Replies

1. 
   jc21 | Apr 24, 2005 03:59am | #1

   Don't do doors daily anymore but thought then and now, for a door or two, the butt mortise plane is the way to go- more efficient than dragging out the router, extension cord, and templates. Easier on the ears, too. My first butt mortise plane was from a company called T.S. Wheeler- I don't think they're around anymore. Bought Lie Nielsen's version last year; a very nice tool.

1. 
   zorrosdens | Apr 24, 2005 11:17pm | #2

   Hey JC, thanks for the come back.  I also have, still, the original one, you talked of and I sort of wish I had the Lie-Nielsen as I have a few of their others and they are very fine...I HAD to replace that original blade with a Lie-Nielsen because the original just went bad after a few doors, really a horrible blade.  here is a tip for you....I learned of the plane from the master door hanger I worked with and he did something that really made it much more of a joy to use.  We still route out all of the doors we hang, and these are often $1000 solid walnut raised-panel "book" (with no pre-sizing or milling), just the plain-old type interior door, LOL.  Anyway, he took his two knobs off and counter-sunk the screw holes just to the point that they were no longer held stiff, they now would swivel when you reversed the planing direction.  First we route, then chisel-square the corners, then knife the ends so the plane cuts fall off free.  When you use the plane with the swivel, it is so easy feeling...like a swivel chair compared to a four leg.  I know you probably don't want to change your Lie-Nielsen just on the fine plane....but believe me...it is worth it.  when I felt his compared to mine, I never would go back...even IF I ever buy a new Lie-Nielsen I will repeat the modification, it feels 200% easier to use..especially if you do as many doors in a large home and they all want that turely "fine hang"...take good care always happy planing.