #15

   hey man,

   as usual, you post the richest photos. good lighting, warm tones and such. i do recall that you're a photo buff.

   that rough chinese steel does not put me off either. i have a huge meat cleaver from china that's got that same look. it takes and keeps an edge better than the stainless steel henckle in the drawer next to it.

   eef- looking forward to tuning his sweet heart 45

4. 
   Eef | Jan 16, 2010 06:39pm | #14

   gd and jeff,

   thanks again for the pointers. i took my 45 off the display shelf last night. i forgot how complex and impressive it is. the original pamphlet is with it as well as a 1974 reprint of an early 20th c booklet which describes it's use.

   eef

5. 
   woodshaver | Jan 16, 2010 08:56pm | #16

   Hi All I use a stanley #45 I bought off e-bay , and havent had any problems, its a very nice tool,just keep the cutters sharp,and use the best wood (straight grained)for ploughing ,and beading,start at the far end and work backwards like the other guys said,plus with a #45 you have more cutters to use beads hollows as well as tounge and groove. good luck. mark