So the plane arrived yesterday, and I had some doors to shoot in and hang this morning so thought this would be a nice test of the plane and the important bit for me, the iron. The reason for wanting to try this plane was twofold, I'm in the market for a new No 7 so thought this plane is of similar size and would give me an overview of the quality of Clifton, and would give me a chance to try the iron out. I have had variable results with modern irons from the states, at least the ones I've tried, so I needed to try before I buy so to speak. Anyway on with the test.
It looks nice, but that's not important to me as long as it works. The casting looks clean and tidy, the sides and sole are nicely polished, and flat and true. There are a couple of dings here and there, but presumably this wouldn't be the same as one sent to a client?
the front knob screw protrudes too much for me, but that's an easy fix, but why is it like that? That said it didn't effect any of my work today because I don't hold the knob with my palm down on top. If you do hold the knob palm down, you are going to get a blister if you don't address this imho.
The iron was the bit I was looking forward to trying out the most, as I said above I've had variable results from another well know American manufacturer. I wanted to try this iron side by side with the T10 irons I've been using for a few years now with great results. The iron came dull for me to sharpen to my liking...I think
So I sharpened it my way by hand on a fine diamond stone, then on to some very fine slate followed by taking the burr off. Only it didn't come off, upon further inspection I noticed the ruler trick had been applied, I don't normally bother doing this but seeing as it had been done already I did the same, followed by stropping. Hairs bouncing off my arm the planing can begin.
I've no idea what Cryogenic treating does to an iron? So I just cracked on with the doors for this Oak wardrobe, Oak is probably my most used timber so this is a decent test for iron.
Test cut, shiny.
Shoot the top in.
And one side.
I repeated this four times and the job is done.
My impressions are that this iron may have the edge on the T10 and the plane is lovely to use, so looks like I may need to save some pennies for the No 7.
so you can hear it's still sharp on my last door, clickity click.
I also used the plane on a shooting board to make some door stops, still sharp.
Overall I like the plane and iron so I would recommend it, I have only used it on native hardwoods so far, so would like to keep it a bit longer if I may?
