Dangermouse
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I ordered this off a small tool company in London, see post
stanley-62-low-angle-plane-t67037.html
It was posted yesterday and arrived today, so very quick delivery, which always bodes well of a company. Having taken it out of the well packed box, the actual Stanley box was very solid and nicely presented. Inside was a manual, giving the basic set up info and honing angles. The plane was in a plastic bag well wrapped in anti-rust paper and my goodness was it heavy, 2.43 kilos. So with a bit of excitement and fear, that for the price it wud be a dud, I took it out. First impressions were WOW! what a lovely plane, well finished and sole and sides with nearly a polished finish.
But to the nitty gritty, out came the straight edge, feeler gauge and square. Results were spot on,
Sole.... Well within British Standard, which is 3thou, a feeler gauge of 1.5 thou would just fit under the SE in two small places. So no fettling needed there.
Sides.... Absolutely 100% square and flat, which is essential for shooting.
Adjustable mouth....Smooth action, beautifully ground faces, totally square mouth, closes up tight to blade.
Finish.... Excellent, can't fault it, from the japanning to the brass , wood handles, everything is spot on.
Blade / Frog........The blade is A2 steel, 7/32 thick, ready to use from the box, ( more of that later). The bed is very long and machined out ultra smooth and flat, no fettling needed. The Norris style adjuster works a treat, a perfect fit in the blade, and just enough backlash to be able to feel the blade engage. it has a very very fine thread so adjustment is thou tolerance.
Handle & Knob...... The handle and knob are made of American Cherry, finished with a smooth but not shinny finish, very nice to hold and comfortable.
Casting..... The casting is very thick and 100% well finished. The sole and sides are smooth and the sides are nearly mirror finish. The japanning might be a little thin, but that is the style of modern finishes these days.
Cap..... Some reviewer's have said the cap , which is made of Aluminium, is too light and might bend. Well as far as weight is concerned, I'd not want it any heavier. The cap is ribbed and to me is fine, unless some fool tightens it up beyond common sense.
Conclusions..... Sorry that this looks an an advert for Stanley, but it is what I have found. Compared to Stanley's usual modern offerings, this was a revelation. I cleaned it up and straight from the box took a see through shaving off a piece of mahogany with opposing grain, leaving a silk smooth surface. Even at its normal prices form £110 ish to £130 ish, I'd say it was a bargain. But at the offer I got of £88.36 inc postage, I'm very pleased. I wouldn't part with my old Stanley's and Record's as I love them and they are fettled to give perfect performance, but if the rest of the Stanley premium range is as good as the no62 I'd not hesitate to buy one if I needed a replacement.
To see a video on youtube of my review click the link below.
http://youtu.be/DRhW8D_AQ2o
Where I purchased my plane from have a full range of Stanley Premium planes, as far as I can see the cheapest in the country.
http://www.toollineuk.com/search.php?se ... y+Premium+
http://www.toollineuk.com/product.php/s ... /STA112137
By the way I have no interest in this firm what so ever, just passing on as a help to forum members.