Infill or metal shoulder planes?

[J_SAMa]

Which ones are better in your opinion? Infill ones on ebay are much cheaper than planes like the Record 042. I've been getting used to tap and try adjustment and honestly think they are just as good as any wheel adjusters.
And also at what angle is a shoulder plane usually bedded? Do they really have a much lower EP than wooden rebate planes (which can be bought much more cheaply)?

Sam

 

[Cheshirechappie]

I think the real differences between a wooden rebate plane and shoulder planes are width of mouth (shoulder planes usually have a very fine mouth), and precision of finish. Shoulder planes are intended for precision trimming and fitting, specifically for the endgrain of tenon shoulders (but they are of great usefulness in other applications) so are not intended to take heavy cuts. Rebate planes are intended to take out quite large amounts of material, working predominantly with the grain, so are wider mouthed to handle heavy stock removal.

I think the older Record planes fetch good prices because they have a reputation for being accurately machined and having blades of good steel. I've never used an infill shoulder plane, so can't offer comparison, except to say that infills in good condition are generally highly regarded.

I can say from experience that Clifton shoulder planes are of excellent quality, as is the little Preston bullnose plane I've had for years. The Clifton 3-in-1 plane (3110 from memory) is handy because you can adjust mouth width with the shims provided, convert to bullnose configuration with the extra nose-piece, or use in chisel plane mode. It's one of my favourite planes for finer fitting work.

 

[Shrubby]

I compared a Record 42 against my Clifton 420 and it's not as carefully made - the mouth is much wider, the blade thinner and the adjuster very coarse thread. I have a record 077 bullnose which works well - shims can be removed from the front to close the throat. I inherited a second 077 and was surprised at how much I sold it to a joiner for
I think many people are scared of infills without adjusters and this makes them better value
Matt

 

[jimi43]

Metal infill planes are some of the best tools I have and the one I got as a moulding and finished is my favourite...

An absolutely gorgeous weighty plane that cuts cleanly and effortlessly!

Jimi