Replies

1. 
   PeterThomson | Feb 01, 2010 08:35pm | #1

   $150 seems a bit high, I have an old Record that I bought new for about $80 (thought that was a screaming deal--had the original box and everything, must have been in storage somewhere for decades). It's been a great workhorse for me.

   I'd be interested to hear other people's thoughts on this one. Personally, I'd probably go for it if it's an old plane that you can buy in new condition and save the difference between it and a LN/LV, putting the difference towards another plane later on. Depends on a lot of things (how much disposable cash you can spend on tools, what tools you already have, etc.).

   If it's a brand new plane, i.e. just manufactured, I'd consider saving up for a new LN or LV.

   My 2 cents, from a hobbiest not a pro.

2. 
   BruceS | Feb 01, 2010 08:56pm | #2

   Personally I'm a cheap skate.
   Personally I'm a cheap skate. And love to fiddle with and fettle old Stanleys. I've got a Stanley up and running very nicely and a good user for $35. If it's a hobby and your time isn't too valuable, like two solid days (not counting paint dry time) Flattening sole, lapping in the frog, etc etc. And I love giving an older neglected tool a new happy home.

3. 
   Joe Sullivan | Feb 01, 2010 10:00pm | #3

   There are a couple of ways to look at this. First of all, if the plane was made in the last 10 to 15 years, it is not very good. If made before that, it is quite good. I spent part of the weekend using a 20 year old Record 7 to finish flattening the new oak top on by 10'x2' bench. I started with pre-war Stanley 6 with a cambered blade, and finished with the Record. The blades of those old records came fairly flat -- flatter than some Stanleys I have had, and they were appreciably thicker -- more like today's Lie Nielsen or Hock blades. They hold an edge well. The rest of the plane is also good. The casting flatness is acceptable for a jointer. The handles are stained hardwood, but comfortable and functional. The lateral adjuster itself needed some adjustment, and the depth adjuster is not quite as good as the pre-war Stanley ones.

   I am told however, that the newer ones are not very good at all.

   All that said, would I spend $150 to one? Probably not. It will need to be fettled. For about $70 or less at an auction site you can buy pre-war Stanley 7s in good shape but needing to be fettled -- with nice rosewood totes and knobs. For $40 more you can get a Hock blade. You'll pay about $20 in freight for the lot. The cost will be pretty close with a slight edge to the Stanley/Hock combo. Ditto a Sargent of the same size. so you get a bit better quality at a slightly lower or equal price.

   Cheers!

   Joe

4. 
   RalphBarker | Feb 01, 2010 10:12pm | #4

   I agree that a lot depends on when the plane in question was actually manufactured. The Records I bought in the '70s are excellent tools. None required much fettling, other than sharpening the iron. I'd say check it for flat and square, and go from there.

5. 
   mikeynags | Feb 02, 2010 01:10am | #5

   Its probably a newer manufactured #7, so based on the concensus of those of you that responded, it will probably be a dissapointment. Compared to buying a Lie-Nielsen, it seems like a great deal, and it would be if it were an older manufactured plane. That's too bad, I was hoping that I was going to be told "that's a find, buy it!" I wasn't really in the market for a jointer quite yet, but thought I might have stumbled on a good deal. I'll save my money for now. Thanks everybody!