Replies

1. 
   tom77 | Dec 19, 2006 07:12am | #1

   I bought an old Stanley compass plane on ebay and tuned it up.  You can buy them generally for about $75 to $100.  An after market blade could be added and you are still less than half the price of the Kunz.  I use this plane primarily to fair curves on templates.  I don't use it much on the actual components, because I haven't practiced enough to feel comfortable with it.  I have found it to be invaluable in quickly fairing curves on templates.

1. 
   Patto | Dec 19, 2006 08:29am | #2

   I have the old Stanley version, very useful.

   I first used it to make the back legs on this chair, which is in river red gum.

   An earlier version of the stanley had a side wheel adjustment to the curve that apparently reduces the tendency to alter the curve unintentionaly. Havent used that model myself but may be worth looking into. Record also make a version that copies the next Stanly design (#20?). Leach regards this as a superior design, but again, no personal experience.

   Dave

   
2. 
   philip | Dec 19, 2006 10:29am | #3

   As far as I know the only other new plane of this type available is the Record version of Stanley #20.
   I have the Record, and a resuscitated Stanley #201/2. Both are good, but I prefer the Record as it is more substantial (and not a pos as some would accuse all new Record stuff of being).
   I have not used that Kunz, but eyed it out in a shop- I would prefer the Record, but don't know how prices compare-if that is an issue.
   If you are a Confirmed Fettler, Fiddler or even a closet version of both, I suggest you get a Stanley-they are easy to to revive, as few seem to have seen much heavy use (in this part of the planet).

   Philip Marcou
1. 
   dherzig | Dec 19, 2006 06:28pm | #4

   Thank you for the information. Out of curiosity, where did you get the Record? Was it new? I can't seem to locate a source on Google.

1. 
   philip | Dec 19, 2006 10:05pm | #5

   I got it in Zimbabwe, new. I think you can track it down by going to James Neill Tools UK web site-or try keying in Spear and Jackson.
   I see them here in N Zealand in tool shops.Philip Marcou

1. 
   QCInspector | Dec 19, 2006 10:23pm | #6

   If you are only going to use the plane for a few radii like a wheel or table edge, have you considered making some wooden ones like the coopers and coach makers used? Now for the Blaspheming suggestion, considering the section we're in.;-)http://virutex.com/catalog/i16.htmlFor big jobs it might be the ticket. Or at least a complement to the one you;re looking for.

1. 
   dherzig | Dec 20, 2006 11:40pm | #14

   Thanks for the response. Since I am trying to do as much as possible by hand (learning to be a Luddite) and only making one-offs, the power planer would be a waste of money for me. Although that has not really stopped me in buying something in woodworking before. I will probably buy the Kunz and then post my evaluation here. I may also learn how to use a spoke shave as well.

2. 
   dherzig | Dec 19, 2006 10:42pm | #7

   Thank you for the response. Nothing seems to show up here. I will look at the stores in February when we are in NZ.

   Happy New Year.

1. 
   philip | Dec 20, 2006 03:35am | #9

   Thanks. Chevpac Machinery have them listed in their catalogueas CodeWPL1770820, for NZ$346.50Philip Marcou

2. 
   Patto | Dec 20, 2006 05:36am | #10

   Phillip,

   I think thats more than I paid for my vintage Stanley.

   Having used this tool a few times now, I think that using these is more about how you hold your tounge between your teeth than how much effort spent fettling. Not nearly as bad as a curved spokeshave, bu the difficulty does increase the tighter the radius.

   I am abosultely sure that I am missing something with these tools and am getting rediculously determined to conquer the problem.

   Dave

   BTW, great to see your planes on commercial sale in the US. have a great Christmas.

3. 
   philip | Dec 20, 2006 09:04am | #11

   Dave, Thanks for the well wishes.
   Yes, there is a bit of a knack. Trying to take too heavy a cut can cause some grief. Also for concave work it helps to make the plane sole curvature a bit more acute, then you ride on the back part.On occasion I have been very pleased to have one handy.Philip Marcou

4. 
   dherzig | Dec 20, 2006 08:10pm | #12

   Thank you for being such a big help. I have located Chevpac and contacted them by email.

   By-the-by we will be in NZ starting on Feb. 6 in Auckland and spending the next 2.5 weeks touring the North and South Island before moving on to Australia. Do you have a show room where I could drool over your beautiful tools? (I promise not to rust them.)

   Best for the new year.

    

   David Herzig

   [email protected]

    

5. 
   philip | Dec 22, 2006 04:57am | #16

   David, no show room as such, but you are more than welcome to drop into the coal mine.(There is also an open cast gold mine here,but don't drop into that - it 600meters deep).No fancy tool cabinets or clinical bench tops here....Philip Marcou

3. 
   dherzig | Dec 20, 2006 11:37pm | #13

   Just to update you, Chevpac no longer carries the Record. I will keep an eye on ebay.

    

   Regards

2. 
   mvflaim | Dec 19, 2006 10:48pm | #8

   dherzig,

   My understanding is Record went out of business so trying to find a brand new one might be tough. 

3. 
   sasanamer | Dec 21, 2006 12:20am | #15

   Hola.u can try ethttp://www.dick.biz .