Official Luthiers Forum!

Hey Yalll......

So what do you think? I know for a fact that some folks are going to chime in with the Lie Nielsen stuff, and I agree....

Anyone ever heard of Steve Knight Toolworks? I currently have and use one of his small block planes and I would fight someone to keep it.

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

I had two of Steve's planes. I loved them, but my hands aren't large enough to be comfortable using them. My step-son loves them now.

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Aoibeann

Stanley Bedrock #604. Bailey #4 will do just as well, the frog on the Bedrock just looks easier to adjust (all of mine are Bailey patterns, never actually owned a Bedrock). 604 seems to go for $100-$150 on ebay.

General International 25" Abrasive Planer

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

Bruce...it must be somewhat difficult to pick that big sander up and run it across a set of backs and sides.....

Todd...that 4 1/2 with the 55 degree frog....Are there any woods you have had trouble with? I was considering a plane with a 60 degree frog. BTW...I can send you pics of a knight plane taking shavings at .002...but it's not one of his larger planes. They are pretty much a set and forget type of tool....that is until you have to take the iron out to sharpen it.

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

Just a public service announcement, but Steve Knight was just asked to stop selling his planes on a very large woodworking forum because he was unable to afford shipping a dozen or more planes that were already paid for (with shipping included). He makes nice stuff, but proceed with caution.

Here is the thread that details his problems.
http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthread ... t=all&vc=1

I don't have a dog in this hunt, just letting everyone know so they can make their own choice.

Dang....I feel for him. My wife and I own a landscaping and lawn servicing company here in Jacksonville....and while I feel for him...I have borrowed from peter AND paul to 'make it right' for my client's. The one plane I have from him is a magical piece...but I don't want him to drown with my money in his pocket. If he can recover...it'll pop up.

I went to he local Woodcraft today to see if they had a Lie 4 1/2 with no luck. I'll have to do some web hunting.

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

Todd probably knows more about this, but I was looking at their site, and you can get the 4 1/2 of your choice if you buy direct. You'll pay, maybe $15 more, but you don't have to buy an extra 55* frog @ $75.00. Most of the woodworking places have them with a 45* frog, and offer the other frogs as extras. At least that's what I've found.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

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I've got to hand it to the woodnet folks, that was a reasonably civil thread that could have easily degenerated into a flamewar. I somehow haven't run across that forum before - I'm impressed.

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Im not nearly experienced enough with handtools to comment on what would be the "best" plane...(for anything)
But there is a special feeling when you pick up a sweet plane like a LN #7 or #8..
(any LN) its just such a nice tool... no doubt!

my #7


I would have gotten a #8 if I wasnt in a wheelchair.... you never know when an extra 2"might come in handy!
After messing with a (newer) Stanley #5, which was my first plane, theres just no comparison
My initial experiments would indicate thateven my #4 LN does a great job thicknessing too.. so I can see why alot of people just use them for joining tops and backs, leveling headstocks after gluing up the neck, and other such..
Cheers
Charlie

A number 5 or 5 1/2 is a good all-rounder; I have two -an old Stanley that's ded (dropped it, nose broke off) and a 5 1/2 Record that works just wonderfully. Also have a #6 Union that's a nice, old tool. Both were cleaned up and tuned by a local handtool collector/salesman. Lie Nielsens are defitinely worth the money they cost, and if I needed a new one, I'd buy one, because I'd rather build than spend time rebuilding old tools. Have a LN low angle block that's lovely, and 150 euros to spend in gift certificates at a shop that stocks LN planes, so I may get a 100 or 102.

I also have a 22" purpleheart Steve Knight jointer, which is a lovely, fantastic tool, just the right heft and mass to do a good job jointing. Those long tools in steel can be a little unwieldy.

I see LN makes a #4 with 50 degree HA Frog. Any opinions on this plane for difficult woods?

Thx

Glenn

I started to reply to this, but it's getting off topic.