I acquired a LN 112 scraper plane not too long ago from a previous owner. Works like a charm and I wonder why I didn’t get one sooner (probabley the $$)
However, I noticed when I used the 112 the tote handle was loose. The long screw through the tote handle is tight, however the handle swivals slightly around the screw. When in use this feels awkward to have a loose handle. Removing the handle shows a conical nib coming from the casing, protruding into the underside of the tote handle. It looks like this is designed only to keep the handle aligned with the plane and offers no additional anchoring support. There is also evidence of some glue residue the previous owner must of used to try to fix this problem. The glue didn’t work.
My question is for owners of the LN 112 or folks with some ideas on how to fix this problem. Has anybody else using a 112 noticed this problem? Would drilling a hole in the metal base (not all the way through) and using a machine screw to anchor the toe of the tote be a good idea? Not much metal depth to work with since the design of the LN didn’t factor this in. All responses would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Replies
I'd first try calling LN. They are a great bunch of people and they may even be able to repair it for you, especially if its a manufacturing flaw.
I would first try putting a washer under the screw head. It could be that the screw is tight because it has bottomed out in the hole before it can pull the tote tight to the base. If the washer helps but you don't like how high it leaves the screw head sitting, then you can shorten the screw by the thickness of the washer.
Thanks Uncle Dunc. I checked the length of the screw to see if it was bottoming out. There's lots of room. I even tried tighting the screw aggressively but the handle still swivels (although tightly and with use would get loose again)
Looking and thinking about this makes we wonder if there could be a design improvement, however I do notice other LN planes don't have a second anchoring screw for the tote. Something is amiss.
I got my 112 for Christmas of 2001 and it had the same problem. I noticed on mine that the last full thread was a bit squashed. It seemed as though the hole in the casting was not threaded deep enough. I filed off the last two complete threads from the stud. I could then properly tighten the tote. I also emailed LN telling them of the problem and the fix. They promptly replied with an apology and said that my email was made known to everyone.
Scott
Thanks Phenom. I also emailed LN, and to my surprize they suggested they should send me a new tote handle to see if that fixes the problem.
Well, I was in shock. Here I am the second owner of the 112 and LN still wants to ensure customer satisfaction. That's rare these days.
I'll wait for the new handle and check on your suggestion. Thanks.
With L-N this is not surprising. I have several, including the low angle block plane. When I wanted to use it on a shooting board, I discovered that the sole was slightly out of square to the sides. Called them, and they sd. to send it back and they would regrind it. They did, no charge, came back in one week. Great company!!!!!!!!!!!
Ditto your comments about L-N ........... they're serious about quality. If you ever get to Maine, visit the factory showroom. All their items are on display to try out and there's a 10% discount too.
The LN showroom is quite a place. Two large workbenches stocked with one of everything LN makes, plus any new not-yet released tools. Scrap wood provided to clamp in one of the vises, pick up whatever interests you and try it out. Usually, someone is right there that knows the tools well, and can answer any questions. The thumping in your back pocket will be your credit cards turning cartwheels at the thought of being out for such a long time. Before you leave, ask for a shop tour. You wil be given a pair of safety glasses and shown into tool heaven. First stop, assembly and shipping. Row upon row of polished steel and bronze. After that, the machining areas, heat treat, polishing. You might see a prototype or two, like chisels setting on a benchtop. They are going to be something. Nice place, and great tools. You, your son, and grandson (not to mention the credit card people) will be glad you stopped in.
While you're in the neighborhood, the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship is 10 minutes away up Route 90, and Liberty Tool is about 30 minutes cross country. That's an old 3-story building filled mostly with used tools of all kinds. Never know what you might find in there.
Keep enough to pay them tolls on the Maine turnpike and have a good excuse ready for the dent in the retirement account.
You forgot to mention all the places where you can stop to get lobster.
But how to convince the wife that taking that the Lie-Neilsen factory is the perfect vacation spot?
Easy. Vacation in Bar Harbor and on the way back take a detour to LN.
Scott
Good idea.
Don't be tipping your hand here. The Bar Harbor approach (or Camden) is a great idea. Start leaving some of them tourist brochures on whale watching out of Bar Harbor or Schooner rides out of Rockland around. Maybe mention a lobster dinner once in a while. Let her get used to the idea of a Maine vacation. Then, when you're traveling through, accidently discover L-N. Make sure the rest of the vacation will make up for whatever damage you may do with that one stop. You will, for sure, want to do this again.
Thanks for everyone's suggestions and travel dialogue.
Just to put a wrap on this issue, I did receive the new tote handle from LN. I tried that and wasn't happy with the result. The handle was a good 1/16" off the base even with the screw tightened down. Seems the alignment of the hole through the handle and the slightly off centre receiving hole made the handle ride up.
I then double checked if the screw was bottoming out like Phenom had mentioned on his. Filed off a few threads, placed the original handle back on, tighten up and "surprize" it worked. Problem solved. Thanks again everyone.
Kunzwerks
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