Quangsheng Rebating Block Plane Passaround

jlawrence · Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:40 pm Post subject:

Personally I don't understand the issue with chinese made stuff.
It's no different to the attitude in the past towards Taiwanese and Japanese stuff.
Initially many 'eastern' countries start out making 'poor' copies of existing kit, then they graduate to very 'good' copies, then graduate to making originals that can rarely be matched in quality (for the price) elsewhere.
You get some cr4p stuff from China and you get some good stuff.
I'll buy what fits my budget and don't really care where it's made.
Yes, I'd prefer to buy British - when it's of a good enough quality and I can actually afford it - but I won't pay twice the price for something that isn't any better.
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wizer · Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 5:28 pm Post subject:

Guys can we put the issues around these planes origins to one side or debate them elsewhere. Let's just see if these planes are any good first.

and on that note... MarkW (WellsWood) just popped round and we had a look. Typically, the memory card in my camera is playing up so we didn't get pics and we only had a limited amount of time. So I'm only giving some first impressions now. I will do a longer(ish) review with pics in a few days.

Some things to note: Both planes come sealed in a plastic bag, which in turn is in a wooden box, which in turn is also sealed in a bag. The wooden box is nothing special, but for those people who like to keep their planes in the boxes (you know who you are), you can't get much better than this. There is absolutely no branding on these planes (Not that that bears any relevance).

Mark very quickly put an edge on the rebate plane iron and tested it out on some beech. Initial tests seem to suggest that it's not particularly well at taking thin shavings. But we both agreed that more fettling could be done to the blade, given more time. To all intents and purposes this plane works perfectly well. I'd like to take some time to put a proper edge on it and have another play in the next few days. To owners of the original LN version, is the blade a pipper to remove? There's a knack to getting this one out.

I don't own the LN Side Rebate plane and have never held it, so it's hard to compare. But I do own a pair of Boggs spoke shaves and so could compare the two closely. I'm reasonably astonished to report that they are almost exactly the same. There are very little differences. The main difference, and it's something of a minor problem, is that the handles are fatter than the boggs. The problem with that is the sole of the shave does not rest flat on the bench for setting the blade. You have to position it in the outside corner of the bench so that both handles are over the side. Either that or set it on a block. It's really a minor point and the only thing so far to note. Again, I want to give it a work out. But my initial reaction to this spoke shave is very favourable. In my opinion, the boggs style shave is much nicer to work with and at this price, it makes it much more accessible.

I know you're all chomping at the big for pics. Soon I promise. If there is anything you specifically want me to look at, just say.
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Vann · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 12:51 am Post subject:

Sorry Wizer

wizer · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 12:57 am Post subject:

Vann · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 1:16 am Post subject:

lurker · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 9:33 am Post subject:

wizer · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 10:31 am Post subject:

I meant we didn't have a lot of time, so didn't spend the time to flatten the back and hone a fine edge. We just ran it over a fine stone and then upped the angle by 2 degrees. We agreed that more work could be done and I will in the coming days. Your questions will be answered.

I think the shave is a good buy.
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WellsWood · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 10:58 am Post subject:

lurker · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 11:50 am Post subject:

Mark,

I'm pleased you have got your hands on it as I was concerned we would get a report about bling factors Rolling Eyes

rather that important stuff.

If the blade is not cheese & the sole flat I think I might risk a punt.

Your opinions are eagerly awaited

PS I think you did Tom a favour vis a vis his back & plane testing

woodbloke · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 12:58 pm Post subject:

I'm also interested in a detailed assessment of this plane...don't forget pics if possible - Rob
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wizer · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 2:26 pm Post subject:

I think the passaround will gain views from all parts of the spectrum.

Jim I don't know why you don't just stick your name on the list. Then your not taking a punt, more like an informed decision.

And you call me lazy! Rolling Eyes

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lurker · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 2:41 pm Post subject:

wizer · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 2:43 pm Post subject:

The postage for the shave and the plane was £4.72 from Matthew. YOU TIGHT GIT!

(You forgot annoying)
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Aces and Eights · Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 10:02 pm Post subject:

Just out of interest, where are we up to with the passaround?

Adam.
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big soft moose · Master Cabinetmaker Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 4474