Shoulder Plane Recommendations

[JimD]

I'm planning to buy a shoulder plane within the next 30 days and would appreciate comments.

The reviews I've seen think the Lee Valley models are great and good buys. My problem with them is just that they are ~$150 and cannot convert to a chisel plane like the Stanleys. I've seen come negative comments on the Stanleys relative to quality and they are not much cheaper. I have one application right now for a chisel plane, however, and do not want to buy two planes (at $100 plus each). I am leaning towards a Stanley 92 or 93 but am a little concerned about spending $130 on something that requires significant work before it works correctly.

The current application is to trim a dust frame in an assembled cabinet so the drawer will glide more smoothly. The primary anticipated use, however, is to trim the shoulder of tenons. I get them close, but not always good enough to suit me despite several different techniques in cutting.

Comments?

Jim

[MikeMcCoy]

I can't solve your problem but the Veritas shoulder plane is a joy to use. I scored an old Stanley chisel plane for $20 at the flea market a couple of months ago. It cleaned up good but was my first attempt at using a chisel plane. My lack of experience with the tool probably had something to do with it but the lack of support on the blade limits what you can do with it. It's become my tool of choice for getting glue out of corners though.

[LarryG]

The Veritas Medium Shoulder Plane (the smallest one they sell) is now $174. I wish I'd bought one a couple years ago, when they were right around $150. Instead I got their bullnose plane. It's a compromise, meaning I still have my eye on a shoulder plane because the bullnose model doesn't work very well for adjusting tenons (toe is too short). Since it now costs even more than the Stanley, I wouldn't think you'd consider it, so I guess I'm mentioning it for the benefit of anyone else who might be reading. I wouldn't suggest this model for anyone who is needing a true shoulder plane.

However, Lie-Nielsen makes a small shoulder plane that is about the same size as the Stanley 92, except the body and iron are 1/8" narrower (5/8" vs 3/4"). It does cost $150. They also have a Medium which has a 3/4" wide body like the Veritas, but the price matches, too: $175.

Have you considered the Veritas flush plane for your chisel-plane application? I've been looking at the small L-N chisel plane, but it looks to me like the blade on the Veritas would have a lot less tendency to try to nose-dive into the workpiece. At $37 it's not exactly free but if you have concerns about the Stanley's quality, the L-N small shoulder plane and Veritas flush plane combo would still be cheaper than any other two-plane alternative (other than the used market, of course).

[JimD]

I bought the Stanley 93 based primarily on price. I was surprised at how badly sharpened the blade was but the sides were pretty square to the base. I spent a couple hours getting the deep grinding scratches out of the blade and setting it. I had the first chance to use if for tenons today. I was trimming little 1/2 inch long tenons on some panels. It works very well on both end grain and long grain going across grain. I was pleasantly surprised. I have no doubt that the Lee Valley is better but I don't know if it is $45 better - at least to me.

My point is just that the Stanley, at least mine, works well. I haven't tried the others but I am happy with my decision. It took a lot of time sharpening the blade but that is over now. I suspect it also takes more time to set but I will only do that every once in awhile.

Jim

[Russianwolf]

wont solve all your delima but also check out the ECE rabbet plane and some of the japanese/chinese wooden rabbet planes.