Replies

1. 
   Jellyrug | Mar 25, 2005 12:12am | #1

   If you buy the Clifton, you will have an excellent plane, which does the job well, but you would always want a LN, so get it right from the start if you can afford to.

2. 
   PelhamPete | Mar 25, 2005 03:50am | #2

   I have both Clifton and Lie-Nielsen #3, #5, #6, and #7.  All of the Cliftons are heavier (preferrable?) and have less backlash.  I can't speak on the quality of the cutters (though I have heard the Clifton steel has a finer grain than does A2 cryo in general and this means that it can be made sharper, but I don't know this for a fact), and both of the companies' chipbreakers -- in the case of L-N, their new and improved chipbreaker -- seem equally top notch. 

   I have HEARD that Clifton has had problems on this or that individual plane's casting such as blade not fully seating on the frog, and perhaps they still do have some problems(???), but i) this is a warrantied issue and the plane would/could be returned, and ii) I should mention that I have not ever had a problem with any of my Cliftons. 

   I prefer the L.N. tote and handle to the Clifton (this is a highly individual thing), and their blade seems to, if memory serves, take less time to put a mirror polish on its back. I have noticed that the new L.N.s seem to, on average, have less backlash than they used to have (I don't know if this is as a result of a conscious effort on their part). 

   In my mind there is no *clear* winner ... though L.N. DEFINITELY has a better reputation, and perhaps better resale value, and their Customer Service simply can not be improved upon (except for maybe Lee Valley/Veritas). 

   FWIW.

   -Peter T.

    

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/25/2005 12:03 am ET by PelhamPete

3. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 25, 2005 04:59am | #3

   Tony,

   In my not so unbiased opinion, buy the LN.  Having owned and used both LN and Clifton, I prefer the LN.  I found the Clifton (#5) in no way better then the LN's.  Don't get me wrong, Cliftons are a good plane, but the LN quality, performance and resale are better. 

   Have you considered just tuning up a Bailey or Bedrock?  A little elbow grease, and you can get one heck of a good plane for a fraction of the price of either LN or Clifton.  Spend the bucks on a good sharpening system, and with the sweat equity involved in tuning an old plane, you'll find it a lot more satisfying to use.  Thats my opinion for what it's worth.

   Steve
1. 
   Glaucon | Mar 25, 2005 07:09am | #5

   I agree with you about the #5.  I have a moderately old (~1960) Sears Craftman jack that was my Dad's.  It was fine for general work- until I finally took the trouble to fettle it.  Once I did, it became a very good plane.  If I were to look for a finishing plane, I'd go with the L-N 4 1/2; but for a jack- a tuned and fettled Bailey would be fine, I think.

   Glaucon

1. 
   dirtstirrer | Mar 25, 2005 07:44am | #6

   Plus it was fun to tune wasn't it?  Seems to me, if you start with a mechanically sound plane (no cheapo Sheltons, Hanyman, Dunlop or that ilk) it can be made to perform as good or better, then the new iron.  After all, what is the mechanical difference between a Type 11 Bedrock and a LN?  Practically none.  You can get a snazzy gold color if you like, but I doubt that will contribute to better performance.  The LN is almost ready to go out of the box, and if that's what floats your boat, great, but .....

   The Clifton I had would have no doubt been improved by a good fettle, but why spend $300 on a plane you have to spend a few hours on to get the best out of, when you can buy a good used Bedrock for 1/3 that price, and end up with a better plane with similar effort?

   I just saw some sucker place a $800 bid for a Clifton multiplane on Ebay.  I guess that is my beef with Clifton.  They are not better then the identical old Stanley iron, so why pay more?

   I like the 4 1/2 size too.  I don't have a LN 4 1/2, but I do have a Bailey, and a Bedrock 604 1/2.  Good all around smoother methinks.  Steve

1. 
   AlanTurner | Mar 25, 2005 11:21am | #7

   I just picked up a 605C at thte PATINA show, for $85, and only spent about 1 hour lapping and sharpening, and filing the frog just a touch. Great plane. For a No. 5, I think this is way to go. I also have a 604C, and in this I threw a new HOck Iron and capiron, and it is also a great plane. But, if you want a new guy, the LN's, of which I have several, are wonderful.
   Alan

   http://www.alanturnerfurnituremaker.com

2. 
   Glaucon | Mar 26, 2005 03:28am | #9

   <<Plus it was fun to tune wasn't it? >>It was more than fun... it was therapeutic (and a bit cheaper than a session on the couch...)Glaucom

4. 
   billballeza | Mar 25, 2005 05:24am | #4

   I have the LN 5 and it's a good plane. But let me ask you.. why do you want a jack plane?

   If you're trying to reach the middle ground between a smoother and a jointer (which a  jack is supposed to do) you will likely find that it won't do either very well.

   I bought the 5 as my first plane thinking it might be the only plane I would ever need.

   If you're thinking this way I want to suggest an alternative way of thinking.

   If you want to flatten large panels or edge joint long boards buy a LN 7.

   If you are primarily interested in a smoothing plane get the LN 4 1/2.

   In a perfect world you would own both.

5. 
   organicdude | Mar 26, 2005 02:33am | #8

   I've been impressed with the quality of planes coming out of Lee Valley. You should check 'em out. Great value for the money.