Replies

1. 
   toolpoor | Jan 16, 2004 02:32am | #1

   These excel at opening up a dado or groove that is slightly undersize. Not essential, but very useful, especially if your dado cutter was not perfectly set. The originals go for $150 - 200 a set in the antique places, sometimes less if you're lucky. Watch E-Bay, as they sometimes show up there. Lie-Nielsen in Warren, Maine (http://www.lie-nielson.com) makes a set of these that are better than the originals, for $185.

1. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Jan 16, 2004 03:52am | #2

   quick correction to link   http://www.lie-nielsen.com   I agree with what you say - they are a good tool to open up a housing that's a trifle narrow.

   Commercially, we just sand a bit off the board that goes into the housing and curse the guy that set up the router (usually yourself).  Here dado heads are sold but are not common - trenches/grooves are cut by router & guide

   Cheers,

   eddie

2. 
   jako17 | Jan 16, 2004 05:41am | #3

   I think you are talking of 98 and 99 side rabate planes .I have a 79 the double ended version and it works well for tuning the sides of sliding dovetails.The later versions of the 98 ,99&79 have a fence

3. 
   Mackwood | Jan 16, 2004 08:51pm | #4

   I've been watching the #98's and 99's on E-bay for several months.  They are frequently available but the price has gone past ridiculous!  Unless you want a collectable, I would strongly recommend the L-N pair.  I've seen them for under $160.00 for the pair (plus tax of course) whereas a decent pair of Stanley's will run very close to, if not, over $200 and more for ones in exceptional condition. 

   Best of luck which ever way you go!

   Mack

1. 
   mwinkle | Jan 16, 2004 09:02pm | #5

   Thanks for the info- seems LN may be the way to go.

1. 
   Mackwood | Jan 17, 2004 01:14am | #6

   yeah, IMHO, the Stanley stuff is fun if you're into collecting or fettling or are on a tight budget but when all is said and done the Veritas and L-N route seems to be the way to go for performance.  I've got a bunch of old Stanley tools which I'll keep for a few years then sell.  I  plan to purchase L-N or Veritas as the need arises.  I came to the conclusion that I want to spend more time wood working and less on "peripheral" hobbies like screwing around with old tools! 

   Enjoy!

   Mack 

1. 
   dirtstirrer | Jan 17, 2004 02:06am | #7

   Now Mack, goofing with old tools is half the fun!  If you get tired of tripping over those old Stanley's, I'd be happy to give them a new home :)Steve

1. 
   Mackwood | Jan 17, 2004 04:04am | #8

   Don't get me wrong, I love old tools!  It's just that I could easily get so wrapped up in them that I would do little else with my precious little shop time. 

   Regards,

   Mack