I use a router plane all the time in my shop. Indeed, over the years, my antique Stanley No. 71-1/2 has proven invaluable. The tool makes it easy to smooth the bottoms of dadoes, grooves, and rabbets. It’s perfect for adjusting the fit of a hinge mortise and doing inlay work, too.

Lie-Nielsen recently introduced two new router planes, the No. 71 and the smaller No. 271. I gave both a good workout in my shop.

Despite my fondness for the old Stanley, the Lie-Nielsen No. 71 takes the tool to a new level. A square hole in the base accepts a massive O-1 steel blade. You adjust the blade with one knob, and then tighten it in position with another. The depth of cut can be changed quickly and precisely, a nice feature for “sneaking up” on a perfect fit. A depth stop is easily adjusted and locks securely.

The blade does not come prelapped. You’ll need to lap and then sharpen it before cutting.

Like its bigger brother, the No. 271 is a precision tool, albeit a simpler one. It doesn’t have an adjustment knob; you move the blade up and down by hand. The tool is comfortable to hold and capable of doing exacting work. It’s best used on smaller parts, where a large router plane wouldn’t fit or balance well. Of the two, I’d buy the No. 71 first, mainly because its larger size is better suited to general woodworking tasks. It sells for $125; the No. 271 for $75. For more information, go to 222.lie-nielsen.com; 800-327-2520.

From Fine Woodworking #195

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